Boxscore

The Reds bounced back from the series-opening loss against the Padres to win last night, 6-7.

Homer Bailey got the start, and he was great through 3 innings of work. Then some dark magic befell him in the fourth and he was out of the game before he could even get the third out. Ultimately he was credited with 6 runs (earned) on 9 hits and 2 walks.

Sam LeCure came in for long relief and put in the next 2.1 innings of work. He allowed 0 runs on 1 hit and 1 walk. Sean Marshall worked the next 2.0 followed by Aroldis Chapman for the ninth, and neither allowed so much as a baserunner. That’s the strong bullpen we know and love.

On the offense, things were gliding along merrily. Chris Heisey led off the first inning with a double and Ryan Ludwick knocked him in four batters later to give the Reds the very early lead. Then they just tacked on more in the bottom of the third: Ludwick hit a 3-run homer and Todd Frazier hit a 2-run shot two batters later.

It felt like a pretty safe lead until the tiki curse caught up with Bailey in the very next inning and it was tied at 6. Fortunately, Brandon Phillips contributed a solo shot in the seventh, just before the left-calf strain he’s been battling pulled him out of the game. He’s expected to be out no less than a few days. Good thing he got his turn to be hero over with.

The win brings the Reds’ record to 62-41, best in Major League Baseball. Tonight they continue the 4-game set with the Padres at 7:10 p.m. in Great American Ball Park. Bronson Arroyo (RHP, 6-6, 3.76 ERA) takes on Kip Wells (RHP, 2-3, 3.82 ERA).