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Volquez ready for Reds, Dragons pitching coach says

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By Sean McClelland, Staff Writer 10:51 PM Monday, September 6, 2010

DAYTON — After watching Cincinnati Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez take the mound twice for the Dragons in six days, Dayton pitching coach Tony Fossas declared his mechanical problems solved.

“He’s ready to go and help the big-league team,” Fossas said Monday, Sept. 6, after the Dragons’ season-ending 5-3 loss to the South Bend Silver Hawks.

Volquez, while not quite as dominant as in his first start here last Wednesday, had 10 strikeouts — the most by a Dragons pitcher this season — while allowing two earned runs on six hits in six-plus innings.

The right-hander served up long solo home runs to Bobby Borchering in the third inning and Keon Broxton leading off the seventh, both on fastballs up in the strike zone.

But he delighted the crowd of 8,307 by fanning the side in the first after hitting the leadoff batter, then doing it again in the second after a walk and two singles loaded the bases.

Volquez left to a standing ovation after the Broxton homer.

“He just came here to get his work in, and he did a nice job with it,” Fossas said. “I saw nothing that would prohibit him from helping the big-league team. Everything is good. (The home runs) were probably the only two pitches he threw up in the zone.”

Perfecting the arm angle on his change-up had been the main objective, and Volquez seemed satisfied this had been achieved Monday.

“It’s much better than what it was,” he said. “I was throwing my change-up sidearm. Today was better. I was on top.”

Volquez said he’ll remember Dayton as “a nice place to visit.” Manager Todd Benzinger said he’ll remember Volquez as a true pro.

“He showed up, got to know the players and cheered them on,” Benzinger said. “His youth shows when he’s at the game. He’s happy and into it. That kind of stuff is good for our young guys to see.”

RAVE REVIEWS: After the game, 18-year-old Ronald Torreyes, sporting a pink backpack, stopped by Benzinger’s office on his way out. Benzinger had nothing but encouraging words for the 5-foot-7, 130-pound Venezuelan second baseman, who could begin next season here if the Reds think he doesn’t need to spend more time in rookie ball.

It was another highlight-reel day for Torreyes, who tripled and doubled in four at-bats. He also thwarted a first-and-third double-steal attempt in the sixth inning by throwing a perfect strike to the plate after taking catcher Chase Weems’ throw.

“In the week he was here,” Benzinger said, “there was nothing to show that he was overmatched.”

Torreyes, who joined the Dragons on Sept. 1, went 6-for-25 in six games.

OOPS AWARD: In the eighth inning, the Dragons flashed three highlights on the scoreboard, asking fans to pick the “play of the season.” Problem was, only two were from this season. Also included was a Miguel Rojas walk-off homer from 2009. Torreyes’ sliding, over-the-shoulder catch in short center field Saturday, which he turned into a double play, was the easy winner.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Silver Hawks 5, Dragons 3

HIGHLIGHTS: In the season finale, Dragons fans again were treated to a fine performance by Cincinnati Reds right-hander Edinson Volquez, who struck out 10 in six-plus innings but wasn’t involved in the decision. They also saw 18-year-old second baseman Ronald Torreyes go 2-for-4 and continue to display an uncommon flair in the field.

TURNING POINT: After Volquez served up a game-tying home run to Keon Broxton leading off the seventh inning, reliever Jason Braun walked a batter but then induced a grounder that should have resulted in at least one out. Umpire Matt Mullins incorrectly ruled Torreyes missed second base, though, as he took a throw from third baseman David Vidal. Dragons manager Todd Benzinger argued, but to no avail. Two batters later, Ramon Castillo doubled home two runs.

PITCHING STORY: Volquez, in two Dayton appearances, allowed two earned runs and 11 hits in 13 innings with 19 strikeouts and four walks. The Dragons won neither of his starts.

— Sean McClelland, staff writer

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