Rus Livingood
July 31, 2013 – Reds @ Padres – 3:40pm – Fox Sports Cincinnati
Reds Record (59 – 49)
Away Record (27 – 32)
Padres Record (50 – 58)
Home Record (29 – 23)
Starters: Bailey (5 –10) vs. Stults (8 – 9)
The Setting: This being an afternoon game, I could actually watch the majority of this live. However, I decided to just DVR it and watch the entire thing on a slight delay. I got off work at 4pm and got to watch a fair amount before our company came over for our customary Wednesday night cookouts over the summer.
The Game and Analysis:
•It’s over! The Reds broke their five-game losing streak behind a solid outing from Homer Bailey and enough offense for a 4 – 1 victory. Thankfully, not only is the streak over, but this horrid road trip is as well. You want details? Read on.
•The Reds got on the board first, plating a run on Brandon Phillips’ leadoff homer in the second inning. After two outs, the Reds threatened to do more with singles by Zack Cozart and Corky Miller, but Bailey grounded out to end the inning.
•They were poised to do some damage in the third as well, but ultimately could not produce a run. Derrick Robinson gave the Reds their second bunt hit of the game to open the inning, and went to second on a single by Chris Heisey. Robinson was thrown out trying to steal third, however, taking a runner out of scoring position and giving the Padres a major break. Joey Votto would fly out before Phillips notched a single that would have easily scored Robinson. Heisey went to third on the play. Jay Bruce struck out for the final out of the inning.
•Neither team did much of note in the middle innings of the game. Todd Frazier remained hitless, which extended his miserable hitless slump. There was a serious discussion by the Reds commentators about Corky Miller’s name, as it came up due to a related trivia question. Apparently, Corky’s mother named him Corky Abraham Miller so that if he ever became president of the United States, he could go by C. Abraham Miller so he would have a distinguished name. That just adds to the awesomeness of Corky Miller.
•One thing that was happening was Bailey pitching a gem of a game. Some harmless singles were all that he was giving the Padres, but I couldn’t help that nagging feeling that the Reds needed some insurance runs. That is what a losing streak does to a fan. You are expecting the worst at every turn.
•The Reds would get those runs in the seventh, doing some damage with two outs. Cozart led off with a single, but only made it to second on a one-out sac bunt by Bailey. With two outs, the Reds would need a clutch hit to put a run on the board. Or, they could be given an error; Robinson grounded to third, but Chase Headley’s throw was high, allowing Robinson to reach safely and Cozart to go to third. Heisey blooped a single to left to make the score 2 – 0. Votto followed with a two-run single to make the score 4 – 0 Reds. I was now breathing easier. That chased Eric Stults from the game, and reliever Nick Vincent would strike out Phillips to prevent any further damage.
•In the top of the ninth, the Reds would load the bases, but could not produce any runs. That would put the game into the bottom of the ninth with Bailey looking to get the complete game shutout. He entered the ninth with 107 pitches and the top of the ninth made for a long time between pitches. If it were a save situation, I would expect that Aroldis Chapman would have started the inning. Everth Cabrera began the inning with a grounder to first that Votto booted on the backhand for an error. After retiring Chris Denorfia on one pitch, Bailey gave up an RBI double to Headley, signaling the end for the Reds starter and bringing in Chapman for the save opportunity.
•Chapman would get Yonder Alonso to fly out to center, and then struck out pinch-hitter Jesus Guzman for the final out and save number 25.
What Worked: THE REDS WON A GAME! Sorry, but it has been a rough several days for Reds fans. The Reds racked up 11 hits and got some timely hits in the seventh inning to add some insurance runs. Bailey was masterful, giving up the lone run in the ninth inning.
What Didn’t Work: Votto picked up his twelfth error of the year. He works hard on his defense and makes outstanding plays. For some reason, he has booted some balls and made some bad throws this year.
Where They Stand: The Reds are 60 – 49 and trail the Pirates by 6.0 games and the Cardinals by 3.5 games in the NL Central.
Overall Thoughts: Ending this road trip with a win was close to a necessity. The club needed it, and the fan base did, too. The Pirates took another game from the Cardinals, increasing their lead in the Central over the Cardinals and keeping the Reds six games back. It might be now or never for the Reds to make a move.
Up Next: The Reds have a day off before welcoming the Cardinals to Cincy for a huge three game series.
