Let’s recap tonight’s titanic struggle….
FINAL
Pittsburgh 0
Cincinnati 4
WP: Arroyo (5-2)
LP: Ohlendorf (0-3)
BOX SCORE
POSITIVES
–Outstanding start for my favorite Red, Bronson Arroyo. Seven and two-thirds innings pitched, no runs, five hits allowed. I absolutely love watching Arroyo pitch when he’s pitching well. It’s just fun, that’s all.
–Daniel Ray Herrera got a huge strikeout to end the Pirates 8th, leaving the bases loaded with the tying runs. Tense moment, and DRH came through brilliantly.
–Pinch-hit homer for Chris Heisey, who just does not want to go back to Louisville, ever. Chris Dickerson better be worried.
–Nice game at the plate for Miguel Cairo. Sure, the guy has no business hitting second in a major league lineup, but he did get two hits, including his first homer as a Cincinnati Red. More of that, please!
–Brandon Phillips’ defense tonight was nothing short of brilliant. He’s kinda like Arroyo…when he’s picking it, he’s so much fun to watch on the defensive side of the ball.
–Ryan Hanigan and Drew Stubbs had identical lines: 2-3 at the plate with a walk and a run scored. Chris will have more on Drew Stubbs for you later. I’m pretty excited about his turnaround.
NEGATIVES
–What is the deal with Nick Masset? He entered tonight’s game in the 8th inning, with a runner on first, two outs, and a 3-0 lead. After a single, a wild pitch, and a walk, he leaves with the bases loaded. Fortunately, Herrera bailed him out.
NOT-SO-RANDOM THOUGHTS
–Dusty Baker, you do not have to pitch Masset and CoCo every single night. You are killing this bullpen, I’m afraid.
–Bronson Arroyo is 5-0 with a 2.65 over his last six starts. That’s getting it done, Reds fans.
–It has been less than a week since the Atlanta debacle, and yet we’re still having fun. That’s a great development. I wasn’t sure where the Reds would be one week after that mess. I’m proud to say that they haven’t broken stride.
–Back to seven games over .500. Here’s hoping the Cardinals lose tonight, giving the Reds sole possession of first place once again.
–Enjoy it, Daniel Ray!
Daniel Ray Herrera