Cingrani Shines In First Start

What more could the Reds ask for from Cingrani in his first start? A no hitter is the only thing that could have been better for the kid. Cingrani making his first career start was a little shaky to start, but what kid wouldn’t be? His life long dream of starting a major league game has come true.

Apr 18, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Tony Cingrani throws a pitch against the Miami Marlins during the second inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Cincgrani was able to go very deep into the game lasting only 5 innings due to a pitch limit the club has placed on him. He was pulled after throwing 102 pitches, thankfully the team left him in long enough to earn the win. Cincgrani’s stat line is impressive for a first start, 5IP 5H 1ER 8 SO. Not to mention he outdueled heralded Marlins rookie Jose Fernandez. On a sidenote Cingrani has some wheels, while he didn’t get on base he certainly made the tags close.

The team was able to give Cingrani the run support he needed, rattling Fernandez early allowed the Reds to put up 5 runs by the 5th and then six more after Fernandez was pulled. Frazier, Choo and Cozart remained hot all recording 2 hits and multiple RBI. Unfortunately Joey Votto’s slump has continued his BA is .280 not hateful but not Votto numbers. He has been able to score walks out the wazoo this year so far. His OBP is at .526, a great number so the hitting slump isn’t entirely awful.

Good news for the 15 fans that were in attendance, you get a free pizza thanks to the Reds pitching staff racking up 11 strikeouts. I say 15 fans because the turnout recently at home games is absolutely pathetic. From my seat I could see 30,000 empty seats. When you can get tickets for $7 and good tickets at that, why aren’t you going? The weather was great, a nice breeze, a great team. No reason this ballpark should be empty, I understand the economy is down but there are enough fans in the tristate area to come to the park.

The Reds have won 4 in a row now after losing 5 in a row previous to the Phillies series. Their overall record for the season now sits at 9-7, remember when I said don’t panic yet? Well you’re welcome.