6/17/13 Reds v. Pirates - Welcome to the bullpen, Mr. Cingrani

[NebraskaRed]

Cincinnati Reds:
1. CF: Shin-Soo Choo
2. LF: Derrick Robinson
3. 1B: Joey Votto
4. 2B: Brandon Phillips
5. RF: Jay Bruce
6. 3B: Todd Frazier
7. SS: Zack Cozart
8. C: Devin Mesoraco
9. SP: Mike Leake

Pittsburgh Pirates:
1. LF: Starling Marte
2. RF: Alex Presley
3. CF: Andrew McCutchen
4. 1B: Garrett Jones
5. C: Russell Martin
6. 3B: Pedro Alvarez
7. 2B: Neil Walker
8. SS: Jordy Mercer
9. SP: Francisco Liriano

[leeech86]

I'm excited for this series, and really hoping the Reds flex their home field advantage power.

[Raisor]

Flip flop DRob and Choo and I would kiss Votto right on the lips.


My cat.

Not Joey.

[Kcbuckeye22]

Leake has a monster night with a couple key hits and the reds hit a couple homers. Final score 7-3

[Kcbuckeye22]

I'm excited for this series, and really hoping the Reds flex their home field advantage power.

I'm hoping for a 3-1 series. With no hit batters.

[Red Raindog]

Flip flop DRob and Choo and I would kiss Votto right on the lips.


My cat.

Not Joey.

got to get the designated bunter in the 2 hole --- at least I thought it was a law somewhere

[50YrRedsFan]

Cubs at Cardinals delayed by rain.

[Red Raindog]

Cubs at Cardinals delayed by rain.

Odd -- it's sunny here in Northern Indiana and the radar doesn't show rain real close to the ball park

[ProfessorTofty]

Looks like this game should be fine, as far as rain goes. Precipitation is off to the southwest and while it may eventually arrive, it shouldn't be before this game wraps up.

[Magdal]

Cubs at Cardinals delayed by rain.It's a downpour of biblical proportions, but they may get in the minimum.

Braves game also delayed. Lord, what a wet Spring it's been!

[LexRedsFan]

Pouring here in Ky. Looks slightly cloudy in Cincinnati, but I think we'll be fine tonight. Let's kick off this big series right!

[50YrRedsFan]

Away we go

[NebraskaRed]

Odd -- it's sunny here in Northern Indiana and the radar doesn't show rain real close to the ball park

They're in St. Louis ;)

[Red Raindog]

Anybody have a clue why Votto has taken catching balls from the foul side of the line sometimes?

looks to me like if he had stretched out for that ball he would not have had to catch it on the short hop

[Red Raindog]

They're in St. Louis ;)

duh -- my bad

[50YrRedsFan]

2 down. Always good to have McCutchen hit with bases empty.

[IABucFan]

Good luck to you guys. Hoping for a good series.

[50YrRedsFan]

single for McCutchen

[ProfessorTofty]

Fly to shallow left to end the Pirates's first.

[Red Raindog]

Leake looks good in the first ---

[50YrRedsFan]

Let's get to Liriano early and OFTEN!

[ProfessorTofty]

Choo takes a walk and the announcers are hung up on the hit-by-pitches in past series. Really, I'm not interested in any fighting. Let's just play ball.

[foxfire123]

Odd -- it's sunny here in Northern Indiana and the radar doesn't show rain real close to the ball park

Some heavy rain just moving into St Louis city, steady rain before and behind it. So yeah, wet.

[Red Raindog]

Some heavy rain just moving into St Louis city, steady rain before and behind it. So yeah, wet.

stop rubbing it in --- I've already learned where the game is!

:lol::lol:

[50YrRedsFan]

Robinson K's...Choo stays at 1st.

[ProfessorTofty]

No good on the running game there. Choo thrown out at second.

[Red Raindog]

Choo out on steal attempt -- ouch

[Blitz Dorsey]

That sure was dumb on Choo's part.

[ProfessorTofty]

And now Votto on with a single, and that missed steal really hurts.

[Red Raindog]

too bad our 2 hole hitter failed to move Choo

[_Sir_Charles_]

Choo thrown out. One of the poorest running Reds teams I've seen in a while. It's not that they're slow...just really poor success rate.

