Last Game
The Reds escaped San Diego with a win in their final game of the series, of the west coast road trip, of the first half. They roll into the All Star Break with a 47-38 record and in second place in the NLC behind the Pirates.
Johnny Cueto started out strong in last night’s game but didn’t end up lasting very long, pitching just 5.2 innings. He still got the win, though, which was his tenth of the season. Aroldis Chapman got the save with an excellent hitless ninth that featured 2 Ks.
Next Game
It’s the All Star Break, and finishing off the first-half with an 11-game road trip in California must make the team feel like they’ve really earned it. I feel like I’ve earned it as a fan after a couple weeks of having to stay up until 1:30 a.m. if you want to see the end of the game.
The Reds won’t play as a team again until Friday when they host the Cardinals at a decent hour: 7:10 p.m.
Home Run Derby tonight
The Home Run Derby is tonight at 8 p.m. Representing the AL will be:
- Robinson Cano
- Prince Fielder
- Jose Bautista
- Mark Trumbo
For the NL, it will be
- Matt Kemp
- Carlos Gonzalez
- Carlos Beltran
- Andrew McCutchen
Keep an eye on the #HRDerby hashtag on Twitter. MLB is encouraging participants in the derby to tweet it out.
What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
Joey Votto is the first Red elected to start an All-Star Game since Ken Griffey, Jr. in 2007. The Reds haven’t had a participant in the Home Run Derby since Ken Griffey, Jr. in 2000.