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The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Let's be real: Josh Collmenter pitched a heck of a ball game. True, the Reds offense didn't do anything to make things difficult for him. But he cruised through this game, giving up three hits and, due to three double plays, facing the minimum 27 batters to earn the complete game shut out. I don't care how bad of an offense you're facing – you don't face the minimum unless you are absolutely on top of your game. So a tip of the hat to Collmenter for a job very well done.
Wait, so you're telling me the Reds played in this game, too? Okay, then, honorable mention to Brayan Pena for going two for three, and accounting for two of the Reds three hits. I know I'm not the first to make this observation, but if you don't like Brayan Pena, then you set yourself in opposition to everything that is good about this world. And sure, how about an honorable mention for Sean Marshall, for pitching a one hit, no run eighth inning. Yep, that qualifies.
Key Plays
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A.J. Pollack began the Arizona first by doubling to left center field. He then stole third and scored on a throwing error from Devin Mesoraco. Diamondbacks lead 1-0. This would be all they would need.
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Hill then led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a solo home run. 2-0 Diamondbacks.
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In the sixth inning, Martin Prado doubled, and then scored on a Hill single, driving Cingrani from the game. Diamondbacks lead, 3-0.
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You may be noticing a lack of Reds names in this "Key Plays" section. That's not a mistake.
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In the seventh inning, with J.J. Hoover pitching, Arizona tacked on another run off of a Pollack triple and a Prado RBI single. Diamondbacks lead 4-0.
Fangraph
Source: FanGraphs
Other Notes
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If, as many have suggested, Cingrani is fighting for his rotation spot upon the return of Mat Latos, he didn't do much to help his cause tonight. While he only gave up three runs, one of which was unearned, he threw 98 pitches in just five innings. Make no mistake – the fault for this game lies entirely at the feet of the Reds' anemic offense. But Cingrani has been worryingly inefficient this season.
- The Reds left zero runners on base in this game. Is that better?
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Pena currently has a seven game hitting streak. Keep it going, NERTS.
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Friday's game features a pitching matchup of Mike Leake versus Bronson Arroyo. I've missed ol' Saturn Nuts, and I'm looking forward to watching him pitch. As long as he doesn't do that great of a job.