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Damn, the Giants have some good pitching, don't they? Jonathan Sanchez, who started his big league career in the bullpen, has been incredible this year. He has yet to allow more than 4 runs in a start this season and he has pitched into the 6th or later in 5 of his last 6 starts. He's got a good K-BB ratio, though he can be wild at times, walking 5 batters in a game on 3 different occasions this season. He's only allowed home runs in 2 of his 11 starts. With the Reds offense struggling a bit of late, it ain't going to help anything to have to face this guy tonight.
Aaron Harang is a lot like Sanchez, except different. Harang hasn't given up more than 4 runs in his last 8 starts, and his last start broke a string of 7-straight starts where he had pitched in the 6th inning or later. I have to keep reminding myself that Harang is the Reds fourth or fifth starter now. We'd be satisfied with that level performance in the past out of the fifth starter. I don't see any reason why we can't this year too.
Of course, it would all be well and good if I felt like the offense could bust out. A nice 5-run first inning tonight would make me really happy. I don't want to be going into the 7th inning begging for just one run again. The bullpen is much more tolerable - though not always dependable - with a big lead late in the game. I'm ready for one of those.
Go Reds! Me likey!