Boxscore

Last night the Reds lost a game to the Pirates 5-4 in extra innings.

Mike Leake took the mound for the Reds and gave an adequate performance. He allowed 4 runs (earned) over 7 innings of work on 7 hits. He was relieved by Sean Marshall, who worked an inning hitless, and then Jose Arredondo who did the same. Typical Reds relievers this year.

The surprise was when Aroldis Chapman came in to pitch the 10th and simply wasn’t on. He promptly gave up a long automatic double to Clint Barmes (AVG:sub-Mendoza) to bust up his 8.2 inning hitless streak. Then Michael McKenry (AVG:sub-Mendoza) knocked in Barmes to bust up Chapman’s 24 game, 29-inning scoreless streak.

Apparently the Reds offense was so surprised by this turn of events that they forgot to score in the bottom of the tenth and let the Pirates walk away with it. Joey Votto did his part, of course. He was 3-for-5 on the night and started the bottom of the 10th with a double. Jay Bruce had a notable night, too, with 2 RBI including a solo shot in the 2nd and 2 walks including one in the 10th.

Ryan Ludwick, though, was the offensive hero for most of the game. He had two home runs: one in the 5th inning and one in the 9th, both of which tied the game. Unfortunately, the luster on that performance was darkened by the fact that he watched strike three go right past him to end the game.

The loss brings the Reds’ record to 31-25. Though the Reds remain in first place by two games over the now-tied Pirates and Cardinals, it’s not a good sign when you lose a game:

• in extra innings at home
• that gives you a series loss
• where the guy who got the save is named “POSER” backward

Tonight the Reds hope for better luck against the Detroit Tigers. Bronson Arroyo (2-4, 3.91 ERA) defends the mound against Rick Porcello (3-4, 4.86 ERA). First pitch at 7:10 p.m.