Prospect Lively turns in another impressive start

Another start, another dominant performance for right-hander Ben Lively. The Reds' No. 13 prospect struck out 10 batters in six scoreless innings Tuesday and Class A Advanced Bakersfield defeated Modesto, 4-0.

Lively hasn't allowed a run in 18 innings, a streak that dates back to April 6.

Tuesday, Lively allowed one hit and one walk, his first of the season. His 10 strikeouts matched the career high he established in his last start, when he struck out 10 batters in six scoreless innings at Stockton.

Through 23 innings in four starts, Lively has struck out 33 batters, allowed seven hits and one walk. His ERA -- which was already the best in the California League -- fell to 0.39 on Tuesday.

After Lively exited the game, right-handers Brooks Pinckard and Carlos Gonzalez combined to throw three scoreless innings to complete the Blaze's first shutout of the season.