Reds Clobber Giants, Seize 2-0 Series Lead - East Idaho News
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Reds Clobber Giants, Seize 2-0 Series Lead

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Getty S 10812 Arroyo?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1349677711109Jeff Gross/Getty Images(SAN FRANCISCO) — The Reds needed a big performance from their starter, and Bronson Arroyo delivered.

Arroyo retired the first 14 batters he faced, and the Cincinnati Reds combined to two-hit the San Francisco Giants in a 9-0 win on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead in the NLDS. The series shifts back to Ohio on Tuesday.

A night after starter Johnny Cueto left the game after eight pitches with back spasms, Arroyo allowed only one hit over seven innings, striking out four. “A no-hitter in this type of environment is nearly impossible,” Arroyo said. “A win for the ballclub is the pinnacle, nirvana.”

The Reds struck early against Giants starter Madison Bumgarner with a solo homerun from outfielder Ryan Ludwick in the top of the second inning. They would take a 4-0 lead into the eighth inning before blowing the game open on a two-run double from Jay Bruce. They would go on to score three more times in the inning. 

The Reds only need one win in their home ballpark to take the series after sweeping both games on the West Coast. “Coming on the road, you think about getting one as a success and victory,” Bruce said. “To be able come here and get two is very important.”

For the Giants, they struggled offensively and had to use seven different pitchers, including former Cy Young winner Tim Linecum who pitched out of the bullpen. “You hate to get beat like that, especially at home,” Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. “It happened. We know where we’re at right now. We know our backs are to the wall. We have to come out and be ready to play once we get to Cincinnati. 

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