Rus Livingood
April 12, 2013 – Reds @ Pirates – 7:10pm – Fox Sports Cincinnati
Reds Record (5 – 4)
Away Record (1 – 2)
Pirates Record (3 – 6)
Home Record (1 – 2)
Starters: Leake (0 – 0) vs. Burnett (0 – 2)
The Setting: Watching at home while I do prep work for a catering job I am doing tomorrow. I can see my TV from the stove and kitchen island, so I will still be able to watch the game as I cook and prep. Of course, I will also be lounging in the recliner on the couch for much of the game, too.
The Game and Analysis:
•Well the Reds were jumped on early, as the Pirates scored five runs in the first two innings. There were a few singles, some walks, a hit-by-pitch, a stolen base, a passed ball, a sacrifice. The Pirates looked like they were putting on a demonstration video for how to get on base and move the runners over. After the shellacking by the Cardinals in the last game, I am obviously on the ledge.
•Brandon Phillips homered to lead off the second and later tied the game with his second homer of the evening, a two run shot. Phillips’ three RBI upped his total to 11 on the year in this tenth game. I eat every bit of my words I wrote about his being in the cleanup spot. He has done his job well so far, even if I do believe he would be tremendous batting second.
•The Reds battled back, which they have done a few times already this season. Besides yesterday’s game, they have been able to make every game a ballgame they could win. Alas, it was just not enough.
•J. J. Hoover gave up the home run to Andrew McCutcheon as I was chopping and shredding some chicken that I had just cooked. I wanted to throw the knife into the wall, as Hoover looked amazing all spring and has been a home run magnet so far. He has really struggled and is now 0 – 3 for a team with five losses. I’m not sure what the problem is.
•Mike Leake looked bad, but really it was only through the first two innings. He was just allowing too many runners and really ran his pitch count up. He settled down and looked pretty good after that. He was near 100 pitches through six, and it was a good decision to take him out when they did. As these things happen, it just didn’t work out for Hoover when he was brought in.
•Manny Parra was brought in to relive Hoover. He threw a called strike and followed with four straight balls, two that went in the dirt. And that was his appearance.
•I keep viewing Votto’s play as a disappointment so far and think of him as struggling. After this game, he is batting .294 with an OBP of .510. The power numbers are just not there, as his slugging is .382. Wow, I didn’t realize it was going to be that low when I checked the box score after the game. He has to get back to his typical numbers for the Reds to have a chance. Thankfully Phillips is taking care of business so far this year.
•McCutchen is a terrific player, and he came through when his club needed him. I hope the Pirates can build a good team around him, as he committed to stick with them.
What Worked: The Reds battled back again. It gives me a good feeling with this year’s club always seeming to answer the other team.
Devin Mesoraco drove in a couple of runs from the catcher’s spot, and there has not been a lot of offense from that position so far this year.
What Didn’t Work: Hoover blew it in relief again. I just don’t see how this is the same guy from spring training. Is it a confidence thing? Something mechanical? Is he nursing a minor injury? Hopefully he can get it together, or we are going to have to look at other options in the bullpen.
Where They Stand: The Reds are 5 – 5 and are one game back from the Cardinals in the NL Central.
Overall Thoughts: Three losses in a row, and my schedule continues to get tighter. I could use some Reds victories to help me through this hard stretch, not multiple losses in a row.
Up Next: The Reds play against the Pirates at 7 pm, which is at the same time that I will be catering an event at The Union. I’ll try to catch the game in the bar when I can, and I will probably DVR it as well.
