Boxscore

The Reds were rolling along early in this game and then made such a flub in the eighth to lose the lead that it seemed impossible that they could come back to win. The ninth was snatching victory from the jaws of defeat time, though, and the Reds completed the sweep of the Astros.

Homer Bailey put in an excellent start for the Reds, as he’s been wont to do lately. In 7.0 innings of work, he allowed 0 runs on 4 hits and 5 walks. That walk number is perhaps a touch high, but he also struck out 7, so that’s something.

Bailey seemed to be in line for his fifth win in as many starts, but then Logan Ondrusek came in to start the eighth. In the next .2 innings he gave up 3 runs (2 earned) on 3 hits. Plus, the defense behind him suffered a major brain fart, and the run that took the lead came on a play that featured 2 of the Reds’ 4 errors of the night.

Sean Marshall came in to finish the eighth, and for once, I don’t object to Dusty Baker putting him in for just one out. He stopped the bleeding and didn’t allow so much as a hit, setting up the Reds to retake the lead and give him the win. Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth and allowed 0 runs on 1 hit.

Drew Stubbs took a double turn at being the hero last night and repeated his performance from the day before. Xavier Paul started off the top of the ninth against Fransisco Cordero with a double. Chris Heisey struck out, but Brandon Phillips walked. When Zack Cozart struck out, it was looking pretty bleak. But then Stubbs smacked a double to center to bring in Paul and Phillips and take the lead. Jay Bruce later hit him in for an insurance run.

The win brings the Reds’ record to 58-40. They have the day off today to relish their 7-game winning streak in Colorado before facing the Rockies tomorrow.