ByThe latest podcast installment comes from the game the Cincinnati Reds played against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Memorial Day this week. It was our first trip out to visit the Pirates’ beautiful park, and we discuss that during an abbreviated 8th inning show.
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It’s not usually Pittsburgh where you talk about choking. That’s more of a Chicago thing.
Apparently one guy didn’t get that message yesterday when he inhaled a “monster piece” of steak at a downtown restaurant and found himself on the receiving end of the Heimlich Maneuver administered by none other than Todd Frazier. From John Fay’s story:
“We’re just eating there, talking,” Frazier said. “I looked in the corner of my eye. I said, ‘Ludwick, I think that guy’s choking.’ Next thing I know there’s two ladies one on each side, trying to pop it out…I ran over there and said, ‘let me try it.’ I tried it twice. It popped out. It was monster piece.”
It just goes to show: never send two civilian women to do a major league third baseman’s job. My favorite quote, though, was the one at the end:
“It was weird. We just went back to eating. He went back to eating too. I don’t know if I could have.”
Which begs the question: did he eat the piece that got lodged in his throat? Because he should have gotten it autographed.
ByOver Memorial Day weekend, we traveled down to Pittsburgh to visit PNC Park for the first time. The park is as beautiful as advertised. Having now made it to all 6–for now–of the National League Central stadiums, I’d have to rank PNC as the second-nicest. The Reds’ park is number one, thanks to the constant care and attention to detail from the Castellini ownership group.
Here’s a shot of the park from our seats in right field.
The other NLC parks.
By| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reds | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 12 | 1 |
| Pirates | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
After a lengthy rain delay, the Reds and Pirates finally took the field around 9 p.m. for the second in their three-game series. It made for a late night, but a happy result for Reds fans as the Reds took it 8-1.
Homer Baily started and ended for the Reds, turning in his second career complete game. In 9 innings of work he allowed 1 run (earned) on 4 hits and a walk. The outing improves his record to 4-3.
There was plenty of offensive action to go around for the Reds, with all these guys getting one or more hits:
Bruce went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI. Frazier when 2-for-3 with 2 RBI. Even Bailey went 2-for-3 with 1 RBI.
The win brings the Reds record to 28-21 and extends their first-place lead. The series is decided tonight at 7:05 p.m. when Johnny Cueto (5-2, 2.53 ERA) takes on A.J. Burnett (3-2, 4.19 ERA).
ByLast Game
The Reds brought the series even with an 8-1 win over the Pirates last night. The game was delayed by weather, but they didn’t do the start-and-stop thing, allowing Homer Bailey to get his second career complete game.
Next Game
The rubber match happens tonight at 7:05 p.m. Johnny Cueto (5-2, 2.53 ERA) takes on A.J. Burnett (3-2, 4.19 ERA). The light-hitting Pirates could be a good springboard for a struggling Cueto.
MLB Draft
Next Monday, baseball goes the way of football and tries to convince television watchers that 150 front office guys playing with the lives of teens and 20-somethings is worth tuning in for. To make the first-year player draft more palatable, the Reds have enlisted Sean Casey to be their representative. The Reds will select 14th, 49th, 57th, 78th, 109th, and 142nd.
What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
Homer Bailey, Jay Bruce, Mike Leake, Devin Mesoraco, and Drew Stubbs were all selected in the first round of the draft.
