There was a pretty large crowd on hand for a day game, and it was even on tv, but I think most everyone could have done with seeing less of this stinker. The Reds were behind early and it just never got better till it was over with a score of 8-4.
Homer Bailey started for the Reds and just couldn’t last very long. In 4.0 innings pitched he allowed 5 runs (4 earned) on 7 hits and a walk. Alfredo Simon (2.0 IP), Bill Bray (1.0 IP), and Logan Ondrusek (1.0 IP) were scoreless, but Jose Arredondo really struggled in the ninth. With 2 outs in the inning, he loaded the bases and walked in 2 runs before Sam LeCure came in to get the last out.
Even without the scoring in the ninth, though, the Reds offense had not been able to put together enough against Zack Greinke to contend with the Brewers. Ryan Ludwick had 2 hits and they were home runs no less, but there was no one on. The other 2 RBI belonged to Brandon Phillips, who later left the game after getting a knee to the head from a sliding runner, and Miguel Cairo, who filled in for him at second.
The loss brings the Reds’ record to 41-33. It was the last home game before the All-Star break as the team heads out to the west coast for some seriously jetlagged baseball. Tonight they take on the Giants at AT&T Park in San Francisco, and they’re putting their best foot forward. Johnny Cueto (9-3, 2.21 ERA) takes on Madison Bumgarner (9-4, 3.10 ERA) at 10:15 p.m. ET
Posted in Game Wrap. Comments Off on Game 74: Brewers 8, Reds 4
Last Game
It was a most disappointing loss for the Reds yesterday afternoon at the hands of the Brewers. Homer Bailey didn’t exactly get shelled, but he wasn’t excellent either and he didn’t stick around very long. Zack Greinke for the Brewers was much better, and it showed in the final score of 8-4.
Next Game
The dreaded west coast trip begins. Without so much as a day off to adjust, the Reds go visit the San Francisco Giants this very evening. Johnny Cueto (9-3, 2.21 ERA) challenges Madison Bumgarner (9-4, 3.10 ERA). It looks like a pretty even match-up, but Bumgarner has been giving up a lot of fly balls. Maybe the Reds can capitalize on that. First pitch at 10:15 p.m. ET.
Rock the Vote
Today is the final day of All-Star voting. Joey Votto has his position tied up: in fact, he has more votes than anyone else in the NL. As of the vote tally MLB released on Tuesday, though, Brandon Phillips needed to make up about 800,000 worth of ground in order to overtake Dan Uggla. That’s not impossible, but it does need everyone to turn out and cast their ballots.
Click here to have your voice heard. You can vote 25 times per email address, and it really doesn’t take that long.
What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
Phillips makes plays every day that make him a deserving All Star, but there’s also a reason it would be a gift: today is his birthday. Here’s the Billboard top song the day he was born: he really is the one that we love, isn’t he?
Posted in Daily Briefs. Comments Off on Daily Brief: Go west, young men
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