Tony Santillan earns first career win as Reds top Braves, 5-3

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Tony Santillan picked a hell of a time to have his best start of his young career. As the Reds were trying to avoid losing their 6th game in their last 7 tries, Santigold kept the Atlanta Braves quiet, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits with 3 walks against 8 strikeouts over 6 innings of work. He also smacked a double in the 3rd inning for his first career hit and later scored Have a trophy, Tony. Here’s to many more.

Honorable mentions are due to: Nick Castellanos, who went 2 for 3 with a 2-run blast and 4 RBI; Jonathan India, who went 2 for 4 with 2 doubles and 3 runs scored; Joey Votto, who also had 2 hits and a RBI; and Brad Brach, who struck out 2 in a scoreless 9th for his first save of the season.

Key Plays

• The Braves wasted no time getting on the board, as reigning NL MVL Freddie Freeman took the first pitch he saw and sent it over the wall in center to give Atlanta a 1-0 lead.
• The Reds were quickly able to tie the game up, though. Jonathan India led off the bottom of the 1st with a double then moved to 3rd on a wild pitch. After Jesse Winker walked, India would score on a sacrifice fly by Nick Castellanos.
• The Reds took the lead for good in the bottom of the 3rd. Tony Santillan led off with a double then moved to 3rd on a ground out by India. A couple batters later, Joey Votto would bring Santillan home on an infield single to give the Reds a 2-1 lead.
• Things would stay this way until the bottom of the 7th, where the Reds were able to extend their lead. Jonathan India led off with a walk. After a Jesse Winker ground out, Nick Castellanos would blast a 2-run tank to center to extend the lead to 4-1.
• Unfortunately, the bullpen. Tejay Antone would come on in the top of the 8th and he struggled. After getting Freddie Freeman to fly out to start the inning, Ozzie Albies would hit a solo shot to right to make it 4-2. An Austin Riley single and then a fielding error by Joey Votto would put runners on 1st and 3rd with 1 out. Ehire Adrianza would then single to right to bring in Riley. A walk to Kevin Smith would load the bases, but thankfully Antone would retire the next two batters to keep the game at 4-3.
• The Reds added a little insurance in the bottom of the 8th. Jonathan India came up with 2 outs and hit his 2nd double of the game. After Jesse Winker walked, Nick Castellanos singled to right to bring in India. Winker was thrown out at home to end the inning but the Reds led 5-3.
• Brad Brach came on in the 9th for his 1st save of the season and slammed the door, Reds win 5-3.

Tony Graphanino

Other Notes

• Amir Garrett seems like he is figuring it out. He has only given up a run once in his last 8 appearances, when he allowed 2 against San Diego last week. That would be huge for an already depleted/bad bullpen.
• The Reds face off against the Braves again tonight. Vladimir Gutierrez (3-1, 3.86 ERA) will start for the Reds against Drew Smyly (4-3, 5.11 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM EDT.
• Tunes.