Boxscore

Jerry Hairston, Jr. capped off a career-best first half of the year and celebrated by tweaking his hamstring when running to first. Cincinnati should have traded him when they had the chance.

C.C. Sabathia faced the Reds for the second time in a week or two, dominating the Reds again. Cincinnati mustered just two runs, both of which came on sacrifice flies. So much for small ball getting you victories.

Homer Bailey made his triumphant return to the big leagues, filling in for the disabled Aaron Harang. Bailey actually did well, turning in his best start of the year, of not his career. He went 5 2/3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and struck out 4. His fastball was back in the 90s, too.

Cincinnati heads to the break in 4th place. They’ve played well lately, winning 7 of their last 10, so it’ll probably delude the owner into thinking they can compete this year. I do hope they actually attempt to stockpile better talent. If their GM makes smart moves, the Reds could be a force next year. Well, assuming Dusty Baker is handed his justly deserved pink slip.

As for Milwaukee, they rebounded from two straight losses to the Reds. Sabathia proved to be the ace pitcher they traded for, stopping the losing streak and letting them pick up a game on the Cubs. Milwaukee hits the halfway mark in 3rd place, only 5 games out.