Johan, Johan, Johan.
A complete-game shutout. A demand to stay in the game and finish it out in the 9th. His first career home run. Awesome.
Johan was far from dominant, striking out only five and walking three. But the offensive power that is the Reds barely had a sniff of a chance to score. He held the Reds to only three hits, one coming in the first and another coming in the 9th.
He also helped his own cause with his first career home run, clanging one off the right field foul pole in the third inning. He was pumped, saluting the crowd as he walked backed to the dugout.
It was one of the most exciting games of the season, I thought. The offense did just enough to support Johan's gem. I was worried going into the 9th, but I was glad Santana stayed on the mound - and then demanded that he stay in the game to finish it out.
All around, one of the best games of the season. Welcome to the second half.
