After leaving Bronson Arroyo hanging on Saturday, the offense showed up for Elizardo Ramirez this afternoon, giving him a 4-2 win over the Indians.
The Lizard lasted six and one-third innings, allowing two runs (earned) on seven hits and one walk, earning him his third win of the season. Honestly, though, he's earned far more than three wins.
Chris Hammond, the one-or-two-batter-specialist, worked one an two-thirds innings, allowing zero runs on one hit. Todd Coffey had a bad-ass ninth, working three easy ground outs. He threw five pitches.
Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey, Jr. each hit two-run homers in the fourth inning to provide the Reds' RBI. All but three Reds had hits today, which is a refreshing change of pace. The three Reds who went hitless, Ryan Freel, Brandon Phillips, and Austin Kearns each had a walk, so every starter was on base at some point.
Like yesterday's game, I couldn't watch today's game either. This time I can't blame Fox, though: I had to make myself scarce while my Realtor® hosted an open house. Two people came, which is two more than I expected, so I'm psyched about that.
The win brings the Reds' record to 41-35 and gives them a winning road trip. Thanks to a rough patch for the St. Louis Cardinals, our boys are just two games out of first place in the NLC. They take Monday off before starting a homestand against the Kansas City Royals. Eric Milton takes on Mike Wood.