Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Bronson Arroyo. The man many people are calling the Game 1 starter sure turned in a fine performance, albeit against decidedly non-playoff caliber opposition. Arroyo went seven innings, allowing only one run and four hits. He struck out four and walked none. He even singled and scored a run en route to his 17th win of the season. Honorable mentions go to Drew Stubbs, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce, and Jonny Gomes.
Key Plays
- Two of the Reds hottest hitters got the scoring underway in the second inning. Jay Bruce led off with a single off of Brett Myers, and then Drew Stubbs jacked one over the fence in center field. Reds lead, 2-0.
- Bronson Arroyo had a slightly shaky beginning to the game, and allowed a two out home run to Jeff Keppinger. The Astros would not get another hit in the game. Reds lead, 2-1.
- In the fifth inning, Miguel Cairo and Joey Votto drew back to back walks, and Jonny Gomes singled sharply to load the bases. Jay Bruce popped up, the only time he wouldn't reach base safely. But then Drew Stubbs, who had struck out looking on three pitches with two men on in the third, singled to drive in Cairo and Votto. Ryan Hanigan also singled. Gomes scored and Stubbs went towards third where he got caught in a rundown. However, his slide beat Manzella's tag. It was a great, exciting play, but ultimately meaningless as Paul Janish flew out to end the inning. Reds lead, 5-1.
- Bronson Arroyo helped his own cause with a leadoff single off Myers in the sixth, and then Brandon Phillips hit a home run, his 18th of the year. Miguel Cairo popped up and Joey Votto struck out, but then Jonny Gomes hit his own 18th home run of the year, chasing Myers from the game. Jay Bruce singled off of reliever Gustavo Chacin, and Drew Stubbs walked, but Ryan Hanigan struck out to end the inning. Reds lead, 8-1.
- In the seventh inning, Paul Janish led off with a single of Jeff Fulchino, and pinch hitter Willie Bloomquist also singled. Brandon Phillips's single was enough to bring Janish home and finish the scoring. Reds win, 9-1.
Other Notes
- Brett Myers was knocked out of the game after 5.2 innings, the first time all season he hasn't pitched at least six innings.
- If Jonny Gomes and Brandon Phillips can each hit two more home runs in the last three games, the Reds would have six players with 20 home runs or more.
- Bronson Arroyo finishes the season with a career high 17 wins and a 3.88 ERA. His 17 wins are the most since Edinson Volquez had 17 in 2008.
- Wily Mo Pena was last seen playing for the now-defunct AAA Portland Beavers after a stint with the independent league Bridgeport Bluefish.
- The Reds finish September with a 12-15 record, their only losing month of the season. Here's to a winning October!