Aroldis Chapman Tops 100 MPH, but Diamondbacks Outlast Reds in 15 Innings

The Cincinnati Reds and Arizona Diamondbacks had a good old fashioned pitcher’s duel in a four and a half hour, 15 inning game on July 28th.  There were just 14 hits between the two teams, which was tied 1-1 until the top of the 15th, when Diamondbacks rookie shortstop Nick Ahmed, who was hitting just .214 coming into the game, drove in what turned out to be the winning run with a single to left center.  The Reds have lost nine of 10 since the All Star Break. And have dropped in six games back in the National League Central race.

The Reds brought closer Aroldis Chapman into the game to pitch the ninth inning in a non save situation with the score tied.  Chapman is well known for his hard throwing, and that was on display as he struck out the side in the inning.  Chapman hit 103 miles per hour on five pitches and 104 on another:

Back in spring training, Chapman was hit in the head with a line drive, and he missed the first six weeks of the season.  Since returning in mid May, he’s converted 22 of 24 save opportunities and has a 2.23 ERA, which would be closer to 1.00 if he hadn’t given up four earned runs in one appearance in June.  Chapman has been a strikeout machine, fanning 66 in 32 1/3 innings pitched.  He now has at least one strikeout  in 44 consecutive appearances, a record for relief pitchers.