The Reds got a solid win, and Cueto took a few hundreths of a run off his ERA, but Johnny also exited with arm trouble in the 4th. Officially, he left with a "strained right lat." Clearly there is no need for him to pitch again in 2011 if there's any injury risk, and the real concern is whether the injury is anything that might linger or (heaven forbid) require surgery in the offseason. On to tonight's heroes:
1) Ramon Hernandez. Hit a 3-run blast in the bottom of the 2nd to put the Reds on the board first. It was all the offense they'd need.
2) Juan Francisco. Went 2 for 4, played great defense, and had a 2-run single in the third to really put things away early.
3) Johnny Cueto. Only lasted 3.2 innings, but hey, he's been unreal all year, and didn't give up any runs tonight as the offense cruised to an early lead.
4) The bullpen work of Ondrusek/Masset/Arredondo...LeCure got the win, but these three held the Cubs in check through the final 3 frames.
Tomorrow in the finale it's Homer Bailey and Randy Wells.
Mr. Redlegs is watching you. Always.
Showing posts with label men behind the win. Show all posts
Showing posts with label men behind the win. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Reds 2 Cubs 1: The men behind the win 9/13/11
The Reds bounced back from an ugly night in Game 1 of this Cubs series, as Mike Leake delivered another gem and was ultimately rewarded with his 12th win in his final start of 2011.
1) Leake - 8 IP, only 1 run allowed on a GIDP. The Reds still didn't give him any room for error, but luckily he avoided the no-decision he was stuck with in Chicago after LaHair's 9th-inning blast. Mike also scored the the run that proved decisive after reaching on a fielder's choice.
2) Brandon Phillips. His leadoff homer in the first inning was the only power seen all night. In the past 11 games where the Reds hit leadoff home runs, they're 9-2, with eight one-run victories. Strange coincidence.
3) Edgar Renteria. 3 for 4 with the only other RBI. One of the few guys who wasn't owned all night by Ryan Dempster.
4) Francisco Cordero recorded his 33rd save with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Red LOBster of the night: Jay Bruce. Left 7 on to go along with his three K's.
1) Leake - 8 IP, only 1 run allowed on a GIDP. The Reds still didn't give him any room for error, but luckily he avoided the no-decision he was stuck with in Chicago after LaHair's 9th-inning blast. Mike also scored the the run that proved decisive after reaching on a fielder's choice.
2) Brandon Phillips. His leadoff homer in the first inning was the only power seen all night. In the past 11 games where the Reds hit leadoff home runs, they're 9-2, with eight one-run victories. Strange coincidence.
3) Edgar Renteria. 3 for 4 with the only other RBI. One of the few guys who wasn't owned all night by Ryan Dempster.
4) Francisco Cordero recorded his 33rd save with a 1-2-3 ninth.
Red LOBster of the night: Jay Bruce. Left 7 on to go along with his three K's.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Reds 4 Cubs 2: The men behind the win 9/6/11
Mike Leake's sprint to victory turned into a 13-inning marathon for the Reds. It was frustrating to watch, but worth it in the end.
The heroes:
1) Mike Leake. One mistake pitch to Bryan LaHair, resulting in a 2-run homer with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th to tie things up, meant Leake would not get his much-deserved 2-hit shutout. After a single by Alfonso Soriano in the second (he was erased the very next batter on a Marlon Byrd GIDP), Leake didn't give up a hit again until a cheap infield single in the bottom of the 9th. In between, only two guys reached base - Darwin Barney on catcher's interference, and Soriano on an HBP (Byrd again doubled him up in the 8th). This was true domination by Leake, and everyone in Reds country was disappointed for him when LaHair's blast sailed out to right field.
2) Joey Votto. If not for Leake's gem, this guy would be the clear #1. He provided two of the three RBIs on the night (Mesoraco's GIDP means no RBI for the second of the four runs). Both came on doubles to drive in Dave Sappelt - one in the sixth to put the Reds ahead 1-0, one in the thirteenth to put the Reds ahead 3-2. Both times he broke a long-standing offensive malaise.
3) Dave Sappelt. He got on base 4 of 6 times, and was the key star other than Votto in a manner similar to the Alonso/Sappelt comeback game in Miami. Two doubles, 1 single and a walk. Scored both go-ahead runs on Votto doubles, motoring around the bases like a madman.
4) Sam LeCure. He pitched to one batter, but I'll admit I thought things were over in the bottom of the 10th. The Cubs had all the momentum, and thanks to Nick Masset, they had built a scary situation - bases loaded, 1 out. Enter LeCure to face Jeff Baker. GIDP, inning over.
Honorable mention to Francisco Cordero (1-2-3 for the save in the 13th) and Aroldis Chapman (1.1 scoreless, got the Reds out of Arredondo's mess in the 11th, got the win).
No Red LOBsters worth mentioning...in fact, the Reds went 5 for 13 with RISP so I can't complain.
