Despite the setbacks, Cincinnati Reds hopeful for victory – NLDS News
With San Francisco Giants 8-3 win in Game 4 of the National League Division Series on Wednesday, October 10, the Cincinnati Reds find themselves challenged, but not bogged down. The players vowed on Wednesday to prevail over the rival, the way they have been doing during the regular season.
"We've done it all year," catcher Ryan Hanigan said. "We've had guys get hurt, and we've had other guys step up. I have a lot of confidence in all our guys. That's how it's going to have to be. I don't know how [Cueto] is feeling. Hopefully he'll be back soon, but until then, we're going to have to go with what we've got."
Johnny Cueto being out of the postseason game was undeniably a big blow to the Reds, something they were not anticipating. While Mike Leake was brought in to replace Cueto, Leake could not hold back the Giants' offence in Wednesday’s game and eventually lost.
However, Thursday’s Game 5, which will be decisive in determining the Reds’ fate, will have Mat Latos as the starter. He is the pitcher who came as an emergency relief pitcher in Game and helped the Reds win.
Latos knows the challenge he is faced with. All the same, the Reds’ players are fully sure of the ability he has to make things possible for the Reds.
"Mat volunteered," outfielder Jay Bruce said. "He likes that stuff in the sense that I don't think he's very well liked in San Francisco. Don't know why."
The Reds were remarkably consistent in the regular season. Both in the first and second halves of the season, the Reds kept the morale high and with competitive spirit, they kept overwhelming the rivals.
That spirit is what is present there even today. That will certainly be helpful in the crucial Game 5. If the Reds manage to win it, their going into National League Championship Series is sealed and hopes will be alive for the World Series.
It remains to be seen if the Reds succeed in Thursday’s encounter where they will certainly be faced with tough competition from the resurgent Giants.
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