Boxscore

After the Reds lost the first game of the series, I was a little nervous that the Pirates might really sweep the series and come into a tie for first. But now the Buccos will have to hope for another series to do that, since the Reds won last night, 4-5.

Johnny Cueto started for the Reds, and it was Good Cueto this time. He went 7.2 innings with 3 runs (earned) on 6 hits and a walk. He got into a bit of a bind at the end and let two guys on. Logan Ondrusek didn’t make matters better when he came in. He promptly gave up a home run to McCutchen to allow a run of his own (earned) in addition to the inherited 2.

Sean Marshall was better when he took over. He got the next guy out to finish out the eighth with no hits, no runs, no nothin’. Aroldis Chapman closed ‘er down with a 9-pitch ninth inning, including 2 strike-outs.

The scoring was brought to you tonight by Brandon Phillips, Ryan Hannigan, and most of all by Ryan Ludwick. Ludwick went just 1-for-4, but that included 3 RBI. Joey Votto extended his hitting streak, but didn’t do much else. He didn’t have to, for a change.

The win brings the Reds’ record to 31-24 and puts them back in a 3-game lead in the NLC. Tonight they finish the series with the Pirates at 7:10 p.m. Mike Leake (2-5, 4.95 ERA) takes on Kevin Correia (2-5, 4.19 ERA).

The Reds have called up Kristopher Negron from AAA Louisville. To make room, they have optioned Mike Costanzo. The Reds point out that when Negron gets on the field, he will be the third Reds player this season to make his Major League debut, preceded by RHP J.J. Hoover and Costanzo himself.

Constanzo has not exactly torn it up with the Reds. He has hit just .056 in 18 ABs. Negron, on the other hand, has been hitting .212 for the Bats–better, but also not setting the world on fire. John Fay suggests that swapping Costanzo for Negron might be less about performance and more about flexibility: Costanzo is an infielder, but Negron is an IF/OF.

In related news, starting center fielder Drew Stubbs hurt himself when fouling off a ball in the seventh inning last night. It was bad enough that he left the game after the 8th and wasn’t immediately sure whether it would take him out of commission for any amount of time.

Here’s Jay Bruce, in the casual if futile attempt to catch the home run that Alex Presley of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit over the wall last night. This seems like a pretty unfortunate situation, but maybe if we look at it from a different perspective…

Ah yes! Bruce couldn’t catch the ball, but he did get some very heart-healthy wall climbing in for the day.

The Cincinnati Reds blog on Cincinnati.com is reporting that injured Reds are making progress in their recovery.

Right-handed pitcher Nick Masset is throwing 120 feet as part of his shoulder recovery and is reporting a pain-free experience. He’s been out with inflammation in the right shoulder. He’s still got some work to do before he’s game ready, though.

Left-handed pitcher Bill Bray is pitching in extended spring training and also reporting a pain-free experience. He’s been out with a strained left groin and an irritated disc in his back. Sounds like he’s closer to returning than Masset is, which could be interesting. With a left-handed reliever available out of the bullpen, the team’s view on Aroldis Chapman’s role could change.

The Reds third base All-Star candidate, Scott Rolen has started taking swings and grounders. He’s been out with a strained left shoulder. Rolen is a helluva guy, but I believe the Reds actually have a losing record when he starts. The value he adds doesn’t require him to be on the field, in my opinion. I wonder what’ll happen when he comes back. He’s likely to return later this month.