By Miguel Mike Medina
Defense came up big time for the Cincinnati Reds as they beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 2-1, to stop a three-game losing streak on Saturday at PNC Park.
The Reds’ infield was the catalyst for their victory. In the seventh inning, the Reds got themselves out of a problem by ending the inning on a double play. Elly De La Cruz made a nice catch in the ninth and doubled up the runner at first to end the game on another double play.
Reds starter Nick Martinez returned to the mound and gave a stellar performance. He pitched seven strong innings. He had four strikeouts and gave up just one run. When Martinez is in the zone, he’s tough to beat. Martinez earned the win. Emilio Pagan got the save.
Noelvi Marte was the best hitter for the Reds. He had a great night, going 3-for-4 with three doubles.
The Reds still need to figure out ways to score more runs. Two runs are not enough when the pitching can’t get going. The Reds have at least 40 games this season where they have only scored two runs. Keep the line moving and have better plate discipline.
The Reds improved to 61-57 in the season. Zack Littell (9-8, 3.46 ERA) wants to help the Reds split the four-game series against Mike Burrows (1-4, 4.45).
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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