For a Major League debut – a win is a win. He didn’t dominate – but he didn’t implode when the Reds put the pressure on and made it through five innings while watching his offense pound out 11 runs for the eventual victory.
More from Padres News
- Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
- Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
- Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
- Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
- This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster
Brandon Phillips started things off with a double not even giving Colin Rea the courtesy of a game ball to commemorate his first MLB pitch. He rebounded by inducing a pitcher to shortstop to first double play and calm things down. He then got Reds power hitter Todd Frazier to fly out and end the inning. The Padres scored three in the bottom of the first inning to give their rookie pitcher a lead and he headed out for the second inning. Often rookie pitchers have a tough time keeping their intensity when given a lead. How would Rea respond?
The next six Reds hitters he faced he retired and by the end of 3 the score was Padres 11, Reds 0. That will calm some nerves.
The fourth inning saw a few cracks emerge with back-to-back doubles and bring home the first run for the Reds, but he ended the threat with a strikeout and keep the Reds at bay.
His fifth inning would be his final inning of the night as Todd Barnhart started it off with a double. After inducing a groundout Billy Hamilton singled to center and plate another run for the Reds. Brandon Phillips singled for his second hit of the night and Billy Hamilton had to wait at third for a moment before being driven home by a sacrifice fly. Joey Votto struck out swinging to end the inning and the evening for Rea.
Final tally for Rea: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 R/ER, 1 B, 4K.
All in all it was good to see some fresh blood on the mound for the Padres, showing us that the Padres prospect cupboard isn’t completely bare.
More from Friars on Base
- Jurickson Profar free agency update likely rules out Padres reunion
- Fernando Tatis Jr. may not take to outfield move after Xander Bogaerts addition
- Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. trade rumors, Seth Lugo chase, Manny Machado
- Padres barely missed out on high-end veteran starting pitcher
- This veteran DH target seems ideal for contending Padres roster