By David Jablonski
The 2014 Reds are testing the notion that pitching and defense win games. Through Monday, they ranked ninth in baseball in team ERA (3.34) and second in fielding percentage (.990).
If the hitters come around and the pitching remains consistent, the Reds defense makes them a contender because they know it’s something they can count on all season. The Reds tied for third in baseball in field percentage in 2013 (.988), finished sixth in 2012 and 2011 (.985) and tied for first in 2010 (.988). Through 25 games this season, the Reds have committed only nine errors.
“They work hard on it,” Reds manager Bryan Price said Tuesday. “I think it’s one of those things that isn’t talked about a lot at the end of the day, but I think these guys in particular take a great deal of pride in their defense.”
The Reds starting outfielders — left fielder Ryan Ludwick, center fielder Billy Hamilton and right fielder Jay Bruce — have handled 108 chances without committing an error. Second baseman Brandon Phillips has only one error in 111 chances.
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