Collmenter Faces the Minimum in Arizona’s 4-0 Win
Josh Collmenter had his “A†game on Thursday for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The right-hander faced the minimum of 27 batters in his first shutout and first complete games in a 4-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
Collmenter becomes just the 13th pitcher since 1914 to face the minimum 27 batters while giving up 3 hits or more.
Collmenter was Arizona’s first pitcher to face just 27 batters since May of 2004 when Randy Johnson, the southpaw ace pitched a perfect game.
Kirk Gibson the manager of the Diamondbacks said Collmenter was outstanding with great control, great location, varying speeds, working both sides of home plate and getting players to hit into double plays.
Collmenter dominated his opponents giving up just three hits and then having his defense turn a double play to eliminate the base runner.
On the night, Collmenter threw just 94 pitches. His longest top half of an inning took 16 pitches, while his shortest consisted of just 6 pitches.
Collmenter’s key to success was not that he overly dominating, as he had only five strikeouts, but his command was exceptional. The Diamondbacks right-hander did not walk a batter. The Reds hit 7 fly outs and 11 groundouts.
The Reds hit a few balls solidly in the game, but the Diamondbacks defense responded well and turned the three double plays when they needed to.
On double play was not made via the usual fashion. Collmenter gave up a double to open the third inning to Brayan Pena. However, Pena tagged up on a fly ball but was throw out by A.J. Pollock the Diamondbacks center fielder at third base to end that threat.Aaron Hill had another outstanding play for Arizona. He dove to stop a sharp grounder by Todd Frazier and threw him out at first denying another runner from reaching base.
Collmenter told reporters following the game that his defense was exceptional with great plays being made behind him to protect the lead.
His teammates said they fed of the right-hander.
Pollock and Hill not only helped Collmenter on defense but they had a part in three of the teams’ four runs on the night.
Pollock has 8 hits in 16 at bats in his past four games. He hit a double in the first and scored after stealing third and a throwing error on the Reds catcher.
Hill added a run in the fourth and one in the sixth. He hit a home run over the left field fence and singled to knock in a run.
Arizona is still 10 games under the .500 mark, but the win was something very big to build from as they attempt to claw their way back to some respectability in the National League West. The Diamondbacks currently trail the division by 13 games.
However, having won two straight and 5 of their past 10 the players are beginning to have a more positive outlook on the season and know there is still well over 100 games left to play.
