TCU alum Brandon Finnegan finds groove in past two starts

Cincinnati Reds left-hander Brandon Finnegan is figuring it out. The former Fort Worth Southwest High School and TCU star hasn’t allowed a run in his past two starts, including Thursday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

Finnegan improved to 7-8 with the 7-0 win after holding St. Louis to two hits over six innings. He held the Cards hitless through four innings and walked none for the first time since May 18.

Finnegan, 23, is in his first full season as a major league starter. He has encountered some rough patches, including a stretch between June 30 and July 24 when he allowed at least five runs in three of four starts.

He has learned from veteran teammates on how to deal with the growing pains of an up-and-down season.

“How they got through it, how they got out of it,” he told Cincinnati.com.

“Just keep that level head. Everybody goes through it. There’s always stuff to work on.”

Finnegan has a 4.45 ERA in  123 1/3 innings with 90 strikeouts in 22 starts.

Hometown notables

▪ Mariners right-hander Nate Karns (Arlington Martin) was placed on the disabled list with a lower back strain on July 30.

▪ Giants outfielder Hunter Pence (Arlington High, UT Arlington) hit safely in his first five games after returning from the DL on July 30 before an 0 for 3 Friday.

▪ Right-hander Preston Morrison (TCU) has allowed two earned runs in his first two starts since being promoted to High A Myrtle Beach (Cubs). Morrison has allowed 10 hits, one walk and struck out 13 in the two starts.

▪ Phillies infielder Taylor Featherston (TCU) is 1 for 13 with two walks and two runs scored since being called up July 26.

▪ Right-hander Andrew Cashner (TCU) allowed one earned run on four hits over six innings in his first start for the Marlins after being traded from the Padres.

▪ Cubs right-hander Jake Arrieta (TCU) allowed four home runs in five July starts after allowing four total the first three months of the season.

▪ Triple A Round Rock infielder Kyle Kubitza (Colleyville Heritage) had a four-game hitting streak that included four runs scored.

▪ Red Sox catcher/outfielder Blake Swihart (born in Bedford) received a second opinion on his sprained left ankle that has kept him off the field for two months.

This story was originally published August 5, 2016 at 2:54 PM with the headline "TCU alum Brandon Finnegan finds groove in past two starts."