Walks, high pitch counts catching up to Finnegan

PHILADELPHIA — Reds starting pitcher Brandon Finnegan threw 43 strikes and 42 balls in his outing vs. the Phillies on Friday. Finnegan also issued five walks among those 85 pitches. Rarely is that a recipe for victory.

Although initially unscathed, Finnegan’s lack of command caught up with him during a three-run fourth inning for a 3-2 Reds loss to Philadelphia.

“He knows he can’t walk five in four innings and have success,” Reds acting manager Jim Riggleman said.

Finnegan’s night was condensed into four innings as he gave up three earned runs and four hits with four strikeouts. Two of the hits came on bunts. The five walks equal the career high he previously set on April 11 against the Cubs.

“It was pretty obvious that I didn’t have a feel for anything,” Finnegan said. “At the same, you’ve got to squeeze a lot out of a few pitches.”

There were no clean innings as Finnegan had runners on base each time. He also had some good fortune. After his first batter of the night, Odubel Herrera, walked in the first inning, Finnegan picked him off as he tried to steal. Following a bunt hit, he induced Maikel …

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