Luis Castillo dominant in Reds 4-0 victory over Cardinals

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Luis Castillo continues to turn things around in the second half. After struggling his last time out against the Cubs, he bounced back in a huge way tonight against the St. Louis Cardinals. He was completely dominant against the division rivals, shutting them down and never really letting them get close to being in the game tonight. In all, he threw 6.2 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits and walking only 2 batters against 11 strikeouts. Keep it up, La Piedra.

Honorable mentions are due to: Raisel Iglesias, for striking out 3 batters in 1.1 shutout innings of relief; Eugenio Suarez, for going 2 for 4 and driving in 2 with a double off the wall; Joey Votto, for also hitting an RBI double; and Scooter Gennett, for also collecting 2 hits on the night.

Key Plays

• Things were scoreless for both teams until the top of the 4th, as both Castillo and Daniel Poncedeleon cruised through the batting order their first time through. The Reds finally got to Pondedeleon, though. Jose Peraza reached with a 1 out double to right. Joey Votto would drive him in with a double of his own to give the Reds a 1-0 lead. After a single by Scooter Gennett put runners on the corners, Eugenio Suarez would smoke a liner off the wall in left to score Gennett and Votto. Reds led, 3-0.
• Things stayed that way until the top of the 7th. Scott Schebler led off with a double to right and would then come around to score on a single by Tucker Barnhart. Reds led, 4-0.
• That is all the cushion the Reds would need, as the bullpen did the rest to secure the 4-0 victory.

Tony Graphanino

Other Notes

• The Reds have made a few roster moves over the last couple of days. They called up Matt Wisler, who made his Reds debut last night and threw 2 shutout innings out of the bullpen. Today, they called up infielder Blake Trahan and pitcher Lucas Sims while releasing relief pitcher Zack Weiss. It will be interesting to see what other moves they might make as rosters expand this month.
• The Reds will look to take the series against the Cardinals tomorrow afternoon. They will send Anthony DeSclafani to the mound, as he continues his strong second half. The Cardinals will counter with Luke Weaver. First pitch is scheduled for 2:15 PM ET.
• Tunes.