Josh Beckett shines again in Dodgers’ 6-2 loss to Reds

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Josh Beckett posted a 2.93 earned-run average in his seven starts with the Dodgers last season.

“It seems like he’s even sharper now,� Manager Don Mattingly said after the Dodgers’ 6-2 defeat to the Cincinnati Reds Tuesday at Goodyear Ballpark.

Beckett had another solid outing, limiting the Reds to a run and two hits over 4 1/3 innings. Beckett has a 0.96 earned-run average in three starts.

“I got some contact early,� Beckett said.

Beckett said his primary goal this spring is to build up his arm strength.

“You want to make sure you’re not killing your bullpen in April,� he said.

Ted Lilly, who pitched in relief, was charged with five runs in 2 2/3 innings.

Lilly’s line probably wouldn’t have been as ugly if not for what was either a defensive or an officiating error at the plate in the eighth inning.

With one out and the bases loaded, Donald Lutz hit a grounder to first baseman Scott Van Slyke, who threw the ball home. Catcher Matt Wallach was ruled to have not been stepping on the plate, which allowed a run to score. Van Slyke was charged with a throwing error.

Lilly struck out the next batter, Jack Hannahan.

But with two outs, Lilly served up a bases-clearing double to Devin Mesoraco.

Lilly was charged with only one earned run.

Lilly is recovering from an off-season shoulder operation. Though he acknowledged he might be a little behind other pitchers in his throwing program, he said he should be caught up by the start of the season.

Matt Kemp was 0 for 4 with three strikeouts, dropping his spring average to .118. Kemp has struck out eight times in 17 at-bats, but Mattingly said he wasn’t concerned.

“Just needs at-bats,� he said.

Kemp also didn’t hit well last spring, when he struck out 26 times in 65 at-bats. But he had an outstanding April, batting .417 with 12 home runs and 25 runs batted in that month.

Adrian Gonzalez exited the game in the fourth inning because of a stomach bug.

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