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Bronson Arroyo had never won in San Francisco before pitching a playoff masterpiece.
There were all kinds of memorable firsts this weekend for the gutsy Cincinnati Reds, who beat the San Francisco Giants 9-0 on Sunday night to take a commanding 2-0 lead in their NL division series - and head home to Ohio on quite a roll.
Ryan Ludwick hit his first postseason home run and Ryan Hanigan drove in his first playoff run. More than anything on this night, it was Arroyo's turn to celebrate on what he figured to be a fun flight back to Cincinnati.
"We couldn't put ourselves in a better situation," he said. "It doesn't mean you're going to close it out, but for us personally, I know the fans are going to be as jacked as they have ever been in that ballpark since it has been built, which is going to be nice."
CSNNE: Arroyo gem puts Reds up 2-0 on Giants in NLDS
BAH GOD! BAH GOD! IT'S THE CORNROW KID, BRONSON ARROYO!
Excuse me, it's something I can picture WWF/E announcer Jim Ross saying after Arroyo struck out four straight batters in the midst of one of the greatest pitching performances in his career.
He went seven innings giving up one hit & one walk, just absolutely shutting down the Giants as the Reds finally get to enjoy home field advantage, up 2-0 and heading to Cincinnati. (Thanks for screwing that Bud Selig! I'm sure Oakland fans must really love you!)
For those looking for a team to root for in the postseason, this may be the team for you. Young & potent lineup with some good pitching to go alongside it. Plus it's good to see Bronson, someone who has stayed with Cinci ever since we traded him for Wily Mo Pena in 2006, to get a chance to shine. Of course nothing will trump The Slap, but still.
(For those wondering, Wily Mo went .275/21/75 for the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks this past season.)
Herald:Ben in this spot before | Mending the Sox | CSNNE: Arroyo gem puts Reds up 2-0 on Giants in NLDS | Yankees win opener 7-2 | Nats rally past Cards 3-2 in Game 1 | NESN: Francona won't be managing the Sox, but his legacy is what's guiding Boston's future
