Boxscore

West Coast Sweep?

The Cincinnati Reds swept the Los Angeles Dodgers. On the road.

That’s right, the Reds traveled to the west coast–the coast that has derailed so many seasons in the past–and may just have re-railed their season.

Travis Wood started today, pitching 6 innings of 1-run baseball. He allowed 5 hits and walked one, but was good/lucky enough to keep the Dodgers from ever scoring more than once. I’d say that’s the power of good defense, right there.

The bullpen was more than up to the challenge after that, with Jose Arredondo, Bill Bray, and Nick Massett never letting the Dodgers creep closer.

The offense was represented primarily by something that’s been missing most of the season: Scott Rolen’s bat. Rolen went 3-5 and drove in 3 of the Reds’ 7 runs. Fred Lewis and Ryan Hanigan each drove in a pair, as well. Hopefully, manager Dusty Baker can keep Rolen healthy and sharp for the rest of the season.

And a defensive gold star has to be given to Jonny Gomes, who had his best defensive game of the season. You can view his impressive magic trick of turning a double into an out here.