The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
This was about as much as a team victory as they come, but I'm going to go ahead and give this one to Bronson. After giving up 4 hits, a walk and 2 runs through the first two innings, Bronson Arroyo held the Cubs to 1 hit over the remaining six. It was huge for the Reds to come back and get the win today, especially on the heels of the extremely unfortunate news of Joey Votto's setback today.
Honorable mentions abound in this game. The Wrigley wind kept a few well-struck balls in the yard for Bronson and the Reds. Todd Frazier, who entered the game today with an even 2.0 fWAR, went 2-3 with an RBI and a walk. Brandon Phillips went 3-5 today, bringing his line this series to 8-15. He must be back to 100%, or maybe it's just the Cubs.
Oh, and a big tip of the cap to Dale Sveum for his bullpen management in the 8th inning.
Key Plays
- After a scoreless 1st inning, Badroyo showed up in the bottom of the second. With one out, Luis Valbuena doubled, LaHair Bear Bunch walked and Steve Clevenger singled to load the bases. Bronson managed to get Travis Wood out on strikes, but was not so lucky against David DeJesus, who ripped one up the middle to score Valbuena and LaHair. Darwin Barney popped up to end the threat, but the damage was done. Cubs lead, 2-0.
- In the top of the fourth, the Reds finally got a run off of their former teammate Travis Wood. After a double from el Beeparino and a Ducky plunk, ROY Frazier singled, scoring Phillips. Cubs lead, 2-1.
- Bronson cruised through his next six innings. After the run-scoring double from DeJesus, Goodroyo retired the next 12 batters he faced.
- Travis Wood was more 2010 vintage than 2011 today, allowing 1 run on 5 hits with 8 K and 2 BB in 7 innings. But, Dale Sveum opted to pull Wood after 99 pitches and bring in a southpaw to face a lineup without a left handed batter. Drew Stubbs avoided the golden sombrero, with a leadoff double in the top of the 8th inning. BP followed with a single, sending Stubbs to 3rd (that's still how we do it in Cincinnati, baby), and Ryan Clutchwick drove them both in on a double to the wall. He then forgot what the hell was going on, and got himself doubled up on a Todd Frazier lineout. The Reds were, however, not finished scoring runs. Chris Heisey got a two-out double, and stole third before Wigglin' Wilson Valdez got in on the fun with an RBI single. Reds lead, 4-2.
- After a perfect 8th inning from Arroyo, it was time to release the Chapman. Aroldis rolled through the heart of the Cubs order, fanning 2 in a perfect 9th inning. Reds win 4-2!
Source: FanGraphs
Other Notes
- Aroldis Chapman was clocked at 103 mph twice today, and averaged 101.33 mph on the 9 fastballs he threw. Dang.
- 6 of the Reds 8 strikeouts today came from Stubbs and Cozart, who had 3 each.
- The game today breezed by in a brisk 2 hours and 44 minutes, over an hour faster than yesterday's game.
- The Votto-less Reds record is now 18-8.
- It's Saturday night, the Reds just won, and it's beautiful outside here in Cincinnati. Time to cut a rug and jam out to this, and this too while you're at it.