Garza stretched to 95 pitches

ROGER MOONEY
rmooney@bradenton.com

SARASOTA – Matt Garza reached second base before he reached the pitcher’s mound Sunday at Ed Smith Stadium.

The Rays starting pitcher came to bat during the first inning as the Rays sent 11 batters to the plate and scored five times in what became a 10-9 victory against the Reds.

Garza drew a walk. He struck out during his other two at-bats, but showed a keen eye by getting the count to at least three balls each time.

Still, it was Garza’s pitching that he was more concerned with.

The Rays No. 2 starter threw a spring-high 95 pitches in his 5 1/3 innings. He allowed two runs, walked two and struck out two.

“I felt strong. I felt like I’m ready (to start the season),” Garza said. “The heat took its toll a little bit later in the game.”

Garza will pitch the second game of the season April 2 at Baltimore.

“I think a lot of people will tell you the same answer, let’s get going already,” Garza said. “It’s been going on a little too long.”

Maddon was glad to Garza’s pitch-count up to the high 90s. He said would have allowed Garza to finish the sixth inning, but Garza had pitched in-and-out of jams during the fourth and fifth innings.

“I just thought he was escaping some many difficulties he was always turning up the dial, and I didn’t want it happening again,” Maddon said.

Garza will start once more this spring. Maddon wouldn’t mind a little more fine tuning before the team reaches Baltimore.

“Stuff-wise he was very good,” Maddon said, “but he has to sharpen his sword a little bit in regards when he gets ahead of hitters, he has to put them away.”

Zobrist sees the doc Monday
Ben Zobrist plans on being with the ball club on Opening Day, but the Rays will wait until Zobrist has his left thumb examined Monday.

Zobrist, expected to play every position except pitcher and catcher this season, suffered a hairline fracture in the tip of his left thumb two weeks ago.

“It wasn’t a large fracture, but where it was located and the way it developed we have to be very careful that that is healed probably otherwise it can get bad,” Maddon said.

The manager added that there is a “slight possibility” of Zobrist joining the team in Baltimore.

“He has to get his at-bats,” Maddon said. “I know he kept his arm in shape and his legs in shape and his brain in shape, I understand. We’ll see. We’ll find out more (Monday).”

Also, Zobrist’s health will dictate how the roster unfolds. Elliot Johnson could make the team if Zobrist heads to the disabled list.

Kaz gleeful
Ready for your daily Scott Kazmir update?

Here it is:

Kazmir, who has missed almost a month with a strained left elbow, said he felt fine Sunday after playing catch with trainer Ron Porterfield on Saturday.

“He came in (Sunday) smiling, feeling good about himself, and that’s a good sign,” Maddon said. “When a guy is hurt and he’s coming in upbeat, you know he’s feeling better, and I think that’s what’s happening with him right now.”

When told Kazmir has always appeared upbeat when talking to reporters, Maddon said: “Behind close doors he’s been not as happy, maybe, and right now he’s kind of getting gleeful again.”

Percy struggles
Troy Percival had the worst outing of the spring when he allowed seven runs in the seventh inning. The closer allowed a two-run homer to Andy Phillips that started the Cincinnati rally and a three-run homer by Javier Valentine that finished it as the Reds turned a 7-2 deficit into a 9-7 lead.

“He got hit today,” Maddon said. “His stuff was fine from the side. He just got hit. He didn’t do anything exceptionally bad. He threw his strikes and they hit him.”

Percival was heard grunting on the mound, something the crowd at Ed Smith Stadium picked up on. Several fans began grunting as Percival began his delivery.

“He’s a grunter,” Maddon said. “When he’s not growing that’s when I’m concerned.”

Record win
The Rays rallied for their 15th win of the spring, setting the franchise record for most in one exhibition season.

“It’s nice that we played well enough to get those wins,” Maddon said. “It’s all about the attitude and doing the right things.”

Up next
Edwin Jackson starts Monday against the Pirates at Al Lang Field.

The Rays play the final two games at historic Al Lang this week. They will train in Port Charlotte begin in February.

Tickets for Friday’s finale are still available.

This & That
Carlos Pena hit his third home run of the spring, a three-run shot in the first inning that gave him 10 RBIs, tying home with Evan Longoria for the team lead … Jonny Gomes hit his third home run of the spring in the eighth … Eduardo Morlan, acquired in the trade from Minnesota along with Garza and Jason Bartlett, pitched the ninth inning. He walked two and struck out two. Maddon was impressed with his poise as well as live fastball … Al Reyes struck out the side in the eighth and earned his second win of the spring. Reyes has not allowed a run in six appearances … Reid Brignac doubled home Shawn Riggans with the winning run in the top of the ninth … Bartlett and Aki Iwamura turned two double plays … There has been no word on Jonny Gomes’ appeal of his two-game suspension.