Cincinnati Reds’ pitchers rise to the occasion - MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds’ first game of the season on Thursday, April 05, demonstrated every sign of the team’s growing strength in defence. From the starter to the reliever and closer, the Reds had a lot to boast with the overpowering pitchers available at their disposal.
Starting from the Johnny Cueto whose seven-inning spell was one of the most breathtaking feats in Thursday’s game. The starter rendered the Marlins hitters completely unable, and the whole offence in disarray, allowing not even a single run in the game.
Such a performance would naturally follow commendation.
"The young man is maturing big-time before our eyes," manager Dusty Baker said. "He doesn't fight Johnny Cueto anymore. Before, his own worst enemy was himself."
His Thursday’s spell was that of an unbeatable and superbly strong pitcher. "Of course, I felt that way," Cueto said, through a trainer acting as interpreter. "That's not the first time I've pitched against a No. 1 guy. I feel like I'm part of that group, too."
In front of 42,956 fans at Great American ballpark, the Reds pitchers kept on showing their superiority on their rivals.
Aroldis Chapman, who was previously being tipped as the part of the Reds’ rotation, played an equally marvellous role in the bullpen. Coming as a relief pitcher, the lefty had two strikeouts to his credit, not allowing any run.
With his important contribution, Sean Marshall descended on the mound with supreme confidence, not allowing anyone to insinuate that the closer might falter. He, after all, was pitching at a time when Madson was no longer the closer for the Reds owing to his season-ending injury.
Marshall threw the inning with confidence to allowing no hit and walks to end the game with 4-0 victory for the Cincinnati Reds.
If the Reds pitchers continue to maintain their grip and control, they will be a predictably tough challenge for any and every team. The troika’s performance on Thursday has established they are capable of doing the best whenever the team needs it in the big games like the one on Thursday.
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