The last time he pitched – in his first start with the Cincinnati Reds – right-hander Lisalverto Bonilla was a hero.
The night before, the Reds had been forced to cover 17 innings against the San Francisco Giants. Then Bonilla turned in a complete game. Sure, it was in a losing effort, but the 26-year-old’s rearguard action saved the bullpen to fight another day.
Friday against the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park, the Reds needed a similar performance even more than before. Instead, Bonilla lasted just an out past the fifth. Reds manager Bryan Price had to pitch relievers he never wanted to touch, and leave them in longer than he felt was wise.