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This will be Bronson Arroyo's last start before the playoffs, when he will likely be the starter in game one, six or seven days from now. I imagine that Arroyo will be going full bore tonight since he'll be on extra rest for the playoffs. No need for him to conserve himself and I'm sure he'll want to have everything clicking for next week. Also, Arroyo has already stated a lack of interest in playing the Phillies in the playoffs, and the best way to guarantee that is to get the 2nd seed.
For that to happen, the Reds will need some help. Specifically, they'll need the Giants to lose at least 3 of their remaining 4 games (they are beating Diamondbacks 2-1 as I write this). If that happens, and the Reds can win out, Cincinnati will take the 2nd seed, and then it won't matter who gets the wild card.
Then again, the Reds could just face the Phillies, beat them 3 out of 5 games, and move on. That'd be fun too.
Brett Myers has gone six innings or more in every start this season. The last pitcher to do that in every start in a season (with more than 30 starts) was Curt Schilling in 2002. In fact, this is only the third time a pitcher has gone at least 6 innings in more than 30 consecutive starts to begin a season since 1980 (Steve Carlton did it in 1980 with 38 straight). I dislike Brett Myers, but that's still a somewhat impressive feat. I hope it ends tonight.
I would love to see the Reds close out the season with 4-straight wins. Even if they don't get the second seed, it will feel good going to the playoffs having won 6 of their last 7. Plus, they'd get to 92 wins for only the second time since 1978.
Go Reds!