Hader dominates Reds with 8 K’s

Cincinnati ~ On Monday night in Cincinnati, Brewers reliever Josh Hader put himself in the national spotlight. Hader faced nine batters, threw thirty-seven pitches, and struck out EIGHT. In Hader’s fourth two-inning save, all of his outs came via the punch out, in a much-needed win for the Brew Crew, their first in five games.

After coming into the ball game for Brandon Woodruff with one out in the eighth inning Hader simply dominated the Reds line up. He started his night by facing Joey Votto, arguably the best hitter in the game, and struck him out in just three pitches with two sliders and a fastball. Hader struck out Scott Shebler in four pitches to retire the side in the seventh.

Eugenio Suarez struck out on four pitches to lead off the eighth inning before Hader allowed his only base runner. He lost his command for a short while when he walked Tucker Barnhart. He then struck out Alex Blandino and Adam Duvall, on three pitches, to end the inning.

Hader hadn’t pitched since Wednesday, against Kansas City, so manager Craig Counsell allowed him to stay in the game. Josh said he felt really good and fresh, and that he knew he was going to finish the game for Milwaukee.

The ninth looked like it could be a challenge for Hader, as he would face Votto again if he allowed a base runner. He wouldn’t allow that to happen.

To lead off the inning, speedster Billy Hamilton struck out on a foul tip bunt. Jesse Winker was the next victim, and after that Jose Peraza struck out to end the ball game.

Counsell said that he didn’t expect Hader to finish off the game, but it was definitely a help to the rest of the ‘pen.

When asked how he thought his performance went, Hader responded, ” Fun, A lot of fun. ”

Hader has now struck out a whopping 39 batters in 19 innings.

By Jacob Szczap