Robert Stephenson hasn't stuck around the same place for more than a week this season, but he hasn't minded all the moving around.

"It hasn't been too bad actually," the Reds' top pitching prospect said. "I had a chance to get my feet wet up there and get some experience. Now I'm just focused on what's in front of me."

After being optioned to the Triple-A Bats for the second time this month, Stephenson scattered three hits over six innings in Louisville's 9-0 win over Norfolk at Harbor Park. He walked three and struck out two on 91 pitches.

"Honestly, I wasn't too happy with my command, especially in the first inning," the 23-year-old right-hander said. "I didn't feel too great because there has been a cold going around the team and I was sick for last few days. My fastball wasn't there at first, but it got better later in the game and I was just able to survive on getting some quick outs."

Stephenson (1-1) walked the first two batters he faced on 11 pitches, but settled down after restoring confidence in his arsenal.

"I've just been telling myself to relax and stay calm," the 2011 first-rounder said. "I knew I needed to attack the zone, especially when I'm behind, and I had no problem just throwing my fastball down the middle because I knew the batters would just get themselves out."

Stephenson threw first-pitch strikes to 13 of the remaining 21 batters he faced.

"Once I was able to locate the ball better, I was able to get ahead and get those quick outs," he said. "My split was also working really well and I got some swing-and-misses in some big situations."

MLB.com's No. 33 overall prospect was sent back to Louisville last Wednesday. The previous day, he made his second spot start for the Reds against the Rockies, allowing one earned run on three hits over seven innings.

Stephenson made his Major League debut on April 7 before being optioned to the Bats. He hurled six innings of one-run ball against the Mud Hens on April 14.

"I can't be disappointed about being back here," he said. "I got up there earlier than I expected this year, and I had a chance to go out there and throw everything I had for them.

"Making my debut was an awesome experience and my family was able to come out for that. It was just something that allowed me to get used to the environment up there."

During that brief experience, Stephenson found out what he needs to make his next jump permanent.

"I just learned how I would be able to attack the hitters," he said. "The biggest thing for me is being able improve my fastball command, get ahead in the count more often and trust my off-speed stuff."

Keyvius Sampson and Jumbo Diaz combined for five strikeouts over the final three innings to wrap up the shutout.

Cincinnati's No. 26 prospect Kyle Waldrop hit a three-run homer and Steve Selsky drove in two runs to lead the offense. Carlos Triunfel collected four hits and Jermaine Curtis added three for the Bats.