Last Game
The Reds beat the Pirates 4-0 to guarantee at least a tie in the 4-game series. Bronson Arroyo pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings, and the offense gave him 4 runs to work with. The bullpen didn’t blow the lead this time, but it did take 2 pitchers to get one out in the 8th and an arguably unnecessary appearance by Francisco Cordero in the 9th. With the win–and a later Cardinals loss–the Reds move back into sole possession of first place.

Next Game
The Reds wrap up their 4 games with the Pirates and have a chance to win the series. Johnny Cueto will start, hopefully blister-free, against Charlie Morton at 7:05pm EDT.

Transactions from Yesterday
Paul Janish was placed on the bereavement list yesterday for the passing of his grandmother. Our thoughts are with him. Drew Sutton was called up to take his place on the roster.

In other sad news, pitcher Justin Lehr will have to undergo Tommy John surgery and is done for the year. He put in a few solid innings for the Reds last year, and it’s a shame he won’t be able to work his way back to the club in 2010. Hopefully, he’ll come back stronger for 2011.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
Four Reds players have made their Major League debut so far this year: Logan Ondrusek, Mike Leake, Chris Heisey, and Enerio Del Rosario.