SF Giants: Three Key Takeaways From the Reds Series

SF Giants: Three Key Takeaways From the Reds Series

2. Pitching, pitching, and more pitching

Before the game on Thursday, the Cincinnati Reds averaged 5.12 runs per game, which is a hair behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (5.14 runs per game) for the top spot in the National League.

The Giants starting pitching has been the story all year and they continued that trend in the hitter-friendly confines of the Great American Ballpark (GABP). Despite facing off against a potent offense at the GAPB, the pitching staff had no issues.

Giants pitching combined to yield just nine runs across four games, including a shutout in Wednesday’s 4-0 victory. The starting staff led the way:

• Logan Webb: 6 innings, 6 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts.
• Anthony DeSclafani: 7 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts.
• Kevin Gausman: 6 innings, 1 hit, 0 runs, 2 walks, and 8 strikeouts.
• Johnny Cueto: 5 innings, 5 hits, one run, 1 walk, and 4 strikeouts.

It is tough to ignore the fact that three of the four starting pitchers previously pitched for the Reds. Gausman had a brief stint with Cincinnati in 2019, but DeSclafani (2015-2020) and Cueto (2008-2015) each pitched at least five years in a Reds uniform.

They seem to be off to greener pastures now. From the bunch above, it is tough to pick the best performance as all were good. In the case of Gausman and DeSclafani, they added another strong start to their respective all-star résumés.

However, it was not all good news from the SF Giants pitching staff. Logan Webb had to be removed from his start due to shoulder discomfort and he was eventually placed on the injured list. With that being said, the right-handed hurler is not expected to be out for an extended period of time.