So the explosions at the finish line in Boston and the deaths and injuries that resulted on Monday afternoon hit especially close to home for Arroyo, who somehow found the focus to allow only two runs in eight innings in a 4-2 win over the Phillies at Great American Ball Park.
“It’s a terrible situation,” Arroyo said. “It’s right downtown where people love to congregate and have a good time. There’s a lot of bars in that area. I’m sure it’s going to leave a stain on the Back Bay for a while, which is definitely not pleasant. It’s an event in Boston. It’s close to home for everybody. It’s definitely sad.”
Arroyo’s thoughts may have been on his former home, but he had a job to do on the mound.
“I’ve always prided myself on having a clear head between the white lines regardless of anything going on in the world,” Arroyo said. “I’ve told Dusty (Baker) plenty of times if my father passed away the day I pitched or the day before that I’m toeing the rubber, and I’ll give him a clear head on the mound. That’s just the way he made me.”