The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Bronson Arroyo continued his late season surge, tossing 6 innings of 2 run, 5 hit ball. Arroyo struck out 3 and walked just 1 in the process, and he also hooked his first nasty since selling the Nasty Hook. That Arizona lineup is no juggernaut, but Arroyo effectively sat them down like you would expect at $13 million starter to do. It was tweeted earlier today, but after today's start it's worth reiterating...Arroyo's ERA over the last 4 seasons: 3.84, 3.88, 5.07, 3.84. Which one is the true outlier?
The supergrover Memorial Honorary Red Reporter of the Gamethread
Ash! You came back!
When someone like Ash stops by to say hello and catch up, that's special; when she does that in a tie game and the picher promptly Funs a Bago, that's karma speaking. Ash, we miss you, and if tonight wasn't karma enough, I hope the Reds' continual winning will be.
P.S. Tell Farney to get his ass back, pronto. The funny pics to comment ratio has been terribly deficient in his absence. I'll speak to 'KRP about his raise.
Key Plays
- It's almost 1 AM, do you care? Oh wait, you do? That's effing awesome. Welcome to Reds fandom, and welcome to only the second stretch drive of worth of the last 13 seasons. Savor it.
- Future Red Justin Upton broke the scoreless tie in the 2nd with a solo shot off of Bronson Arroyo. Meh. Reds trailed, 1-0.
- Good teams strike back quickly. The Reds, not surprisingly, struck back quickly. After a Drew Stubbs K, Wee Willie Valdez singled and scored on Brandon Phillips' double. Game tied, 1-1.
- More Reds-induced fun was in store in the 4th. Scott Rolen had an infield single, Ryan Hanigan walked, Drew Stubbs was hit by a pitch, and Wilson Valdez reached on an error that allowed Rolen to score. Reds led, 2-1.
- The DBacks small-balled their way to a run in the 4th. Aaron Hill singled, Jason Kubel walked, and after a fielder's choice, Justin Upton singled in a run. Game tied, 2-2.
- Brozilla put his team on top for good in the top of the 6th, as he homered to left off of Skaggs. That was that. Reds win, 3-2!
Key Plays
- Tonight was Dusty Baker's 400th win as the manager of the Reds. Say what you will about Dusty and his confounding lineups, the guy has been a winner since he's been here. Sometimes, it's the egg that hatches the chicken...but other times, it's the chicken that lays the egg. Regardless, it's indisputable that Dusty has been a driving force behind the Reds and their success over the past few seasons. Props, Dusty.
- Milestones-be-a-droppin'. Aroldis Chapman saved his 24th consecutive save attempt tonight, and that's both awesome and a new team record. Unfortunately, if you're in the #LetHimStart camp, you're pretty much a royale with cheese staring at Broxy's tonsils at this point.
- If you read this tonight, you're awesome...and up late. If so, click this and turn every speaker you own up as loud as it gets. Do it. If you're reading this tomorrow, click that and then this. It'll wake you up and kick you in the face.