Luis Castillo threw his third straight gem Tuesday, allowing two hits and no runs while striking out eight in seven innings. The Reds beat the Miami Marlins 14-0 to end an eight-game losing streak, so the offense was the story. However, the best story of a so-far disappointing season has been Castillo, who picked up his first victory while lowering his season ERA to 0.92.
“He was commanding his fastball,” said bench coach Freddie Benavides, who was serving as acting manager while David Bell served a one-game suspension. “The changeup he’s got is devastating at times. He was on tonight. It was good to see.”
Castillo allowed one run in 5 2/3 innings in a 5-3 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Opening Day. He allowed one earned run in seven innings against the Milwaukee Brewers in his second start, but the Reds lost 1-0. He has struck out 25 batters in three games.
“I’m just going through a good time,” Castillo said. “Thank, God. He allows me to be in good shape. I’m just enjoying what’s happening right now.
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Castillo looks like the pitcher who was 3-7 with a 3.12 ERA in 15 starts in 2017. Last year, he was 10-12 with a 4.30 ERA in 31 starts.
“You saw him a couple years ago when he had the good run, and then he finished really strong last season,” Benavides said. “The last two months, he was outstanding. He’s just carrying it on to this season. Hopefully, the guy is turning into a No. 1.”
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