I think I know where I’ll be when not taking the child along to Indianapolis Indians games this summer. The Indians have announced plans to convert a couple sections in left field to Captain Morgan Cove, a full bar that will also offer Indiana craft beers on tap. We’ve gotafewofthose.
The 15′ x 60′ bar and grill area will be located on the lower level concourse near the left field foul line, in the northwest corner of Victory Field. The Captain Morgan Cove is expected to seat up to 115 guests and be available for large groups or individual ticket purchasers. The pavilion will have a roof with open walls for a more enjoyable experience.
The addition is expected to be completed in time for the 2011 season at Victory Field. I’m looking forward to it.
Aroldis Chapman was brought into the extra-innings game against the Pittsburgh Pirates last night and dominated, striking out 2 and getting a ground-out from the third. I don’t know where he fits into the future versions of the Cincinnati Reds, but he was electric last night, and I could easily seeing him supplanting Francisco Cordero in the playoffs, should Cordero continue to struggle.
Here’s Chapman throwing a 101mph heater and striking out a batter.
It took 3 innings more than it should have, but the Cincinnati Reds finally won another game, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates late last night 4-3.
Homer Bailey started for the Reds and pitched more than good enough for the win, going 7 innings and allowing 1 run while striking out a career-high 9. Unfortunately, Francisco Cordero came in in the 9th for the save with the Reds leading 3-1. He faced 5 batters and got only one of them out. After that, the game was tied.
It was Cordero’s 7th blown save of the season. He was bailed out in the 9th by Arthur Rhodes. Then the bullpen came in to shut down the Pirates until the Reds could score.
Cincinnati was unable to plate a run until the 12th, despite opportunities throughout the game. In the bottom of the 12th, Chris Heisey started things off by bunting down the 3rd-base line. He saw the third-baseman playing back and took advantage, beating the throw with his speed. After that, the birthday boy Joey Votto was hit by a pitch–the second time of the game–and Scott Rolen loaded the bases with a single. Up came Jonny Gomes, who hit a grounder that the shortstop Ronny Cedeno fielded cleanly. Cedeno threw home, and the umpire initially signaled out, until he saw the ball pop out of the catcher’s glove. The crowd roared as the call switched to safe and the Reds had another walk-off win.
The RHM crew had the opportunity to watch the game from the Cincinnati Bell Riverfront deck above the batter’s eye in center field. It’s a great view, and if you ever have the opportunity, be sure to take advantage of it. Below are a few pictures.
It was German Heritage night at Great American Ballpark. To celebrate, for the first time I’ve ever seen, Gapper put on pants.
It was Joey Votto’s birthday, but it wasn’t a good one. He had no hits and struck out 3 times, twice looking. He also got hit twice.
Francisco Cordero, before all hell broke loose.
The Reds rushed the field, piling on Jonny Gomes, while someone next to me screamed, “Don’t hurt Gomes! We’ve only got 3 outfielders!”
The scoreboard showing the Reds breaking their 5-game losing streak.
The Louisville Bats, the AAA affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds, are still in the hunt for a playoff spot in the International League. Last night, we caught their game against the Indianapolis Indians, the AAA affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, to see how they would fare now that the Reds have called up so many of their best players. The answer was: very well.
The offense charged out of the gate, scoring six times in the top of the first. But Bats starter Tom Cochran allowed the Indians to halve the lead in the bottom of the first. Cochran lasted just four innings, thanks to a pitch count of 95.
The bullpen wasn’t perfect, allowing 3 more runs, but the Bats were up to the task and scored 10 more runs over the rest of the game.
The Bats warming up before the game.
Shortstop prospect Zach Cozart stretching during pregame.
Tom Cochran pitching to the Indians. Despite the offensive outburst, he didn’t get the win. He was removed after 4 innings, having allowed 3 runs.
Todd Frazier batting and on his way to a 3-hit, 4-RBI night.
The win puts the Bats 1/2 game out of first place and 1 game ahead in the wild card standings.
I was wearing my Joey Votto jersey at the game, and I saw not one, not two, but three (Ah! Ah! Ah) other Votto jerseys. He’d definitely getting some fans all the way in Indianapolis.
Last Game
The Reds beat the Pirates 4-0 to guarantee at least a tie in the 4-game series. Bronson Arroyo pitched 7 2/3 shutout innings, and the offense gave him 4 runs to work with. The bullpen didn’t blow the lead this time, but it did take 2 pitchers to get one out in the 8th and an arguably unnecessary appearance by Francisco Cordero in the 9th. With the win–and a later Cardinals loss–the Reds move back into sole possession of first place.
Next Game
The Reds wrap up their 4 games with the Pirates and have a chance to win the series. Johnny Cueto will start, hopefully blister-free, against Charlie Morton at 7:05pm EDT.
Transactions from Yesterday Paul Janish was placed on the bereavement list yesterday for the passing of his grandmother. Our thoughts are with him. Drew Sutton was called up to take his place on the roster.
In other sad news, pitcher Justin Lehr will have to undergo Tommy John surgery and is done for the year. He put in a few solid innings for the Reds last year, and it’s a shame he won’t be able to work his way back to the club in 2010. Hopefully, he’ll come back stronger for 2011.
What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
Four Reds players have made their Major League debut so far this year: Logan Ondrusek, Mike Leake, Chris Heisey, and Enerio Del Rosario.
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