Giants Can’t Figure Out Bronson Arroyo’s Leg Kick, Reds Take 2-0 Lead

With his patented high leg kick and variety of release points, good ole Bronson “Saturn Nuts” Arroyo (it’s good to remind people of his nickname) absolutely decimated the Giants for seven innings in the Reds 9-0 victory. Despite never hitting 90 mph, Arroyo went seven innings with only a single by Brandon Belt marring his line. It wasn’t like he was particularly sharp either, relying on six pitches and a variety of speeds rather than command and control. And just look at that lone light blue dot representing Belt’s solitary single:

It was a big start for Arroyo as not only did he earn his first-ever postseason victory, but the Reds bullpen was saved after Johnny Cueto’s one-batter game the evening before. Up 2-0 and heading back to Cincinnati, the series may not be wrapped up, but it’s certainly close.

The Reds offense deserves some credit as well with Canadian wunderkind Joey Votto leading the way with a three hit night and Ryan Ludwick picking up two hits and a home run.

And in tonight’s moment of the bizarre, Tim Lincecum pitched two scoreless innings in relief, only the third time he’s ever done that and the first because Bruce Bochy believes there are better options on the roster. It may be the right call, but it’s certainly not the one that makes me happy.

The Reds will look for the sweep on Tuesday with Homer Bailey taking on Ryan Vogelsong at Great American Balllpark.