Cincinnati Reds’ starter Bronson Arroyo outshines San Francisco Giants’ rival in Game 2 of NLDS
As Cincinnati Reds worked out a perfect end in Game 2 of National League Division Series against the San Francisco Giants, pitcher Bronson Arroyo made an incredibly tough start, retiring 14 Giants' hitters before allowing a single.
Reds that had won Game 1 despite some unexpected turn of events (with Johnny Cueto out of game in the very first inning due to back spasms), came down hard against the Giants here, forming a strong offensive and defensive combination.
Tossing sneaky fastball and guile, improvising curveball, Arroyo outdid the Giants' batters, who could not score. With his ability to virtually incapacitate the Giants' batters, Arroyo also got support from the Reds' offence that kept the game in Cincinnati's favour.
Compared to Giants’ Madison Bumgarner, who allowed four runs in his 4.1 innings, along with seven hits, Arroyo was simply unbeatable in his seven innings, not allowing any run.
"He's been sharp the last few starts, just like this," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said giving an interview during the game. "He hasn't been a recipient of very many runs, and that's the main thing. Bronson, when his velocity is up, 87-88, and his breaking ball is as tough as it is tonight, this guy is hard to hit."
Arroyo pitched a total of seven innings on Sunday as the game progressed, allowing only a hit and going for no less than four strike-outs with 0.00 ERA.
Reds' rotation has remained one of the best out there in the National League the whole year. Although Bronson Arroyo might not have retained the record that other starters have, he does make a successful case.
With 1.21 WHIP and 3.74 ERA, Bronson Arroyo has 12-10 record for the season. As the Reds maintained their dominance in Sunday’s game, winning the second consecutive game in the NLDS, they were all set for sweeping the series.
While the offence has been a source of strength for the Reds, rotation and bullpen undeniably have been equally assertive and powerful throughout the season, bringing the Reds ever closer to winning NLDS and quite possibly go even further.
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