Reds’ Castillo keeps momentum going in sixth start

He has allowed five earned runs in six starts

Manager David Bell senses a buzz around every start Luis Castillo makes for the Cincinnati Reds. It’s not just another game when he takes the mound.

» PITCHING WELL: Reds bullpen ranks among baseball’s best

“That’s saying a lot,” Bell said before Castillo’s sixth start of the season.

In the first month, Castillo has stamped himself as the Reds’ ace and one of the best pitchers in baseball. He kept the momentum moving Thursday by throwing six scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ball Park, lowering his ERA from 1.47 to 1.23.

» SENZEL UPDATE: No timetable on him coming to big leagues

Castillo allowed eight hits and didn’t walk a batter. He struck out two. He left the game after the Braves loaded the bases on three straight singles to start the seventh, but David Hernandez struck out the side to end the threat as the Reds preserved a 3-0 lead. Eugenio Suarez drove in all three runs for the Reds, who were trying to win their second straight series.

The game was delayed by rain after the final out of the top of the seventh.

Castillo entered the game ranked second in the National League in ERA, strikeouts (41) and opponents’ batting average (.129).

About the Author