And there's the hit. Predictable.

[WestSideBomber]

Very small crowd on hand tonight. Hopefully there's a bunch of folks who are still on their way.

[foxfire123]

stop rubbing it in --- I've already learned where the game is!

:lol::lol:

Sorry... Wasn't even thinking about in Chicago or home... Just that Weather Channel radar can be mental at times! lol! :thumbup:

[ProfessorTofty]

1st and 2nd now. Well, if we don't score this inning, hopefully we're at least wearing out their starter.

[Red Raindog]

Phillips with the hit -- can we keep Bruce hot???

[Kiko]

Pete Rose sitting behind home plate....

[Red Raindog]

Sorry... Wasn't even thinking about in Chicago or home... Just that Weather Channel radar can be mental at times! lol! :thumbup:

Now you are dissing my college major -- meteorology -- tough crowd tonight

:p

[50YrRedsFan]

2 singles and a walk, but we come up empty.

[RedsfaninMT]

2 singles and a walk, but we come up empty.

I got a t-shirt as a joke this year, but you might want to try to find it..."Id be pessimistic about it, but it wouldn't work anyway."

[ProfessorTofty]

Three up, three down for the Bucs, and a great play by Votto there.

[Larry Schuler]

Where was Votto's head on that play?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice pick by Votto there. 1-2-3 for Leake. All grounders.

[Red Raindog]

I got a t-shirt as a joke this year, but you might want to try to find it..."Id be pessimistic about it, but it wouldn't work anyway."

Optimism is nothing more than lying to yourself

[_Sir_Charles_]

Optimism is nothing more than lying to yourself

Funny and depressing all at the same time. Kudos!

[RedsfaninMT]

Optimism is nothing more than lying to yourself

A pessimist is an optimist with experience.

[Red Raindog]

Funny and depressing all at the same time. Kudos!

I stole it

[oregonred]

The moon deck looks a little sparse but the upper deck is pretty full. Thom says ~30K expected tonight which would be a nice Monday evening crowd.

[Red Raindog]

Frazier would have missed that one with a big broom

[Red Raindog]

Frazier would have missed that one with a big broom

Cozart too!

[texasdave]

Two of the worst swings that you will ever see.

[LexRedsFan]

Very small crowd on hand tonight. Hopefully there's a bunch of folks who are still on their way.

Interestingly the View Level looks really crowded. The lower, not as much.

[Red Raindog]

Two of the worst swings that you will ever see.

surprised their bats didn't bounce off the dirt

[texasdave]

Alvarez with the obligatory 'bling check'.

[Red Raindog]

Mes looked good walking

[_Sir_Charles_]

I stole it

All the best writers do. :O)

[oregonred]

Nice walk by Mes after complete BS called on strike 1. Slugger Leake flies out so onto the third...

[LexRedsFan]

2 innings, no score. We worked Liranio well this time around. I think we break through in the 3rd.

[Kc61]

Frazier isn't hitting lefties this year, for whatever reason.

Cozart hits better in the second spot, much better it seems. Shouldn't matter, pitchers are nuts to throw him strikes in any spot.

Should have called up Hamilton to run for Choo on the stolen base. Don't know why you would try to steal with Votto up. Unless it was a hit and run play which got messed up.

[ProfessorTofty]

The runner did not go to third, correct? The scoreboard is showing him on third.


Nevermind, they fixed it.

[50YrRedsFan]

Mercer with a double to lead off the 3rd, but Liriano went to the Reds bunting school and can't move the runner.

[Stray]

Big strike zone tonight

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk

[WestSideBomber]

Interestingly the View Level looks really crowded. The lower, not as much.

Yeah, it's weird. The Moon Deck almost always fills up before the upper levels.

[50YrRedsFan]

Marte K's, Mercer still at 2nd with 2 outs.

[oregonred]

As part of his MLB suspension, is Pete not allowed to wear Red.

Autograph signing must be slow this month in Vegas, can't even afford first row seats...

[oregonred]

Cozart drops the pickoff attempt for out 3. Arrgghh

[oregonred]

Leake gets out 4 to end the inning. Polite golf clap from Pete.