Tomorrow for all the marbles and a potential fourth straight road series win, it's ace Johnny Cueto vs the often-irritating Ryan Dempster at 8:05 ET. There are some subplots to this one. Can Cueto maintain his lead in the ERA "race" and finally get to 10 wins? If the Reds don't break through against Dempster, can they do so against a quartet of Cub relievers who have given them fits in 2011? In 27 combined innings against Samardzija, Wood, Marmol and Marshall, the Reds have scored only 6 earned runs (2.00 ERA) and struck out 33 times. Finally, the ever-present questions about the youngsters - which ones will play, and which ones will make the most of their opportunities? So far, everyone has contributed but everyone has also shown weaknesses or inconsistencies in some aspect of the game. There is definitely reason for hope in 2012 but the lineup for next year (other than the obvious mainstays) is still completely TBD.
The heroes:
1) Mike Leake. One mistake pitch to Bryan LaHair, resulting in a 2-run homer with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th to tie things up, meant Leake would not get his much-deserved 2-hit shutout. After a single by Alfonso Soriano in the second (he was erased the very next batter on a Marlon Byrd GIDP), Leake didn't give up a hit again until a cheap infield single in the bottom of the 9th. In between, only two guys reached base - Darwin Barney on catcher's interference, and Soriano on an HBP (Byrd again doubled him up in the 8th). This was true domination by Leake, and everyone in Reds country was disappointed for him when LaHair's blast sailed out to right field.
2) Joey Votto. If not for Leake's gem, this guy would be the clear #1. He provided two of the three RBIs on the night (Mesoraco's GIDP means no RBI for the second of the four runs). Both came on doubles to drive in Dave Sappelt - one in the sixth to put the Reds ahead 1-0, one in the thirteenth to put the Reds ahead 3-2. Both times he broke a long-standing offensive malaise.
3) Dave Sappelt. He got on base 4 of 6 times, and was the key star other than Votto in a manner similar to the Alonso/Sappelt comeback game in Miami. Two doubles, 1 single and a walk. Scored both go-ahead runs on Votto doubles, motoring around the bases like a madman.
4) Sam LeCure. He pitched to one batter, but I'll admit I thought things were over in the bottom of the 10th. The Cubs had all the momentum, and thanks to Nick Masset, they had built a scary situation - bases loaded, 1 out. Enter LeCure to face Jeff Baker. GIDP, inning over.
Honorable mention to Francisco Cordero (1-2-3 for the save in the 13th) and Aroldis Chapman (1.1 scoreless, got the Reds out of Arredondo's mess in the 11th, got the win).
No Red LOBsters worth mentioning...in fact, the Reds went 5 for 13 with RISP so I can't complain.
Tomorrow for all the marbles and a potential fourth straight road series win, it's ace Johnny Cueto vs the often-irritating Ryan Dempster at 8:05 ET. There are some subplots to this one. Can Cueto maintain his lead in the ERA "race" and finally get to 10 wins? If the Reds don't break through against Dempster, can they do so against a quartet of Cub relievers who have given them fits in 2011? In 27 combined innings against Samardzija, Wood, Marmol and Marshall, the Reds have scored only 6 earned runs (2.00 ERA) and struck out 33 times. Finally, the ever-present questions about the youngsters - which ones will play, and which ones will make the most of their opportunities? So far, everyone has contributed but everyone has also shown weaknesses or inconsistencies in some aspect of the game. There is definitely reason for hope in 2012 but the lineup for next year (other than the obvious mainstays) is still completely TBD.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Reds 3 Cardinals 2: The men behind the win 9/4/11
It may not mean much in light of the abomination of a series versus the Phillies which preceded it, but a series win on the Cardinals' home turf is always a welcome sight. In fact it was the first series win in St. Louis since a successful sweep in June of 2006, a span of 12 series including two sweeps, nine times that they lost 2 of 3, and one split of a 4-gamer in 2009.
The heroes today:
1) Juan Francisco. It's too early to judge but he's certainly had a nice first 4 games back in MLB. He went 4 for 5 with the game-winning, 2 out RBI today off Fernando Salas in the top of the 10th inning, ending 5 straight innings of nail-biting scoreless baseball.
2) Bronson Arroyo. A no-decision wasn't proper reward for his effort, scattering 10 hits over 8 innings and leaving the Reds tied 2-2. He struck out 5 and didn't walk a batter. Jon Jay got to him for a solo shot in the 1st, and Descalso had an RBI triple in the 4th to tie it, but Arroyo kept it that way through the next 4 innings.
3) Edgar Renteria. You know it was a slow day for offensive production (not for hits but for runs) when one of the top performers struck out three times. But his two-run dong in the top of the first off Edwin Jackson was the Reds' only regulation tally.
4) Francisco Cordero. Pitched a 1-2-3 10th inning for his 30th save.
Honorable mention to BP for going 2 for 4, getting on base 3 of 5 times in the leadoff spot, and raising his average to .301.
Red LOBster of the day: Ryan Hanigan (6 LOB). He had three different opportunities to hit with men on 1st and 3rd and 2 out (in the 6th, 8th and 10th innings) and came up empty each time.
Next up: 3 games in Chicago. In the first one, the Reds might try to get Willis a win for the first time in a Cincinnati uniform.
The heroes today:
1) Juan Francisco. It's too early to judge but he's certainly had a nice first 4 games back in MLB. He went 4 for 5 with the game-winning, 2 out RBI today off Fernando Salas in the top of the 10th inning, ending 5 straight innings of nail-biting scoreless baseball.
