DUNEDIN, Fla. — Jesse Litsch pitched seven solid innings, Frank Thomas hit his first homer of the spring and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Cincinnati Reds 6-3 on Wednesday night.
Litsch didn't allow a hit through the first six innings but gave up two runs in the seventh on two hits. The former Tampa Bay batboy walked one, struck out two and hit a batter with a pitch.
"I feel I am right where I am at to go out and pitch my first game of the season," he said.
Litsch, the team's No. 5 starter, threw 52 of his 76 pitches for strikes and is happy his sinker is working.
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"I've got a lot of confidence in it now," he said. "I'm working it around the zone and being able to locate it. It's been a big pitch so far."
Blue Jays catcher Gregg Zaun thought Litsch maintained his stuff through all seven innings.
"The third time through the lineup they made some adjustments," Zaun said. "The first hit was just a good hit and the second was just a good at-bat."
When the club breaks camp, Litsch will stay behind in Florida and pitch against minor leaguers Monday.
Aaron Harang went six innings for the Reds, allowing three runs and eight hits on 89 pitches, 61 strikes. He struck out two.
Harang, Cincinnati's opening-day starter, gave up a solo homer to Thomas that hit the batter's eye in center field.
Reds catcher David Ross (lower back spasms) saw his first action in spring training. He caught six innings and went 0-for-2 at the plate with a strikeout.
"The main thing in the last week is to build up my stamina, my legs to catch, and getting my at-bats," he said. "I've gotten a lot of good minor league at-bats and I feel good."
David Eckstein had three hits and Marco Scutaro drove in two runs for Toronto.
Andy Phillips had two RBIs for Cincinnati.
Notes: Reds OF Ryan Freel left in the fourth inning because he was feeling sick. A virus has been going around the team's clubhouse. ... Toronto closer B.J. Ryan (left elbow) said he will start pitching in about a week in extended spring training games. Ryan and 3B Scott Rolen (broken finger) will begin the season on the disabled list, opening roster spots for OF-INF Buck Coats and RHP Randy Wells. ... Blue Jays RHP A.J. Burnett with pitch on Friday and RHP Shaun Marcum on Saturday in minor league games, then rejoin the team for the season opener at Yankee Stadium.
