It doesn’t happen often, but Cincinnati Reds Manager David Bell will walk to the mound when the starting pitcher is in a jam, have a brief conversation and walk back to the dugout with the starter still on the mound.
Graham Ashcraft received that opportunity in the seventh inning Thursday. Pitching with a two-run lead, a runner on third base and slugger Jesús Aguilar at the plate, Ashcraft had an opportunity to reward his manager’s trust.
It was a big moment for the 24-year-old Ashcraft, who surrendered a two-run homer to Aguilar in the third inning. It was his 12th career start and a chance to reward his manager’s trust.