2) Bronson Arroyo. A no-decision wasn't proper reward for his effort, scattering 10 hits over 8 innings and leaving the Reds tied 2-2. He struck out 5 and didn't walk a batter. Jon Jay got to him for a solo shot in the 1st, and Descalso had an RBI triple in the 4th to tie it, but Arroyo kept it that way through the next 4 innings.
3) Edgar Renteria. You know it was a slow day for offensive production (not for hits but for runs) when one of the top performers struck out three times. But his two-run dong in the top of the first off Edwin Jackson was the Reds' only regulation tally.
4) Francisco Cordero. Pitched a 1-2-3 10th inning for his 30th save.
Honorable mention to BP for going 2 for 4, getting on base 3 of 5 times in the leadoff spot, and raising his average to .301.
Red LOBster of the day: Ryan Hanigan (6 LOB). He had three different opportunities to hit with men on 1st and 3rd and 2 out (in the 6th, 8th and 10th innings) and came up empty each time.
Next up: 3 games in Chicago. In the first one, the Reds might try to get Willis a win for the first time in a Cincinnati uniform.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Reds 5, Nationals 4: The Most Dangerous Canadian
The Reds got back above .500 in style with their second walk-off win of the series and a sweep of Washington. Johnny Cueto is still stuck on 9 wins in spite of his 2.05 ERA, but only positive vibes surround this team right now on its current 4-game win streak.
1) Joey Votto. A home run to begin the Reds' scoring in the 1st, and another in the bottom of the 14th. Neither one cleared the wall by much, but they all count the same. Well, a solo shot doesn't count the same as a grand slam, but you get my meaning.
2) Yonder Alonso. The guy never gets to play, but he hits and hits and hits when he does. The pinch-hit tying shot in the bottom of the 9th was ridiculously clutch.
3) Jose Arredondo. Held the Nats scoreless for 3 straight extra innings of relief (11th-13th).
4) Johnny Cueto. Scattered 9 hits over 7 innings and recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts (previously mowed down 10 twice, both times in 2008). Walked only 1, which was a welcome sight after his control problems in Miami, although he also hit two batters, so maybe that's a reach.
Honorable mention: Ryan Hanigan (reached base 5 of 6 times), BP (another multi-hit day in the leadoff spot), Bill Bray (got the win with a scoreless 14th).
Red LOBster: Jay Bruce left a whopping 8 on in one game! We'll forgive him thanks to his homer in the 4th.
1) Joey Votto. A home run to begin the Reds' scoring in the 1st, and another in the bottom of the 14th. Neither one cleared the wall by much, but they all count the same. Well, a solo shot doesn't count the same as a grand slam, but you get my meaning.
2) Yonder Alonso. The guy never gets to play, but he hits and hits and hits when he does. The pinch-hit tying shot in the bottom of the 9th was ridiculously clutch.
3) Jose Arredondo. Held the Nats scoreless for 3 straight extra innings of relief (11th-13th).
4) Johnny Cueto. Scattered 9 hits over 7 innings and recorded a career-high 11 strikeouts (previously mowed down 10 twice, both times in 2008). Walked only 1, which was a welcome sight after his control problems in Miami, although he also hit two batters, so maybe that's a reach.
Honorable mention: Ryan Hanigan (reached base 5 of 6 times), BP (another multi-hit day in the leadoff spot), Bill Bray (got the win with a scoreless 14th).
Red LOBster: Jay Bruce left a whopping 8 on in one game! We'll forgive him thanks to his homer in the 4th.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Reds Sac Up, Beat Nats 6-3: The men behind the win 8/27/11
The story tonight? Sacrifice flies. 3 of them in one game is a welcome sight for Reds fans accustomed to failure in clutch situations this season. This was only the 34th time in Reds history that the team got three SFs in one game.
1) Brandon Phillips. He continues to dominate the leadoff spot, and is now 19 for 43 in his 10 games since re-assuming the position. This is the first 10 game hitting streak for a Red leadoff man since Willy Taveras in 2009, who hit in 14 games in a row (going 24 for 59 overall) from 4/29 to 5/13 and then proceeded to absolutely suck the rest of the season. But back to BP...after tonight's 2 for 4 performance, with 2 more runs scored and another RBI, his average is dangerously close to .300. The only negative: he was charged with his 6th error of the season.
2) Mike Leake. The team leader in wins (11-8 record now) turned in another quality start. The two solo bombs served up to Werth and Ramos in the third were frustrating, but he settled in, battling through a tough 4th and limiting the Nats to 2 runs in 6 innings. There is really no question - he has been the second most reliable starter behind Cueto.
3) Drew Stubbs. Went 3 for 3 and had one of the sacrifice flies, giving the Reds a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the third. It was his eighth game of the season with 3 or more hits.
4) Francisco Cordero. Coming off a shaky performance in the Marlins finale, he buckled down for a 1-2-3 ninth in this one and is now 12 for 12 in save opportunities since the All-Star Break. 29 of 34 for the season.
Having already locked up their third series win in a row (!) and finally battled back to .500 (!) the Reds go for a sweep tomorrow with a pitchers' duel - Jordan Zimmermann and Johnny Cueto take the mound at GABP. This is only the second time all year the Reds have won 3 or more series in a row; they won 5 in a row in May (HOU, @CHC, @HOU, STL, CHC).
