The Reds allowed the Brewers to tie up the series at ones on Saturday with a 3-6 loss in Milwaukee.

Justin Germano, the half of of the Joe Randa booty that wasn't traded for Eddie Guardado, pitched almost well. He pitched five and two thirds innings, allowing four runs (earned) on eight hits and two walks. He struck out eight. That's Elizardo Ramirez territory, baby!

Jason Standridge earned his “Strandridge” nickname when he finished out the sixth inning, but he gave up a home run in his one out of the seventh. Brian Shackelford struck out the next batter and David Weathers closed out the seventh without a hit.

Gary Majewski gave up a run (earned) on two hits in the eighth. Sigh.

I know that a lot of people think that Edwin Encarnación ought to be playing every day, but consider this: Rich Aurilia and Scott Hatteberg each contributed one of the team's three RBI yesterday. If either of them had sat, the team would have lost by even more. And since Aurilia has played ONLY first or third base throughout his career, there really is just no other choice.

Ack! Sarcasm gland overloaded!

The loss brings the Reds' record to 55-49. They'll try to make it a winning season and a winning road trip today as Aaron Harang takes on Ben Sheets.