Wojciechowski shuts down the Cardinals, Reds win 3-2

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the GameThe last time that Asher Wojciechowski started a game for the Reds, all the way back on June 17, it did not go well. He lasted only 2.1 innings and gave up 6 runs. He was relegated to the bullpen where he regained some form and gave up only 1 run in 6 appearances. Tonight against the Cardinals, he took advantage of his return to the starting rotation in a big way. He lasted 5 innings and gave up only 1 run on 3 hits while walking 1 and striking out 5. In a season where solid pitching performances have come at a premium, this was certainly a welcome sight for the Reds. Have a trophy, Woj, and here’s to some more outings like this.

Honorable mentions go to: Joey Votto, for going 2 for 4 with a double and 2 RBI; Billy Hamilton, for continuing his strong start to the second half with a 2 for 4, 1 RBI performance; Jesse Winker, for going 2 for 4, scoring a run, and allowing us to type his name without having to come up with a nickname; and the combination of Drew Storen, Wandy Peralta, and Raisel Iglesias for combining to throw 2.2 scoreless innings and preserving the win.

Key Plays:

• Things started off well for the Reds in the first. Jesse Winker roped a single up the middle with 1 out. Joey Votto then came up and lined a double to right field, bringing around Winker to score from first. Reds led, 1-0.
• The Cardinals were able to strike back in the top of the 3rd. Greg Garcia led off the inning with a triple off the top of the wall. He would come in to score one batter later on an infield single by Mike Leake to tie the game at 1-1.
• The Reds came back and took the lead for good in the bottom of the 5th. Jose Peraza led off with a single and then moved to 2nd on a single by Tucker Barnhart. After a sac bunt by Arismendy Alcantara, Billy Hamilton grounded a single into right that brought home Peraza. Barnhart also scored on the play but he was initially called out. After replay showed that his foot pretty clearly beat the tag, the call was somehow upheld. Thankfully, the Reds were able to bounce back from the call. Jesse Winker singled to move Billy to 3rd and then Joey Votto singled to right to bring home Hamilton. Reds led, 3-1.
• The Reds ran into a little trouble in the top of the 8th with Michael Lorenzen on the mound. After back-to-back 1-out singles by Tommy Pham and Paul Dejong, Carson Kelly would single to bring in Pham. A 2-out walk would load the bases, but Lorenzen got Randal Grichuk to strike out looking. Reds led, 3-2.
• Raisel Iglesias was able to shut the door in the 9th and the Reds would hold on to win 3-2.

Tony Graphanino

Other Notes

• After starting off the second half with a slump, Votto has spent the last week on a hot streak, hitting .421/.522/.632 over the last 7 days heading into tonight’s game.
• The Reds received more encouraging news regarding Anthony DeSclafani. After he was pulled from his start last night in Dayton with forearm discomfort, his MRI today revealed that he had elbow tendonitis. While it is encouraging that he had not damaged the ligament, it is still an unfortunate setback for the guy the Reds were looking at to be their ace this season.
• Game 2 of the series will be tomorrow at 7:10 PM ET. Luis Castillo will look to continue his impressive start to his rookie campaign as he faces off against Lance Lynn.
• Tunes.