1) Brandon Phillips. He continues to dominate the leadoff spot, and is now 19 for 43 in his 10 games since re-assuming the position. This is the first 10 game hitting streak for a Red leadoff man since Willy Taveras in 2009, who hit in 14 games in a row (going 24 for 59 overall) from 4/29 to 5/13 and then proceeded to absolutely suck the rest of the season. But back to BP...after tonight's 2 for 4 performance, with 2 more runs scored and another RBI, his average is dangerously close to .300. The only negative: he was charged with his 6th error of the season.
2) Mike Leake. The team leader in wins (11-8 record now) turned in another quality start. The two solo bombs served up to Werth and Ramos in the third were frustrating, but he settled in, battling through a tough 4th and limiting the Nats to 2 runs in 6 innings. There is really no question - he has been the second most reliable starter behind Cueto.
3) Drew Stubbs. Went 3 for 3 and had one of the sacrifice flies, giving the Reds a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the third. It was his eighth game of the season with 3 or more hits.
4) Francisco Cordero. Coming off a shaky performance in the Marlins finale, he buckled down for a 1-2-3 ninth in this one and is now 12 for 12 in save opportunities since the All-Star Break. 29 of 34 for the season.
Having already locked up their third series win in a row (!) and finally battled back to .500 (!) the Reds go for a sweep tomorrow with a pitchers' duel - Jordan Zimmermann and Johnny Cueto take the mound at GABP. This is only the second time all year the Reds have won 3 or more series in a row; they won 5 in a row in May (HOU, @CHC, @HOU, STL, CHC).
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Reds 8 Marlins 6: The men behind the win 8/23/11
Let's get all the bad news out of the way first:
- Cueto wasn't sharp: he gave up 6 walks for only the third time ever, and as his pitch count mounted he finally melted down in the 5th after some admirable escapes. Still have to love the guy, he's amazing.
- Hernandez and Janish combined for 10 LOB (co-Red LOBsters of the night), 6 of those in one hideous inning (the 6th) where the Reds loaded 'em up with nobody out and didn't score.
- LeCure AND Masset continued their August struggles, getting tagged for 3 more runs in relief.
Gee, with all that it sounds like a loss, but it wasn't. So on to the heroes:
1) None other than Yonder Alonso. He was given a chance to start in his return to Miami, and made the most of it with 3 hits (1B, 2B, HR) and 4 RBI including the 2 that provided the final margin in the Reds' awesome rally in the top of the 9th. For the second straight game, the Reds rallied by making mincemeat of a usually-tough closer (Hanrahan Sunday, Nunez tonight).
2) Another youngster, Dave Sappelt. Unlike Alonso, he had been shaky since his call-up...but tonight was fantastic. 3 hits, including the 2-run double that tied it in the 9th to set the stage for Alonso. If he can give us more nights like this, he'll solidify his spot in the outfield for 2012.
3) Francisco Cordero. He was horrendous in the Milwaukee series right before the break, but consider his stats since then: 14 appearances (15 IP) with only 1 run allowed, and 10 for 10 in save opportunities. Tonight was another shutdown performance to end the slugfest.
4) Jay Bruce. His 2-run blast in the top of the 7th came in an inning that had felt dead (until Sappelt's infield single with 2 outs), and with the Reds' chances for a win fading. That cut the Marlins' lead to 5-4 and the rest is history.
Honorable mention to BP, who continues to rake this month and has his average all the way up to .294. He's been a beast since moving to the leadoff spot.
- Cueto wasn't sharp: he gave up 6 walks for only the third time ever, and as his pitch count mounted he finally melted down in the 5th after some admirable escapes. Still have to love the guy, he's amazing.
- Hernandez and Janish combined for 10 LOB (co-Red LOBsters of the night), 6 of those in one hideous inning (the 6th) where the Reds loaded 'em up with nobody out and didn't score.
- LeCure AND Masset continued their August struggles, getting tagged for 3 more runs in relief.
Gee, with all that it sounds like a loss, but it wasn't. So on to the heroes:
1) None other than Yonder Alonso. He was given a chance to start in his return to Miami, and made the most of it with 3 hits (1B, 2B, HR) and 4 RBI including the 2 that provided the final margin in the Reds' awesome rally in the top of the 9th. For the second straight game, the Reds rallied by making mincemeat of a usually-tough closer (Hanrahan Sunday, Nunez tonight).
2) Another youngster, Dave Sappelt. Unlike Alonso, he had been shaky since his call-up...but tonight was fantastic. 3 hits, including the 2-run double that tied it in the 9th to set the stage for Alonso. If he can give us more nights like this, he'll solidify his spot in the outfield for 2012.
3) Francisco Cordero. He was horrendous in the Milwaukee series right before the break, but consider his stats since then: 14 appearances (15 IP) with only 1 run allowed, and 10 for 10 in save opportunities. Tonight was another shutdown performance to end the slugfest.
4) Jay Bruce. His 2-run blast in the top of the 7th came in an inning that had felt dead (until Sappelt's infield single with 2 outs), and with the Reds' chances for a win fading. That cut the Marlins' lead to 5-4 and the rest is history.
Honorable mention to BP, who continues to rake this month and has his average all the way up to .294. He's been a beast since moving to the leadoff spot.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
The men behind the win 8/19/11
Reds 11, Pirates 8.
