GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) - Jay Bruce hopes a weight loss will help him get through a long season. The Cincinnati Reds hope it will make him a heavy hitter.
Bruce and Miguel Cairo hit RBI singles and the Reds beat a split squad of Los Angeles Angels 5-4 Sunday.
Bruce came into camp 16 pounds lighter than he ended last year. He has hit safely in all five of his spring appearances.
"He's swinging good," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "He's quick. He's going to have to learn to wait (on the ball). He can wait a lot longer now. Anytime you gain weight or lose weight there's always a period of adjustment.
Bruce was listed at 225 pounds last season but dropped to 209.
"I wanted to be a little quicker in the field and on the bases," Bruce said. "Sixteen pounds off will make it easier on my knees over 162 games."
Cairo, the veteran utility player who filled in for third baseman Scott Rolen most of last season, is hitting .417 in exhibition play.
Mat Latos pitched three innings for the Reds. He allowed a two-run homer to minor leaguer Alexi Amarista.
"It was fine today," Latos said. "I just want to continue to work on throwing strikes."
The Reds traded four players to San Diego for Latos, hoping that he could give them enough innings to take the pressure off the bullpen that was overworked last season. Both Latos and the team are pleased with the results so far.
