Cincinnati Reds outperform San Francisco Giants with 9-0 win in Game 2 of NLDS – MLB News
Bronson Arroyo pitched seven scoreless innings and the batters performed brilliantly as the Cincinnati Reds beat San Francisco Giants 9-0 in the Game 1 of National League Division Series at AT&T Park. The Reds took their lead to 2-0 in the five-game series, a game away to carry the NLDS title.
"You're not comfortable at all until it's over," said Cincinnati Reds' manager Dusty Baker. "We've been there before. It's hard to take the last breath out of anything."
For Arroyo, who allowed no run, and only a hit, a no-hitter game in such a crucial stage was almost impossible. "A no-hitter in this type of environment is nearly impossible," Arroyo said. "A win for the ballclub is the pinnacle, nirvana."
Ryan Ludwick made a perfect start with a solo homer to centre in the first inning, Scott Rolen scored a single to right and Ryan Hanigan smashed a two-run single to take the lead to 4-0 as the fourth inning ended, bringing a lot of trouble for Giants' starter Madison Bumgarner.
With 4-0 lead, the Reds' Arroyo kept the pressure on the Giants' offence as they struggled deeply.
Jay Bruce, on the other hand, came up with two-run double in the eight, Ryan Hanigan singled to centre, Drew Stubbs tripled to deep centre and Brandon Phillips doubled to deep left in the five-run eighth inning to take the Reds lead to 9-0.
It was Jose Mijares of the Giants who allowed three runs and Guillermo Mota surrendered two runs in the eighth that virtually made it impossible for the Giants to stage a comeback in the game.
J. J. Hoover then pitched a scoreless and hitless eighth to maintain the lead. Jose Arredondo came to pitch the ninth, remained effective and ended the game with 9-0 win for the Reds, scoring their second consecutive win in the National League Division Series.
With this majestic win, the Reds seem all set to clinch the title here during Monday’s game. If they indeed do that, it will compensate their unexpected ouster from 2010 NLDS by the Philadelphia Phillies.
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