[Stray]

As part of his MLB suspension, is Pete not allowed to wear Red.

Autograph signing must be slow this month in Vegas, can't even afford first row seats...

Is that him in the blue tshirt behind the plate?

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk

[Kc61]

Arroyo is one of the best pitchers I've ever seen work out of jams.

Leake is starting to develop that. One thing the broadcasters say, that I believe, is that Leake is learning much from Bronson.

[oregonred]

Is that him in the blue tshirt behind the plate?

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk

Yep, just don't look quite right does it...

[Stray]

Yep, just don't look quite right does it...

Not at all haha. I didn't even notice him till I saw your post.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk

[Kc61]

Reds need to hit a few homers.

It's easier to score that way, otherwise it gets too complicated.

[ProfessorTofty]

Votto to second on a balk.

[oregonred]

BAAALLLLKKKKK, Joey to second after nearly killing Walker on a hard grounder to reach first.

[oregonred]

Marte with highway robbery to cost Phillips a double. Wow.

[Red Raindog]

That will be an ESPN play of the day

[Stray]

That's an amazing catch

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using Tapatalk

[ProfessorTofty]

Well, give credit to the Pirates's defense there to rob us of a run and end the inning.

[50YrRedsFan]

Marte robs Phillips of an RBI

[kaldaniels]

Tip your hat gentlemen.

[Kcbuckeye22]

Freaking Marte!!!

[oregonred]

Tip your hat gentlemen.

What about Heather?

[50YrRedsFan]

Runs at a premium tonight.

[Kcbuckeye22]

Tip your hat gentlemen.

Oh that's what it's like to have good D in the outfield.

[Raisor]

Mes looked good walking

Rocco

[Gizmo]

What about Heather?

She can "like" it.

[kaldaniels]

What about Heather?

In hindsight I notice she hasn't visited the thread yet...tough cookies I guess. :D

Ahh a Cutchy plunking.

[oregonred]

Cutch drilled between the letters on an 0-2 pitch.

[50YrRedsFan]

Oops by Leake?

[Kc61]

I hate when the Reds give stuff up on 0-2 pitches. Hit McCutchen on 0-2 pitch.

I like waste pitches, but shouldn't waste them into the hitter's back.

[LexRedsFan]

Surprised McCutchen didn't say anything after the series last August... Despite the obvious situation where you wouldn't hit him

[Raisor]

Runs at a premium tonight.

What's funny is that the Reds could score 7 runs in the first and you'd complain they didn't score 10.

Dude. Relax.

[Kc61]

Surprised McCutchen didn't say anything after the series last August... Despite the obvious situation where you wouldn't hit him

McCutchen probably was happy. Was 0-2, hit with a softball in the back.

He's chatting away with Votto down at first, doesn't seem upset at all.

[ProfessorTofty]

Nice, clean double play to erase that hit-by-pitch there and make it two outs.

[oregonred]

Tailor made DP for Leake. Nice recovery.

[Raisor]

What about Heather?

He-man women haters club

[Kc61]

Leake with 14 DP grounders this year. Big improvement.

[oregonred]

Yeah no malice on the 0-2 plunking on a breaking ball. Fortunate to get the DP.

They are not giving Leake the high strike. Cozart trips, basehit into left. Should be in the dugout after strike 3...

[IABucFan]

What's the Reds' feed saying after Cutch got hit? Bucs feed is saying they have to retaliate. I don't think Leake did it on purpose, but this is the fourth time Cutch has been hit by a Red. Intentional or not, if Votto was hit four times by the same team, you'd all be upset, no?

[oregonred]

Pete bored, on the cell with his bookie.

[redsfaninbsg]

Leake not getting the same strike zone.

[foxfire123]

Now you are dissing my college major -- meteorology -- tough crowd tonight

:p


Can't win tonight can I... lol!

[Kcbuckeye22]

What's the Reds' feed saying after Cutch got hit? Bucs feed is saying they have to retaliate. I don't think Leake did it on purpose, but this is the fourth time Cutch has been hit by a Red. Intentional or not, if Votto was hit four times by the same team, you'd all be upset, no?

