Boxscore

The Reds ensured the series win last night by beating the Indians 3-5.

Mat Latos pitched on short rest to fill in for the sicky-poo Mike Leake. In 7.0 innings, Latos allowed 2 runs (earned) on 7 hits and a walk. I wouldn’t mind seeing that every time out.

Sean Marshall took over in the eighth and didn’t allow a hit. The guy who usurped him in the closer role, Aroldis Chapman, took over in the ninth and did allow a hit: a home run. Fortunately for Chapman, one home run was all they got, and that wasn’t enough to blow the save. It does, however, start a streak of three straight appearances where Chapman has allowed earned runs.

It was pretty much smooth sailing on the offensive front. Brandon Phillips assumed his usual Cleveland killer role and went 3-for-3 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. I wonder what the Phillips trade looks like from the Indians’ point of view.

Meanwhile, Joey Votto assumed his usual everyone killer role and went 2-for-3 with a walk. Chris “Hi-C” Heisey and Ryan Hannigan also had hits. Jay Bruce and Ryan Ludwick provided the other two RBI. Wilson Valdez went 0-fer.

The win brings the Reds’ record to 34-27 and extends their lead over the second-place Pirates to 2.0 games. They go for the series sweep this afternoon at 12:35 p.m. when Mike Leake (2-5, 4.97 ERA) takes on Josh Tomlin (3-3, 4.96 ERA).