Boxscore

Everything was following the script we’re used to. The Cincinnati Reds were down late, and in the 8th, the offense got to work. Joey Votto hit a solo shot. And then Scott Rolen, still rockin’ that cleanup slot, followed Votto with his own solo home run to tie the game.

Unfortunately, the New York Mets were paying attention in the series opener when the Reds won in their last at bat. So the Mets did their best Reds imitation when Mets catcher Rod Barajas homered in the 9th off the Reds Francisco Cordero. After a punchless 9th for the Reds offense, the ball game was over.

Bronson Arroyo started for the Reds and was adequate. He pitched 7 innings and allowed runs on 7 hits, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. A better start from him would have gotten the Reds a win. Sadly, this offense can’t be expected to score much more than 4 runs each night.

Upstaged, the Reds do still have a chance to win the series Wednesday afternoon. Tune in to see if they take–and hold–an early lead!