Brett Lawrie leads A's overReds 8-1

MESA, Ariz. - Brett Lawrie is getting used to his new surroundings with the Athletics. He looked quite comfortable on Saturday.

Lawrie hit a three-run shot for his first spring homer and made a nice play in the field, leading Oakland to an 8-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds.

“When you hit a ball off the barrel of the bat, it feels great,” Lawrie said. “I got a feel for the distance.”

Lawrie was acquired in an offseason trade with Toronto. He hit .247 with 12 homers and 38 RBIs in 70 games last season with the Blue Jays.

“It’s fun to be part of this group,” he said. “I’ve played against them, but you really get to know them when you play with them.”

Josh Phegley hit a two-run homer in Oakland’s third straight win. Marcus Semien doubled in a run, and Eric Sogard had two hits and an RBI.

Cincinnati’s Raisel Iglesias allowed three runs, all in the first, and five hits in three innings. He struck out four and did not walk a batter.

“I’ve never had a season ahead of me that was this long,” Iglesias said through an interpreter. “I’m ready for the challenge.”

Marlon Byrd and Kristopher Negron each had two hits for the Reds.

Lawrie also made a great play at third base in the fourth, preventing a run.

“That pumped me up,” said A’s pitcher Jesse Hahn, who gave up four hits, walked two and struck out two. “That turned everything around for me. He’s a guy who can save you a lot of runs over the course of a season.”

STARTING TIME

Reds: Iglesias remains in the competition for a starting spot. The Cuban right-hander dismissed his rocky start.

“It doesn’t bother me what happens,” he said through an interpreter. “I stayed calm and concentrated on being able to get out of the inning.”

A’s: Hahn said everything was working exactly the way he wanted, calling it a “great outing.” He got ahead of hitters and was able to use his curve to his advantage.

“My arm feels strong and all my pitches are coming along,” Hahn said. “I said I wanted to mostly work on the change. I threw five of them and was pleased.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Reds: Johnny Cueto’s next start has been pushed back because he is in the Dominican Republic dealing with a family matter. ... Homer Bailey (right forearm surgery) is scheduled to pitch in a minor league game today after an illness prevented him from throwing a simulated game earlier in the week.

A’s: OF Sam Fuld took batting practice a day after getting hit in the jaw by an errant throw. He is expected to miss a couple of days. … OF Billy Burns was given a day off after getting hit by a pitch on his left knee Friday. He is expected back in the lineup today.