Boxscore

Despite trailing early on, the Reds came back to win authoritatively last night. They beat the Indians in the first game of the series, 1-7.

Johnny Cueto started and ended for the Reds. In 9.0 innings pitched he allowed 1 run on 6 hits and 0 walks. Damn.

The bench all had the dreaded flu-like symptoms last night, so the line-up looked a little funny and not a single pinch-hitter made it into the game. The much-despised Wilson Valdez, for example, was hitting second.

Fortunately, he did very well for the team, going 3-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored, which probably means we’ll see him batting second again. I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether that part is fortunate or not.

Chris Heisey went 2-for-4. Joey Votto went 2-for-4 with a walk and 3 RBI. Brandon Phillips when 2-for-5 with an RBI. In fact, everyone had a hit last night except for Jay Bruce, and even he had an RBI.

The win brings the Reds’ record to 33-27. Thanks to the Pirates losing last night, the Reds are again in sole possession of first place in the NLC. The Reds and Indians match up again tonight at 7:10 p.m. Mat Latos (4-2, 4.85 ERA) will be filling in for the flu-stricken Mike Leake. He’ll go against Derek Lowe (7-4 3.72 ERA).

Boxscore

Since 75% of major league baseball was taking the night off last night, and since Mondays are dollar menu night at Victory Field, I used the opportunity to support my local Indianapolis Indians.

Justin Wilson started the night for the Indians. In 7.0 innings, he allowed 0 runs on 4 hits and no walks. He recorded 6 strike-outs. Evan Meek took on the other 2.0 innings and allowed 0 runs on 0 hits. He struck out 1.

On the offensive side, 12 different guys scored runs. These 8 guys had the RBI:

• Gorkys Hernandez
• Eric Fryer
• Starling Marte, 2
• Jose Morales, 3
• Yamaico Navarro, 3
• Brandon Boggs, 2
• Jeff Larish
• Tony Sanchez

This was the largest every shutout in Victory Field history, but lest you think it was a fluke, know the Indians had beaten the Red Wings 8-1 on Sunday. Looks like the Pirates either have some good talent on the way, or the Twins have a shallow farm system. In fact, it’s probably both, but watch out for the Pirates in the next few years.

The win brings the Indians’ record to 37-27. They lead the International League West by 7 games. Tonight they go for the sweep; first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. It’s Two-for-Tuesday night: get two tickets for the price of one with a ticket from any area McAlister’s Deli location

Updated at 10:40 a.m. to correct the affiliation of the Red Wings from Washington Nationals to Minnesota Twins. Thanks to our unofficial fact checker, @melmgoodwin.

Boxscore

It looked so good for the Reds at first. They chased the starter after the third (with the help of a blister), they were enjoying a solid bounce-back performance from Homer Bailey, and they were rocking a 4-run lead. If only we could just remember this game as it was in the sixth inning.

Bailey took the mound for the Reds, having just come off that unfortunate performance against the Pirates last week. But he put together a respectable start last night. In 6.2 innings pitched he allowed 3 runs (earned) on 6 hits and 2 walks. He had two outs in the seventh but when he let Berry get a single, Dusty Baker couldn’t keep his dirty little fingers out of the pie any longer and yanked him for Jose Arredondo.

Arredondo promptly walked Miguel Cabrera and got the hook himself. Sean Marshall was the next mismanaged pitcher, who gave up a hit to Prince Fielder and was unceremoniously yanked. Logan Ondrusek then came in to get the last out of the inning.

Now, to me, walking Cabrera isn’t exactly a crime. Nor is giving up a hit to Fielder. These are things that happen basically every day when teams are playing the Tigers. For a guy who’s supposed to be a players’ manager, sticking two guys with a line that says “couldn’t get an out” seems like kind of a jerk thing to do.

Myself, I would have given Bailey one more guy. Even if he gave up the home run the Reds still would have had the lead and the whole situation wouldn’t have reeked of overmanagement.

Of course, the pitching situation didn’t get blown-save ugly until the eighth inning. Ondrusek came back out to face two batters and gave up another run. So what do you do when you can’t leave the pitchers alone for a minute in the eighth inning in a save situation? Say your save word, of course: Chapman.

Aroldis Chapman, however, was not his usual self for his second outing in a row. He allowed 2 runs (earned) on 2 hits and a walk. This put Baker in a tough situation. He’d already played his ace and lost.

But the reliever everyone forgot about, Alfredo Simon, valiantly took the mound. He threw a one-hit ninth and even struck a guy out. And it’s hard to imagine that the Tigers were going easy on him, with just a one-run lead. So, good for Simon.

For the offense, Todd Frazier was all ready to take his turn as hero. He went 2-for-4 with 4 RBI and a 2-run home run in the sixth that extended the lead to 6-2.

Zack Cozart and Devin Mesoraco also contributed solo shots to the scoring total. Jay Bruce walked twice. Joey Votto, on the other hand, when 0-for-4, breaking his 15 game hitting streak.

The loss brings the Reds’ record to 32-27 and opened the door just enough for the Pirates to swashbuckle their way into a share of first place. The Reds have an off day today to think about what they’ve done before hosting the Cleveland Indians tomorrow. Johnny Cueto (6-3, 2.63 ERA) goes against Jeanmar Gomes (4-4, 4.97 ERA) at 7:10 p.m.

Boxscore

It was a game I expected the Cincinnati Reds to lose, but then ended up feeling disappointed when they did so.

The Detroit Tigers sent the reigning AL MVP and Cy Young award winner Justin Verlander to the mound last night, and everybody knew it was going to be tough for the Reds to win. Sure Verlander had a personal 3-game losing streak, but he’s about the best pitcher in the majors and no one on the Reds had much, if any, experience against him.

But then the Reds eschewed manager Dusty Baker’s “Swing at everything so the umpire doesn’t have to sort it out” mantra and were making incredible at-bat after incredible at-bat. It’s like everyone paid attention to the plate approaches of Joey Votto and Ryan Hanigan. More often than not, the count was going full, and Verlander was throwing 6 or more pitches per batter.

After 5 innings, the patience had worked. Verlander had thrown 113 pitches and the game was tied at 2-2. Verlander pitched one more inning, leaving the game after 127 pitches, and the game was still tied.

Bronson Arroyo had been far more pitch-efficient and had kept the game close. Over 7 innings, he threw 87 pitches and allowed just 2 runs–both solo home runs–while allowing 5 hits, no walks, and striking out 4. But the bullpen couldn’t keep the potent Tigers’ offense scoreless. Sean Marshall allowed an RBI single to Prince Fielder that scored Detroit’s 3rd run. And the Reds were never able to score against the Tigers’ bullpen.

The Reds tied the game in the 4th, thanks to a 2-RBI single from Todd Frazier. Chris Heisey and Joey Votto–of course–scored on his hit. Votto extended his hitting streak to 15 games.

The Reds played great, and I hope to see more of that patient plate approach in the future. I know they have it in them now.

The win by the Tigers evened the series at 1 game apiece. Homer Bailey tries to win the series for the Reds tonight, while the Tigers counter with Drew Smyly. The first pitch will be at 8:00 pm EDT, and it will be televised on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball.

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.