Daily Archives: August 10, 2012

August 10, 2012

Reds’ loss streak continues amid plans to retire Larkin’s number

By
Amanda
Posted at 12:31 pm

Last Game
When the Reds rolled into Chicago last night, they brought with them a 4-game losing streak. But the Cubs had a shiny 8-game losing streak. Someone was going home with a broken streak, and this time it was the Cubs.

Mike Leake matched the Cubs’ Chris Volstad inning for inning: each put in 6.0 innings of work and allowed 3 runs (earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks. But those were the only runs the Reds’ offense could muster, whereas the Cubs managed 2 more against the Reds relievers.

Not a stellar show from the pitching staff, but again I’m left asking: where the heck is the offense? Final score: Reds 3, Cubs 5.

Next Game
The Reds try again to break their now-5-game losing streak this afternoon. Homer Bailey (RHP, 9-7, 3.98 ERA) tries his arm against Justin Germano (RHP, 1-1, 3.38 ERA). Bailey’s been struggling lately, and about now I’m wondering whether the Reds can avoid being swept in the 4-game series.

we need more pictures of Barry LarkinTaking It to 11, and Then Retiring It
The Reds have announced plans to retire number 11, the jersey number of Barry Larkin, who was also inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame this year. The “11 Days of Larkin” number-retiring celebration begins next week and will include:

  • Highlights of Larkin’s career being featured on FOX Sports Ohio, Reds On Radio Network, and reds.com.
  • Free admission to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum to everyone named Barry.
  • Half-price admission to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum to anyone wearing a Larkin shirt.
  • Special Larkin-related displays and merchandise at the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum.
  • Free Barry Larkin Reds cap to the first 20,000 fans at the game on Saturday, August 18.
  • Cymber Larkin singing the national anthem at the game on Friday, August 24, plus Barry Larkin addressing fans after the game but before the “Barry Blast” post-game fireworks show.
  • Block party on the afternoon of August 25, then the retirement ceremony later that day.

Frankly, the list gets kind of long so I didn’t include everything. For the whole list, check out the press release on Reds.com.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
Barry Larkin got his first career hit on August 15, 1986 against Dave Dravecky of the San Diego Padres.

Posted in Daily Briefs.
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August 10, 2012

Game 112: Reds 3, Cubs 5

By
Zeldink
Posted at 10:53 am

Team123456789RHE
Reds (66-46)200100000381
Cubs (44-66)10000202-571
W: Camp (3-5) L: Marshall (4-4) S: Marmol (14)

Boxscore

Sometimes, I’m not sure who’s more infuriating. After last night’s loss, Jocketty is edging out Baker.

The Cincinnati Reds continued going off the rails on their losing train last night, losing to the Chicago Cubs. Entering the game, both teams had losing streaks. I didn’t expect the Cubs’ streak to be the one to end. This is the Reds’ 5th consecutive loss, and their longest losing streak of the season.

Mike Leake started for Cincinnati and turned in a quality start: 6 innings and 3 runs. He also allowed 6 hits, walked 2, and struck out 5. The bullpen was ineffective for a second straight night, though, allowing 2 more runs in the 8th.

The Reds took the lead early, with Zack Cozart leading off the game with his 13th home run. Another run scored when a Ryan Ludwick ground out scored Drew Stubbs. The Reds stopped scoring in the 4th after Todd Frazier hit his 14th home run. But it wasn’t enough to get the win.

Winning streaks gloss over weaknesses of a team. It’s unfortunate that the Reds’ last streak coincided with the non-waiver trading deadline. General Manager Walt Jocketty has already shown his preference of inactivity. That combined with the team playing so well hid the black hole of ineptitude that manager Dusty Baker has available to him every game on his bench. Jocketty has given Baker nothing, and it showed last night, when Wilson Valdez batted in the 9th with a runner on and grounded into a double play to kill any chance of a comeback. That’s not the batter you want in that situation, but the Reds had no one better on the bench.

Joey Votto can’t come back soon enough.

The Reds try to stop the bleeding and maintain their 2 1/2 game lead over the Pittsburgh Pirates this afternoon. Homer Bailey will start against former Red Justin Germano at 2:20pm EDT.

Posted in Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Game Wrap, NL Central.
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