This one was not pretty, but it had a few worthy heroes.
1) Ryan Hanigan. Continued his hot streak with the bat...now 8 for his last 12 with 8 RBI. Hit a solo shot to give the Reds a 3-2 lead, then tacked on insurance runs with a 2-run single in the top of the 9th that provided the final score. Also tagged two guys out at home in crucial situations, and helped Bailey work out of a couple tough jams.
2) Drew Stubbs. What? Yes he only went 1 for 5 at the plate, left a team-leading 5 on base, struck out twice and grounded into a double play. BUT he had a huge catch to end the 4th, preserving a 2-2 tie, and then topped that by initiating a double play to end the 8th, keeping the 8-8 tie intact.
3) Brandon Phillips. He might not be the prototypical lead-off guy, especially with no base-stealing ability (where did that go?) but he sure has done his job in the first two games back in that spot (first time in 2011). 6 for 9 with 5 RBI and a walk in the 2 games. A 3-run bomb in the 5th that sure seemed like the nail in the coffin at that juncture.
4) Francisco Cordero. Eight different pitchers took the mound for the Reds, and only two kept a clean slate (both in terms of runs charged and inherited runners scored). One was Chapman, who only had to work 1/3 of an inning. The other was Cordero, who ended the Pirates' streak of scoring in 5 straight innings by retiring Brandon Wood (previously 2 for 3 with 3 RBI), Ronny Cedeno (previously 2 for 4) and Xavier Paul (previously 1 for 1).
This one was not pretty, but it had a few worthy heroes.
1) Ryan Hanigan. Continued his hot streak with the bat...now 8 for his last 12 with 8 RBI. Hit a solo shot to give the Reds a 3-2 lead, then tacked on insurance runs with a 2-run single in the top of the 9th that provided the final score. Also tagged two guys out at home in crucial situations, and helped Bailey work out of a couple tough jams.
2) Drew Stubbs. What? Yes he only went 1 for 5 at the plate, left a team-leading 5 on base, struck out twice and grounded into a double play. BUT he had a huge catch to end the 4th, preserving a 2-2 tie, and then topped that by initiating a double play to end the 8th, keeping the 8-8 tie intact.
3) Brandon Phillips. He might not be the prototypical lead-off guy, especially with no base-stealing ability (where did that go?) but he sure has done his job in the first two games back in that spot (first time in 2011). 6 for 9 with 5 RBI and a walk in the 2 games. A 3-run bomb in the 5th that sure seemed like the nail in the coffin at that juncture.
4) Francisco Cordero. Eight different pitchers took the mound for the Reds, and only two kept a clean slate (both in terms of runs charged and inherited runners scored). One was Chapman, who only had to work 1/3 of an inning. The other was Cordero, who ended the Pirates' streak of scoring in 5 straight innings by retiring Brandon Wood (previously 2 for 3 with 3 RBI), Ronny Cedeno (previously 2 for 4) and Xavier Paul (previously 1 for 1).
Friday, August 12, 2011
The men behind the win, 8/12/11
What do you know? Another win streak. Great to see some late-inning resilience from the bunch. I had a feeling before Bruce's AB he might pull some magic like that.
1) Jay Bruce. Can't give this to anyone else but him after his beyond-clutch 3-run blast in the 8th to win it. 4 of the 5 RBIs in the game, and on fire of late.
2) Bronson Arroyo. Sure, it was the Padres, he didn't get the win, and he made TWO errors, but the guitarist only gave up two runs in 6 innings to keep the Reds hanging around.
3) Drew Stubbs. I think every Reds fan was on edge during his 7th inning AB with Cairo on third and 1 out, thinking "please just hit a fly ball." He did better than that, with a hard single up the middle.
4) Bill Bray. Only got one out, but it was a big one with runners on 2nd and 3rd in the top of the 8th, keeping the deficit at 1. He was mopping up for Sam LeCure, who's been a little too generous with the mustache rides lately (9 runs and 7 walks in his 7 August innings)
And get this - while they only got 5 hits and produced 8 overall baserunners, the Reds only stranded 3 all game. No LOBster Kings this evening, thanks to Bruuuuuce and Dreeeewww.
1) Jay Bruce. Can't give this to anyone else but him after his beyond-clutch 3-run blast in the 8th to win it. 4 of the 5 RBIs in the game, and on fire of late.
2) Bronson Arroyo. Sure, it was the Padres, he didn't get the win, and he made TWO errors, but the guitarist only gave up two runs in 6 innings to keep the Reds hanging around.
3) Drew Stubbs. I think every Reds fan was on edge during his 7th inning AB with Cairo on third and 1 out, thinking "please just hit a fly ball." He did better than that, with a hard single up the middle.
4) Bill Bray. Only got one out, but it was a big one with runners on 2nd and 3rd in the top of the 8th, keeping the deficit at 1. He was mopping up for Sam LeCure, who's been a little too generous with the mustache rides lately (9 runs and 7 walks in his 7 August innings)
And get this - while they only got 5 hits and produced 8 overall baserunners, the Reds only stranded 3 all game. No LOBster Kings this evening, thanks to Bruuuuuce and Dreeeewww.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
The men behind the win, 8/11/11
With hopes for the playoffs all but dashed already, the remaining goals for this season include salvaging respectability (for a team too talented to finish below .500 or so many games out of first) and developing a clearer picture for 2012. One guy we almost never have to worry about is Cueto, who helped the Reds split a 4-gamer with a team that's owned them for a while.
