Team	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Astros (43-95)	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	5	9	0
Reds (83-56)	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	3	10	2

Boxscore

Aroldis Chapman blew his first save in a long time last night, letting the Houston Astros defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-3.

Of course, if this is like the last time Chapman realized he was mortal, he’ll quickly forget it and move on to another string of 20 or more saves in a row. Which should hopefully take the team straight through the World Series. Yes, I can get behind the idea of no more blown saves until next year.

The blown save was unfortunate in many ways. The Reds lost to a crappy team and were unable to add a game to their lead over the St. Louis Cardinals, who lost in extras. Also, it made Homer Bailey unable to get his career-high 11th win. After struggling in the first inning, he settled down and had himself a very solid outing, allowing 2 runs–all in the first–on 5 hits and 1 walk while striking out 9.

Of course, if the Reds’ offense hadn’t disappeared against the Astros, Chapman never would’ve been in the position to be holding a 1 run lead. After Bailey spotted the Astros 2 runs in the top of the first, the Reds came right back. Brandon Phillips and Chris Heisey reached on singles, and then Joey Votto walked. Next, Ryan Ludwick drove in Phillips and Heisey with a single to left field.

Unfortunately, the scoring stopped there, thanks to a Jay Bruce line out and a Todd Frazier double play. Oh, what could have been.

The Reds took the lead in the 5th when Bruce drove in Heisey. But they were never able to increase the lead from 1 run.

The Reds try again this evening when they send Bronson Arroyo against Bud Norris at 7:10pm EDT. And they better win this time because I’ll be in attendance.