Cubs Beat Reds 8-6 As Marmol Struggles

March 12, 2012 12:00 AM " MESA, Ariz. (AP) — At least Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo and Chicago Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol have plenty of time to work out the kinks.

Arroyo was hit hard and Marmol also struggled during Chicago’s 8-6 exhibition victory over Cincinnati on Monday.

Arroyo pitched two innings and was charged with four runs and six hits, including a monster home run by Alfonso Soriano. The crafty right-hander, who was 9-12 with a 5.07 ERA last season, struck out one and walked two.

“I faced 12 batters and they squared up six balls and the other balls they didn’t square up were base hits and the umpire gave me a strike three that wasn’t even a strike,” said Arroyo, who is 0-1 with a 9.00 ERA in five spring innings. “That’s not a good outing.”

Reds manager Dusty Baker didn’t seem too concerned.

“Arroyo’s velocity was better,” Baker said. “He didn’t have location today. He’ll get better. When (Arroyo) had problems last year it was walks and home runs. That’s what got us today.”

But there was some good to come out of it.

“It was a struggle out there, even physically I didn’t feel real lively,” Arroyo said "

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