1) Johnny Cueto. No complete game, but a really strong bounce-back performance after getting manhandled in Chicago (because of chicken wings?). 7 IP, 9 strikeouts. No runs allowed, only 3 hits and 2 walks. Finally picked up his 8th win. He won't beat Halladay for the Cy but he deserves second place in the voting.
2) Jay Bruce. The only Red with 2 hits, got the game's first RBI, and his double was one of only 2 hits the team collected after the first inning even if it didn't result in anything. He also had to sprinkle in a couple Ks, but Chacin is tough.
3) Aroldis Chapman. Not one of his easier innings of late, but he still ran his scoreless inning streak to 13.2. He has 3 walks in his last 4 innings, and hopefully that's not a sign of more control trouble ahead.
4) Joey Votto. Nothing stellar, but he got things started with his (ultimately) very important 2-out double in the first, and finished the game by snagging a line drive.
1) Johnny Cueto. No complete game, but a really strong bounce-back performance after getting manhandled in Chicago (because of chicken wings?). 7 IP, 9 strikeouts. No runs allowed, only 3 hits and 2 walks. Finally picked up his 8th win. He won't beat Halladay for the Cy but he deserves second place in the voting.
2) Jay Bruce. The only Red with 2 hits, got the game's first RBI, and his double was one of only 2 hits the team collected after the first inning even if it didn't result in anything. He also had to sprinkle in a couple Ks, but Chacin is tough.
3) Aroldis Chapman. Not one of his easier innings of late, but he still ran his scoreless inning streak to 13.2. He has 3 walks in his last 4 innings, and hopefully that's not a sign of more control trouble ahead.
4) Joey Votto. Nothing stellar, but he got things started with his (ultimately) very important 2-out double in the first, and finished the game by snagging a line drive.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
The men behind the win 8/2/11
The series opener against Houston was a terrible downer, but all is not lost. With a win tomorrow (in a fairly favorable pitching matchup and an offense that should ALWAYS be better than Houston's) the Reds can still finish the three game set a step or two closer to some of the other Central competitors. Right now: 1 back of Pittsburgh, 4 behind St. Louis, 6.5 leeward of Milwaukee.
1) Homer Bailey. A lot of people love to rip this guy for his inconsistency but I always feel a million times better with him on the mound than some of the alternatives (Arroyo, Wood, Volquez and even Willis...who is consistent but never dominates like Homer did again tonight). He's got 8 of 12 quality starts this year, and this is the 5th time he's gone at least 7 innings (big after an extra inning debacle). His line: 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K.
2) Edgar Renteria. The much-maligned Rent-a-wreck offered up a hugely clutch grand slam in the 5th...oddly the only inning with any scoring.
3) Chris Heisey. Started off the 5th with a double, only the second hit of the game for the Reds. 2 for 4 overall with a stolen base and a run scored.
4) Aroldis Chapman. Now eight straight appearances with no runs OR hits allowed, and his ERA is down to 3.73. During that span he has 15 strikeouts and 1 walk in 9.2 IP. WOW.
1) Homer Bailey. A lot of people love to rip this guy for his inconsistency but I always feel a million times better with him on the mound than some of the alternatives (Arroyo, Wood, Volquez and even Willis...who is consistent but never dominates like Homer did again tonight). He's got 8 of 12 quality starts this year, and this is the 5th time he's gone at least 7 innings (big after an extra inning debacle). His line: 8 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K.
2) Edgar Renteria. The much-maligned Rent-a-wreck offered up a hugely clutch grand slam in the 5th...oddly the only inning with any scoring.
3) Chris Heisey. Started off the 5th with a double, only the second hit of the game for the Reds. 2 for 4 overall with a stolen base and a run scored.
4) Aroldis Chapman. Now eight straight appearances with no runs OR hits allowed, and his ERA is down to 3.73. During that span he has 15 strikeouts and 1 walk in 9.2 IP. WOW.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
The men behind the win 7/31/11
Impressive 3 game sweep of the Giants complete. Too bad the Brewers have won 6 in a row to maintain their big division lead.
1) Johnny Cueto. The only pitcher on the team with any complete games this year got his third, and amazingly this is the first one in the win column. The previous two were 8-inning complete game losses (2-1 and 1-0 thanks to pathetic offense). Today's line: only 5 base-runners (1 by error) and 2 of them got erased by double plays. 6 strikeouts, 1 walk. And he continues to induce ground balls like never before. 11 of them today.
2) Joey Votto. Got the first RBI of the game, and then three more for good measure with his blast in the 7th. 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored as well.
3) Drew Stubbs. 4 for 5 (only one strikeout!) and set the table at the beginning (scored the first run), middle (scored the 5th run) and end (scored the 9th run) of the game.
4) Edgar Renteria. Followed Stubbs onto the paths with singles of his own a couple times, walked once, and scored all three times on base.
Honorable mention: Todd Frazier for his first career home run.
1) Johnny Cueto. The only pitcher on the team with any complete games this year got his third, and amazingly this is the first one in the win column. The previous two were 8-inning complete game losses (2-1 and 1-0 thanks to pathetic offense). Today's line: only 5 base-runners (1 by error) and 2 of them got erased by double plays. 6 strikeouts, 1 walk. And he continues to induce ground balls like never before. 11 of them today.
