Latos’s Huge Outing Helps Reds Take Series Over D’Backs.
By Jesse Mapati
Aug 22, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Sam LeCure (63) is congratulated by catcher Devin Mesoraco (39) after the Reds beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 2-1 at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Reds needed a big start from their ace and Latos indeed delivered it going eight innings saving the bullpen as Reds win 2-1 on Thursday afternoon taking three of four from Arizona to widen the gap for the second spot in NL Wild Card for them.
The first run of the game came in the third inning for the Reds. With runners on 2nd and 3rd one out, Brandon Phillips stepped up and after a Trevor Cahill’s third wild pitch in five offerings, Phillips grounded out to second scoring Choo in the process to make it 1-0 Reds.
Latos was dealing the first three innings with a low pitch count until he allowed the first hit of the game to the D’Backs in the fourth. Arizona would eventually tied the game when Adam Eaton ground the ball to third was to hot too handle for Todd Frazier.
Latos after that was breezing through including going a perfect seventh and eighth to end his day. Final line Mat 8IP, 1ER, 5H, 0BB, 6 SO earning his 13 win of the season.
Reds scored the go ahead run via a wild pitch from Arizona reliever Eary De LaRosa. Choo singled to lead off the bottom of 8th, advanced to second on a horrible pickoff move by De LaRosa and moved to third on a Frazier sacrifice bunt. He eventually scored on the wild pitch to break the tie.
With Chapman obviously not available, Sam LeCure got the role of closer today and earned his first career save to close out the win.
The win helps Reds separate distance from D’Backs in the race for the second spot in the NL Wild Card, which is a 7 game lead for Cincinnati. As of right now Reds are two games out of first place Pittsburgh, who play later tonight in San Francisco.
Reds will open a three game series home against the Milwaukee Brewers starting tomorrow night. It will be Homer Bailey and Yovnai Gallardo the pitching matchup. First pitch is at 7:10pm.