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Bronson Arroyo tries to keep the good mojo going as the Reds try to follow up last night's win with more of the same. Arroyo has pitched 24 innings over his last 3 starts with a svelte 1.88 ERA, seeing his season ERA drop nearly 2 full runs in that span. At 7-3, he is tied for the most wins in the National League, and he's one of 5 pitchers with at least 10 starts who has gotten the decision in each of his starts.
The Reds could use a good 7 or 8 innings out of Arroyo tonight after throwing five relievers out on the mound in last night's game. Since Jared Burton isn't likely to make it back to the team in time for tonight's game, the pen could likely use some rest tonight.
Brad Thompson will be pitching tonight for the first time since May 17th. No, as a matter of fact, he was not on the disabled list, but thanks for asking. He simply has not been used by the Cardinals since then. I guess they were saving him for this big game but they couldn't do the math to figure out when to stick him in the rotation so that his start would fall on this day. Tonight will be Thompson's first start of the year after making 6 starts last season, including 2 against the Reds. For some reason, TLR seems to think Brad Thompson should start against the Reds. Who's to argue with The Genius?
With the Brewers losing last night, the Reds are just 2.5 games out of first place. A win tonight will put them in a tie for second place with the Cardinals. You have to get to second place before you can get to first. Tonight feels like a good night for making that first step.