2) Joey Votto. Got the first RBI of the game, and then three more for good measure with his blast in the 7th. 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored as well.
3) Drew Stubbs. 4 for 5 (only one strikeout!) and set the table at the beginning (scored the first run), middle (scored the 5th run) and end (scored the 9th run) of the game.
4) Edgar Renteria. Followed Stubbs onto the paths with singles of his own a couple times, walked once, and scored all three times on base.
Honorable mention: Todd Frazier for his first career home run.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
The men behind the win 7/24/11
Finally, back-to-back wins for the first time since June 15th. Only 3 games back of the three-headed beast leading the Central.
1) Drew Stubbs obviously. Second career walkoff home run (also second career walkoff hit of any kind). Scored twice.
2) Aroldis Chapman. Huge performance to keep things tied.
3) Brandon Phillips. Early lead from his blast was nice, even if it didn't last.
4) Dontrelle Willis. All three of his outings have gone similarly...great innings, scary innings, all in all an okay start. He's not the potential ace he once was, but no one expects that anyway. If he can keep the team in the game the way he has so far, that's all we can ask.
1) Drew Stubbs obviously. Second career walkoff home run (also second career walkoff hit of any kind). Scored twice.
2) Aroldis Chapman. Huge performance to keep things tied.
3) Brandon Phillips. Early lead from his blast was nice, even if it didn't last.
4) Dontrelle Willis. All three of his outings have gone similarly...great innings, scary innings, all in all an okay start. He's not the potential ace he once was, but no one expects that anyway. If he can keep the team in the game the way he has so far, that's all we can ask.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
The men behind the win 7/20/11
1) Johnny Cueto. Another quality start and his ERA back under 2.00
1A) Chase d'Arnaud. Yes, this Pittsburgh Pirate helped us just as much as Cueto, with his two errors (both resulting in unearned runs) and his continued failure at the plate. Only 1 RBI in 89 ABs this year.
3) Jay Bruce. On base all 4 times, scored a run.
4) Logan Ondrusek. Came on with 2 on and 1 out in the 7th and held the 2-run lead. Then got McCutchen to lead off the 8th before exiting.
Red LOBster King of the Day: Ramon Hernandez. 5 LOB, 0 for 4, 2 GIDP. Not his best work
1A) Chase d'Arnaud. Yes, this Pittsburgh Pirate helped us just as much as Cueto, with his two errors (both resulting in unearned runs) and his continued failure at the plate. Only 1 RBI in 89 ABs this year.
3) Jay Bruce. On base all 4 times, scored a run.
4) Logan Ondrusek. Came on with 2 on and 1 out in the 7th and held the 2-run lead. Then got McCutchen to lead off the 8th before exiting.
Red LOBster King of the Day: Ramon Hernandez. 5 LOB, 0 for 4, 2 GIDP. Not his best work
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The men behind the win 7/17/11
1) Homer Bailey. He had some really nice starts earlier this season before the injury, but this is the best and most important to date. Only 6 baserunners in 7.1 IP. Only one mistake pitch, to Berkman for the solo HR. Struggled a couple times with control and wasn't really hitting his spots but the bite on his slider was sufficient that he didn't need pinpoint accuracy.
2) Zack Cozart. Hit his first MLB home run to add a vital insurance run and continues to impress, with at least one hit in every game played so far. Why EVER play Renteria?
3) Miguel Cairo. Whenever you need him, he's there for a spark. A triple?!
4) Ryan Hanigan. It was ugly, but unlike Gomes/Bruce/Stubbs/Phillips/Rolen/Lewis/etc you can count on him to put the ball in play with a man on third.
Huge series win. The Reds will still be 3.0 back of St. Louis and Pittsburgh, and likely 3.5 back of Milwaukee. But we're very much in the race and now have an opportunity to take ground from Pittsburgh. Cueto pitches in the finale Wednesday. Willis/McDonald (toss-up) Monday and Leake/Morton (likely loss) Tuesday.
2) Zack Cozart. Hit his first MLB home run to add a vital insurance run and continues to impress, with at least one hit in every game played so far. Why EVER play Renteria?
3) Miguel Cairo. Whenever you need him, he's there for a spark. A triple?!
4) Ryan Hanigan. It was ugly, but unlike Gomes/Bruce/Stubbs/Phillips/Rolen/Lewis/etc you can count on him to put the ball in play with a man on third.
Huge series win. The Reds will still be 3.0 back of St. Louis and Pittsburgh, and likely 3.5 back of Milwaukee. But we're very much in the race and now have an opportunity to take ground from Pittsburgh. Cueto pitches in the finale Wednesday. Willis/McDonald (toss-up) Monday and Leake/Morton (likely loss) Tuesday.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
The men behind the win, 7/9/11
1) Jay Bruce - 2 singles, 2 walks, 1 HR in 6 PAs. Go-ahead solo HR in the 10th inning for his only RBI. 2 runs scored.
2) Ramon Hernandez - single, HR in 5 ABs. 3 RBIs. Gave the Reds their first lead.
