Diamondbacks Josh Collmenter shuts out the Reds
By Matt Fisher
He faced the minimum number of batters, but Josh Collmenter’s name would not be joining Randy Johnson’s in the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Perfect Club. He did, however, get the complete game shut out, and that is pretty elite company to be in, as it is.
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On top of facing the minimum number of hitters in a complete game, Collmenter also pitched a “Maddux Game.” A “Maddux Game” is a complete game shut out pitched on less than 100 pitches. Collmenter did it in ninety-four pitches and was helped out hugely by his defense. He gave up three hits, but each time his defense bailed him out with double plays, including one turned to end the game. The type of efficiency that Collmenter displayed was astounding, as his pitch count per inning ranged from a ridiculous six-pitch inning to an inning that lasted just sixteen pitches.
The Diamondbacks’ catcher for the night, Tuffy Gosewisch, told MLB.com that it was a combination of efficiency and command with Collmenter’s fastball and some poor contact from the Reds’ hitters.
"I think he made quality strikes and got contact, got bad contact. They hit a few balls hard, and we played great defense, turned a double play here or there. He was very efficient with fastball location and was able to miss the barrel a lot tonight."
Reds’ manager Bryan Price affirmed as much, giving credit where it was due to the 28-year old, but also acknowledging that his hitters just haven’t been performing at the plate. The last six games confirm that – the Reds have scored three runs or less in each of the last six games and have been shutout six times this season already.
For Collmenter, the 4-0 victory over the Reds was one of the best pitching performances of his career. His final line reads 9.0 innings pitched, 3H, 0ER, and 5 strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 3.34.