Justin Masterson experienced his first major league loss Friday night, but it was not like he got knocked around.

Masterson went 6 2/3 (4 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 9 K) ... yes, that's nine strikeouts.

The Reds took advantage of Masterson's one weakness - left-handed batters. Masterson gave up homers to two lefties (Jay Bruce, Adam Dunn) and an RBI double to a lefty (Joey Votto).

Left-handers are hitting .354 against Masterson, with 3 homers; right-handers are hitting .203 with 1 homer.

More on Masterson coming in Sunday's column.

In Pawtucket Friday night, Devern Hansack gave up only three hits in six innings, but walks (5) and errors hurt. he gave up 6 runs (3 earned), while striking out 8 ... Chris Smith relieved and gave up one hit (a home run) in one inning, with no walks and 1 strikeout ... Bryan Pritz went 2-for-5.

Portland's game in Akron was suspended by rain in the third inning, with the Dogs up 3-0.

In Lancaster, Blake Maxwell got his second start after beginning the season as a reliever. He went 5 innings (5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 2 K). His ERA is now 1.63 ... third-baseman Jorge Jimenez is not slowing down (3-for-5, now at .360).

Greenville lefty Feliz Doubront had a third straight rough outing (5 2/3, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 6 K).

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