Sounds like the buccos feed is full of a bunch of classy thugs.

[ProfessorTofty]

Long fly caught by Jay Bruce and that ends the Pirates's 4th.

[Kc61]

What's the Reds' feed saying after Cutch got hit? Bucs feed is saying they have to retaliate. I don't think Leake did it on purpose, but this is the fourth time Cutch has been hit by a Red. Intentional or not, if Votto was hit four times by the same team, you'd all be upset, no?

That was a softball into McCutchen's back. He was chatting away at first base, obviously not upset.

If the Pirates want to throw a slow ball into someone's back to retaliate, let them.

It was obviously unintentional, an 0-2 pitch.

[oregonred]

What's the Reds' feed saying after Cutch got hit? Bucs feed is saying they have to retaliate. I don't think Leake did it on purpose, but this is the fourth time Cutch has been hit by a Red. Intentional or not, if Votto was hit four times by the same team, you'd all be upset, no?

You gotta be kidding me. An 0-2 breaking ball in a 0-0 game to leadoff the fourth. Seriously? I thought the Steeler annoucers were the worst homers basaed in Pittsburgh.

[IABucFan]

Sounds like the buccos feed is full of a bunch of classy thugs.

With respect, that's not answering the question. McCutchen has now been hit four times against the Reds that I'm aware of, twice by Leake. You can't seriously think that you guys wouldn't be at least a little miffed about it if the shoe was on the other foot.

[RedsfaninMT]

What's the Reds' feed saying after Cutch got hit? Bucs feed is saying they have to retaliate. I don't think Leake did it on purpose, but this is the fourth time Cutch has been hit by a Red. Intentional or not, if Votto was hit four times by the same team, you'd all be upset, no?

And while saying that, they of course pointed out that Pirates pitchers have hit more batters than any other team, right?

[IABucFan]

You gotta be kidding me. An 0-2 breaking ball in a 0-0 game to leadoff the fourth. Seriously? I thought the Steeler annoucers were the worst homers basaed in Pittsburgh.

Don't know anything about the Steelers. (I'm a 9ers fan.)

[oregonred]

Bruce should have got the softball in the back on 0-2. Three pitch whiff to start the fourth.

[ProfessorTofty]

With respect, that's not answering the question. McCutchen has now been hit four times against the Reds that I'm aware of, twice by Leake. You can't seriously think that you guys wouldn't be at least a little miffed about it if the shoe was on the other foot.
Look, unless it was obviously intentional, I'm not even going to get upset, regardless of past record. And especially if it pretty clearly wasn't.

[foxfire123]

And *excuse* me guys...

Heather isn't the only female here. :wave:

[Red Raindog]

Rocco

Like I said before -- I like a one man parade -- you say potato I say Mes

;)

[50YrRedsFan]

What's funny is that the Reds could score 7 runs in the first and you'd complain they didn't score 10.

Dude. Relax.

If they scored 7, I would relax a little.:D

[oregonred]

Cozie!!!

[ProfessorTofty]

Alright! Blast there by Cozart and we have 1-0. Cozart all of a sudden on fire lately.

[Stray]

Nice!

[IABucFan]

Look, unless it was obviously intentional, I'm not even going to get upset, regardless of past record. And especially if it pretty clearly wasn't.

Fair enough. I can live with that. Like I said, I don't think it was intentional. And, FWIW, I'm not a fan of the Bucs announcers. Bob Walk is good, but he only does home games.

[Red Raindog]

That's what can happen you make the mistake of throwing a strike to Cozart

[Kc61]

That's what can happen you make the mistake of throwing a strike to Cozart

Folks pick on Cozart but his real problem is that he almost never walks.

He hit 33 doubles and 15 homers last year and is on track to hit similar numbers this year.

But the guy almost never walks.

[oregonred]

Two quick outs for Leake after a scary brief moment on the shallow pop to LF.

[ProfessorTofty]

Three up, three down for the Pirates that time around.

[Red Raindog]

Folks pick on Cozart but his real problem is that he almost never walks.

He hit 33 doubles and 15 homers last year and is on track to hit similar numbers this year.