3) Joey Votto - 3 singles, 1 BB in 6 PAs. 1 RBI
4) Bill Bray - he did have a nightmarish throwing error on a pickoff attempt in the 9th (the THIRD error by a Reds pitcher in a single game). BUT he came in with a guy on and nobody out in a tie game, got a K and flyout, walked Fielder intentionally and then sent it to extras by recording the last out. He's the one guy on the team who has consistently performed with inherited runners.
The underperformers (in spite of the win):
- Drew Stubbs (0 for 6 in the leadoff spot, with 3 strikeouts...a familiar refrain)
- Johnny Cueto...the absolute definition of a non-quality quality start. 4 walks. 2 errors. Gave up all the runs early. But if this is about as bad as it gets for 2011 Cueto (and basically, it is) we'll take it. Frankly I'm not surprised that he struggled a bit. He hasn't pitched well at Miller Park and the pre-game team meeting probably added some pressure to his outing.
- Scott Rolen...1 for 5 with 2 strikeouts...and an unfathomable NINE MEN LEFT ON BASE
- Fred Lewis twice failed to convert with 2 outs and the bases loaded.
The Reds went 3 for 7 with 2 outs and RISP. 0 for 3 (Lewis twice, Rolen) in regulation and then 3 for 4 in the big 10th inning - Cairo, Votto and BP all had RBI singles and Bruce lined out.
2) Ramon Hernandez - single, HR in 5 ABs. 3 RBIs. Gave the Reds their first lead.
3) Joey Votto - 3 singles, 1 BB in 6 PAs. 1 RBI
4) Bill Bray - he did have a nightmarish throwing error on a pickoff attempt in the 9th (the THIRD error by a Reds pitcher in a single game). BUT he came in with a guy on and nobody out in a tie game, got a K and flyout, walked Fielder intentionally and then sent it to extras by recording the last out. He's the one guy on the team who has consistently performed with inherited runners.
The underperformers (in spite of the win):
- Drew Stubbs (0 for 6 in the leadoff spot, with 3 strikeouts...a familiar refrain)
- Johnny Cueto...the absolute definition of a non-quality quality start. 4 walks. 2 errors. Gave up all the runs early. But if this is about as bad as it gets for 2011 Cueto (and basically, it is) we'll take it. Frankly I'm not surprised that he struggled a bit. He hasn't pitched well at Miller Park and the pre-game team meeting probably added some pressure to his outing.
- Scott Rolen...1 for 5 with 2 strikeouts...and an unfathomable NINE MEN LEFT ON BASE
- Fred Lewis twice failed to convert with 2 outs and the bases loaded.
The Reds went 3 for 7 with 2 outs and RISP. 0 for 3 (Lewis twice, Rolen) in regulation and then 3 for 4 in the big 10th inning - Cairo, Votto and BP all had RBI singles and Bruce lined out.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
The men behind the win, 7/6/11
1) Aroldis Chapman - First career save, 1 IP, 2 K
2) Jay Bruce - 2B, HR, BB in 6 PAs. 2 R, 2 RBI
3) Jose Arredondo - 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 K
4) Chris Heisey- HR, 2 BB in 7 PAs. Set the tone for the game with his first-pitch blast.
Honorable mention: Brandon Phillips, Scott Rolen, Fred Lewis, Sam LeCure, Nick Masset
Guys who let us down in spite of the win...
1) Bill Bray. In a rarity, he let both inherited runners score. He's only allowed that to happen 7 of 28 times this season (25%) and in fact is the only guy on the team below league average (30%) for that stat in both 2010 and 2011.
2) The SS position. No surprise here. Renteria and Janish a combined 1 for 7 with 2 strikeouts and 5 left on base.
3) Bronson Arroyo. What could have been one of his finer starts of the year turned into yet another non-quality start (he now has only 8 in 18 games this year).
2) Jay Bruce - 2B, HR, BB in 6 PAs. 2 R, 2 RBI
3) Jose Arredondo - 2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 K
4) Chris Heisey- HR, 2 BB in 7 PAs. Set the tone for the game with his first-pitch blast.
Honorable mention: Brandon Phillips, Scott Rolen, Fred Lewis, Sam LeCure, Nick Masset
Guys who let us down in spite of the win...
1) Bill Bray. In a rarity, he let both inherited runners score. He's only allowed that to happen 7 of 28 times this season (25%) and in fact is the only guy on the team below league average (30%) for that stat in both 2010 and 2011.
2) The SS position. No surprise here. Renteria and Janish a combined 1 for 7 with 2 strikeouts and 5 left on base.
3) Bronson Arroyo. What could have been one of his finer starts of the year turned into yet another non-quality start (he now has only 8 in 18 games this year).
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
The men behind the win 6/29/11
1) Ryan Hanigan. 3-run jack was the biggest hit by him this season.
2) Edinson Volquez. He had an amazing start going, and in the end it was only a quality start. But for him, and for the Reds today, it was good enough.
3) Francisco Cordero. First save opportunity in a while, and he converted.
4) Fred Lewis. A big two-out RBI which proved the deciding run.
2) Edinson Volquez. He had an amazing start going, and in the end it was only a quality start. But for him, and for the Reds today, it was good enough.
3) Francisco Cordero. First save opportunity in a while, and he converted.
4) Fred Lewis. A big two-out RBI which proved the deciding run.
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