The Reds have been playing so well lately, that a couple losses in a row is a shadow of a reminder of what September baseball has been for Reds fans for the last ten years (the fact that Aaron Harang was part of the problem notwithstanding).

For the Cardinals series, I kinda had other plans. I guess that’s pretty telling in itself. Friday and Saturday we were using up the last of our Indianapolis Indians ticket package, though we did catch the first four innings of Saturday’s game from the TGIFriday’s across the street from the stadium.

Isn’t it sad that the minor league season is already over? I have been so disappointed with how fast this summer has gone, especially because even while it was happening I was wishing I could spend more time outside. But with it being hotter than the devil’s drawers out there, there hasn’t been much choice than to sit in the basement and try not to melt.

There are many good reasons to consider global climate change and try to stop it, but the inability to enjoy baseball outside is the most poignant for me right now.

Sunday we hosted a cookout while we took in the last game of the series, and while I did make a point to sit in front of the t.v. for at least a few innings, the reality of hosting a cookout is that you’re up and about a lot. And with a game as memorable as Sunday’s (right now I actually can’t remember any of it), there isn’t a lot of incentive to make the kids get their own damn Capri Sun.

After the game, though, I do remember the quiet realization that it didn’t really bother me that the Reds had lost the series. After all, the Cardinals certainly needed it more; it’s no wonder they were after it so hard.

Even today, after watching a million stranded runners and the crapitude that the Reds’ pitching delivered to provide the rather score of 5-10, I’m just beginning to remember how it used to be, with the broadcasters trying to find yet another way to say, “maybe tomorrow.”

Well, maybe tomorrow, indeed, but it doesn’t have the grim ring it has in years past. I’ve got nothing standing in the way of taking in the game in all its glory tomorrow. Let’s see a good one.

Boxscore

The Louisville Bats, the AAA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, are still in the hunt for a playoff spot in the International League. Last night, we caught their game against the Indianapolis Indians, the AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, to see how they would fare now that the Reds have called up so many of their best players. The answer was: very well.

The offense charged out of the gate, scoring six times in the top of the first. But Bats starter Tom Cochran allowed the Indians to halve the lead in the bottom of the first. Cochran lasted just four innings, thanks to a pitch count of 95.

The bullpen wasn’t perfect, allowing 3 more runs, but the Bats were up to the task and scored 10 more runs over the rest of the game.

The Bats warming up before the game.

Shortstop prospect Zach Cozart stretching during pregame.

Tom Cochran pitching to the Indians. Despite the offensive outburst, he didn’t get the win. He was removed after 4 innings, having allowed 3 runs.

Todd Frazier batting and on his way to a 3-hit, 4-RBI night.

The win puts the Bats 1/2 game out of first place and 1 game ahead in the wild card standings.

I was wearing my Joey Votto jersey at the game, and I saw not one, not two, but three (Ah! Ah! Ah) other Votto jerseys. He’d definitely getting some fans all the way in Indianapolis.

Sorry this is so late, everyone. I had to register myself before I could feel good about posting it here 😛

Register now for your chance to purchase tickets for potential Cincinnati Reds Postseason games to be held at Great American Ball Park! Registration ends on September 9, 2010 at noon ET for the Division Series and will remain open for the National League Championship Series and World Series.

As part of a continuing effort to make tickets available to as many Reds fans as possible, the online drawing gives fans additional chances to experience October baseball in Cincinnati. Since there are a limited number of Postseason tickets available through this opportunity, applicants must fill out and submit a registration form to participate in this opportunity to purchase. In order to be eligible for this opportunity, you must be eighteen (18) years of age or older at the time of entry.

Fans will be randomly selected from the registration and sent directions on how to purchase tickets for each round. A random drawing will be held on or about September 10, 2010 to determine Division Series winners. Winners will be notified via e-mail and will have from Tuesday, September 14 at 9:00 a.m. ET to Wednesday, September 15 at 11:59 p.m. ET to purchase tickets.

Only fans that have completed the Ticket Opportunity form and have been selected to participate will have the ability to purchase tickets. Notification of selection and receipt of email does not guarantee tickets for any of the games. Tickets will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

See the lovely email that Reds.com sent, in all it’s marketing-message glory.