RHM is apparently at the game, so I'm pinch-blogging. Here are the starting lineups:

Reds:
Ryan Freel 2b
Scott Hatteberg 1b
Ken Griffey Jr. rf
Edwin Encarnación 3b
Adam Dunn lf
Alex Gonzalez ss
Josh Hamilton cf
David Ross c
Bronson Arroyo p

Rockies
Willy Taveras CF
Troy Tulowitzki ss
Matt Holliday lf
Todd Helton 1b
Garrett Atkins 3b
Brad Hawpe RF
Chris Iannetta c
Jamey Carroll 2b
Josh Fogg p

So far, the Reds are 0-2 this season when I've started the game thread, so today I'm hoping for them to snap not one, but two losing streaks.

Despite scoring seven runs, the Reds dropped their fourth game in a row yesterday to the Rockies by a score of 9-7.

Aaron Harang pretty much bit in his five plus innings of work, giving up five runs (earned) on eight hits. He did strike out eight, which is very nice, but I think we'd all be happier if he'd get his strikeouts before allowing his runs. Just something to consider.

Still, if Harang's had been the only problems with the pitching staff, the Reds would have walked away from this game with a W. Instead we're stuck singing a way-too familiar tune about the deficiencies of the bullpen.

Todd Coffey finished out the sixth and allowed a run (earned) on a hit. Victor Santos gave up three runs (earned) on four hits compared to only one out in the seventh. Brad Salmon fared better, going hitless but with two walks for the rest of the seventh plus the eighth, and Jon Coutlangus didn't let his runner score either in the ninth.

As for the scoring, Adam Dunn, Ryan Freel, Edwin Encarnación, and Scott Hatteberg provided the RBIs. EdE's came on a two-run homer in the sixth.

Young Josh Hamilton was the look-on-the-bright-side feature again this game, going 4-for-5 and scoring four the of Reds' seven runs. He got the would-be rally going in the eighth, stole a base, and had what I've read to be a superlative diving catch in center field.

Nevertheless, the game resulted in the Red's record dropping to 13-17 and the series going to the Rockies. They sit in fifth place, barely above the Cardinals and seven games back on the division-leading Brewers. They'll try to avoid the sweep today at 3:15 p.m. when Bronson Arroyo takes on the familiar Josh Fogg. Here's hoping Arroyo's got a complete game in him today.

Not only is it Cinco de Mayo, it's also the 12-year anniversary of my and the CTS's first date as well as the day my baby brother graduates from Ball State University with a degree in accounting. Not bad for an autistic kid!

Party hardy, everyone, and be safe.

Griffey just hit home run number 4 in the bottom of the fifth inning in this series opener with the Rox to make the score 2-4. Sounds like a good time to start a game thread.

YAY GRIFFEY!!!

I just heard that Gary Majewski's 19-year old sister was killed today in an accident involving a four-wheeler. I haven't seen anything official about it, but I would imagine he'll be out for several days on bereavement leave.

This is just tragic news and our hearts go out to Majewski's family and loved-ones.