It seemed like a mismatch from the start. The Reds' started their All-Star ace, Luis Castillo. The San Diego Padres decided to have a "bullpen" day starting part-time starter Matt Strahm, who was not streched out.
That is how it played out as Castillo pitched six strong innings and the Reds scored four runs off Strahm's replacements on the way to a 4-2 win of the game and the series.
"It wasn't Luis best game but even without his best game he was good," David Bell said. "That's what it takes. Even when he's not at his best, he's really, really good"
Ty France opened the third inning with a single, the first hit by San Diego. Padres' starter Matt Strahm, bunted France to second, where he scored on Greg Garcia's two-out double.
The Reds fought back aided by a Padres error. Eric Yardley made his Major League debut after having his contract purchased from Triple A El Paso. Nick Senzel hit a line drive right at Josh Naylor in left field. Naylor could not make the catch and was charged with a two-base error. Jose Iglesias sacrificed Senzel to third. Eugenio Saurez hit an RBI single. Aristides Aquino walked. Philip Ervin's second single of the game loaded the bases. Padres' manager Andy Green pulled Yardley and brought in Trey Wingenter. Freddy Galvis walked to force home Suarez. Tucker Barnhart struck out but Josh VanMeter walked to put the Reds up 3-1./
"I just did my part (sacrifice bunt). It paid off," Iglesias said. "It set the table for the other guys and it was a huge inning. When you play the game the right way good things happen."
Iglesias hit his ninth home run of the season off Luis Perdomo, one out into the fourth inning.
"The home run pitch was a slider. It wasn't a bad pitch. I just put a good swing on it," Iglesias said. It extended his career high to nine.
Castillo allowed one run in six innings on five hits and no walks. He was coming off the worst start of his career when he gave up eight runs against the Cardinals.
"When your pitches aren't very good but you get a lot of soft contact, you know you're doing a good job too," Castillo said. "I think the adjustments you make between starts helps. After the start against the Cardinals, I had to work hard."
The Reds have an off day which will allow Castillo and the other starters an extra day.
"At this time of year, you can get a little tired," Bell said. :"The extra day will help all of our starters."
Francisco Mejia greeted Lucas Sims with his eighth home run in the seventh inning.
Mchael Lorenzen pitched a perfect eighth with two strikeouts.
Raisel Iglesias looking for his 26th save in 29 chances entered in the top of the ninth facing the heart of the San Diego lineup with a 4-2 lead. Iglesias struck out two in a perfect inning.
It was the 12th win of the season for Castillo which extends his career high from 10.
Jose Iglesias and Galvis are two of the all-time best shortstops as measured by fielding percentage.
"We are getting better and better each and every day," Iglesias said. "We have some work to do. It just takes repetition but it is good to have the middle covered."
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