Thursday, May 23, 2002
Reitsma coming into his own
By JOE KAY
AP Sports Writer
Chris Reitsma has grown up a lot in one year. The right-hander lost 15 games as a rookie last season, when the Reds decided to take their lumps and let their young pitchers learn firsthand what it takes to pitch in the majors. So far, Reitsma seems to be a quick learner.
Reitsma, 24, has been one of the most dependable starters in the rotation this season, going 3-0 with a 2.59 ERA in nine starts. In his last six starts, he has allowed a total of seven runs.
“I'm working on a backdoor sinker that's been a good pitch for me,” Reitsma said Wednesday. “But for the most part, I'm the same as I was last year, just a little smarter with a little more experience.”
It showed in his start Tuesday night, when he went 7 2-3 innings in a 6-1 victory over Florida. The Marlins loaded the bases with one out in the fourth, but Reitsma got out of it by striking out Charles Johnson on a 93 mph fastball and Andy Fox on a 74 mph changeup.
Last season, Reitsma probably would have gotten nervous and made a mistake, setting up a big inning.
“It's just a matter that you've been in every situation before,” he said. “You take a deep breath, get your wits about you and make the pitch. It's a matter of not getting uptight, not getting nervous, knowing you're good enough that if you make the pitch, you're going to be out of it.”
Manager Bob Boone has noticed the difference.
“When he gets into a jam, instead of making mistakes, he's making his pitches,” Boone said. “Not everybody learns that lesson. Those who don't go away.
“He's been terrific. We've talked before about what we suffered through last year and we were hoping that somebody would figure it out.”
———
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Reitsma coming into his own
