It took 12 innings for the Reds to lose to the Phillies on Sunday by a score of 2-1 in the second consecutive unexpected pitchers duel.

Brandon Claussen allowed one run (earned) on four hits and a walk through eight innings. He struck out seven.

Todd Coffey took over in the ninth and allowed zero runs on one hit for the second night in a row. David Weathers pitched the tenth and eleventh, also allowing zero runs one one hit but he issued three walks (one intentional).

Chris Hammond pitched the twelfth and gave up the winning run (earned) on two hits. His ERA stands at 8.44.

The Reds' single run came off a home run by Jason LaRue, sporting his pink breast cancer awareness bat. The two Philly runs came off two separate solo shots by Ryan Howard. Howard is in tight contention with Jimmy Rollins and his damn excellent defense for the honor of being my Least Phavorite Philly.

The loss brings the Reds' record to 23-15 and gives the Reds their first sweep of the bad kind of 2006. Their next official game is Tuesday against the Pirates. Aaron Harang faces Paul Maholm. The Reds play an exhibition game Monday against the Pirates in Cooperstown, New York. Rumor has it that Eric Milton will start.