Even though it is only three games in to the season, the Reds (3-0) have to be happy with the way the first series of the year went. They matched up against a team that many were picking to dethrone them from their reign atop the NL Central, the Milwaukee Brewers (0-3). In sweeping fashion, the boys from The Queen City served notice that they do not intend to give up that perch any time soon.
Sunday's game was a complete game from the Reds. Pitching, defense,offense, it was all on display. Here are just a few thoughts and take-aways from Sunday's game:
- Ryan Hanigan was a beast and the undisputed star of the game. The Reds catcher was 4-4, drove in four, scored three times, and smacked two home runs. The game was the first multi-homer game of his career. Certainly the production from the cathcer position will not continue at the pace we have seen so far, but itis safe to say that the Reds have one of the best tandems in the league.
- If Bronson Arroyo has mono, then I say we get the whole pitching staff infected. Arroyo was his typical steady, reliable self on Sunday. Despite battling mononucleosis, Arroyo threw seven quality innings. He gave up only three runs, and six hits, and it took him only 87 pitches to do so.
- The game also was the 2011 debut of fireballer Aroldis Chapman. Chapman came in to pitch the ninth inning with the Reds up 12-3. The nice thing was that he didnt seem to realize the game was over. So many times you see a pitcher come in with a big lead and be lazy, allowing a couple of runs before closing the door. Chapman was having none of that. He came in with his patented heat (topping out at 103 miles per hour), and got the Brewers in order to end the game.
The Reds take Monday off, and then welcome another Central Division foe, the Houston Astros to Great American Ball park on Tuesday night. Mike Leake will make his first start of the year against Houston's J.A. Happ.
One series down, and it was a sweep against a divsion rival. Hopefully they can win another series against a division rival and take some momentum out on their first road trip to Arizona and San Diego.
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