Luis Castillo shuts down Cubs, Reds win 2-1

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

The Reds final series against the Cubs in 2018 has been full of solid starting pitching. Unfortunately, the first two games ended in losses as the Cubs also had great starting pitching. Thankfully, on Sunday, the Reds were able to hold the Cubs down just enough to avoid the series sweep. Luis Castillo was a huge reason for that, as he continued his fantastic September to lead the Reds to a 2-1 victory. Castillo has been great since the month of June ended, as he has put up a 2.93 ERA since July 1 and an even better September ERA of 1.46. Today, he went 6.2 innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits while walking 4 and striking out 2. Have a trophy, Luis. Way to finish the season strong.

Honorable mentions are due to: Scott Schebler and Phil Ervin, who each hit solo ding dongs; Joey Votto, for continuing his strong September by going 3 for 4 with a double; and Jared Hughes and Raisel Iglesias, for each throwing shutout innings to close the door on the victory.

Key Plays

• It took exactly one pitch for the Reds to get on the board in this one, as Scott Schebler took the first offering from Jose Quintana deep to center field to give the Reds a 1-0 lead.
• Phil Ervin helped add to the lead in the top of the 4th, as he led off the inning with a solo home run, his 7th of the season. Reds led, 2-0.
• The Cubs cut the Reds’ lead in half in the bottom of the 5th. Addison Russell drew a 1-out walk and then made it to third on a double by Willson Contreras. That brought up Albert Almora, Jr., who lifted a fly ball to center to bring home Russell. Reds led, 2-1.
• Castillo exited in the bottom of the 7th, and the Reds’ bullpen took care of the rest to give the Good Guys a 2-1 win.

Tony Graphanino

Other Notes

• The Reds will be on the road at Milwaukee tomorrow to take on the Brewers one final time in 2018. Anthony DeSclafani will try to bounce back from his string of disappointing outings. He will take on Wade Miley, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:40 PM ET.
• Tunes.