But the guy almost never walks.

True -- and I like him as a player - but as a pitcher I would try to avoid throwing him strikes

[oregonred]

Leake dealing, 66 pitches through five.

[NebraskaRed]

Nice quick inning for Leake. Good rebound.

[Captain Hook]

I really use to not look forward to the games Leak was pitching. Not so much anymore.

[Kc61]

True -- and I like him as a player - but as a pitcher I would try to avoid throwing him strikes

Agree completely. Cozart can hit, but he isn't selective and you can get him out on bad pitches, agree.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I got tired of the full beard I've worn for the past year or so today. Decided to try something new. Went for the Corky Miller/Sam LeCure 'stach. As soon as I came downstairs my wife and 4 daughters all voted a quick NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo! I even got one "that's what Hulk Hogan wears". Heck, I didn't even know they knew who he was. LOL. We'll see if I keep it. :O) If the Reds win...it may just sway my decision. *grin*

[IABucFan]

And while saying that, they of course pointed out that Pirates pitchers have hit more batters than any other team, right?

They just mentioned this, actually.

[RedsBaron]

I think the answer to the trvia question is Bill McKechnie, who managed a Pirates World Series winner in 1925 and a Reds World Series winner in 1940.

[ProfessorTofty]

There's a nice bunt there. Bunt hit by Derrick Robinson with two out.

[RedsBaron]

Love that bunt hit. :thumbup:

[_Sir_Charles_]

Perfect bunt for Robinson. Love that.

[Raisor]

Folks pick on Cozart but his real problem is that he almost never walks.

He hit 33 doubles and 15 homers last year and is on track to hit similar numbers this year.

But the guy almost never walks.

He hit 33 doubles and 15 homers and still slugged under.400

[Red Raindog]

They just mentioned this, actually.

We wouldn't lie to you

;)

[BCubb2003]

I got tired of the full beard I've worn for the past year or so today. Decided to try something new. Went for the Corky Miller/Sam LeCure 'stach. As soon as I came downstairs my wife and 4 daughters all voted a quick NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo! I even got one "that's what Hulk Hogan wears". Heck, I didn't even know they knew who he was. LOL. We'll see if I keep it. :O) If the Reds win...it may just sway my decision. *grin*

They probably just realize how awesome it is and they don't want to lose you.

[IABucFan]

We wouldn't lie to you

;)

I know! I looked it up after you said that.:)

[Raisor]

I got tired of the full beard I've worn for the past year or so today. Decided to try something new. Went for the Corky Miller/Sam LeCure 'stach. As soon as I came downstairs my wife and 4 daughters all voted a quick NOOOOOOOOOooooooooo! I even got one "that's what Hulk Hogan wears". Heck, I didn't even know they knew who he was. LOL. We'll see if I keep it. :O) If the Reds win...it may just sway my decision. *grin*

I always knew you were a beard

[Mutaman]

I even got one "that's what Hulk Hogan wears". Heck, I didn't even know they knew who he was.

12 time world champion. Second longest reigning WWE world heavyweight champion after Bruno Sammartino.

[Kc61]

That hitter who just got a single foul tipped two pitches which weren't caught by the Reds catcher.

Couldn't tell if possible to catch, but too bad.

[_Sir_Charles_]

12 time world champion. Second longest reigning WWE world heavyweight champion after Bruno Sammartino.

But my oldest is 15 and has NEVER watched wrestling...the others are 10 and younger. I didn't think there was a CHANCE they had any clue who that was.

And I won't comment on the legitimacy of those "world championships".

[oregonred]

Cuth force out at second, BP bubbles the turn or smartly decided not to pull the trigger to first.

[RedEye]

Does Robinson bunt every time he's up? Sheesh.

[oregonred]

D Rob nice catch. 2 out.

[Kc61]

Nice play by Robinson on low line drive. Keep them hitting low ones, Leake.

[Red Raindog]

12 time world champion. Second longest reigning WWE world heavyweight champion after Bruno Sammartino.

and every match was on the up & up

[RedEye]

Nice play by D-Rob. Leake looking vulnerable this inning.

[ProfessorTofty]

Tied-up a run-scoring double there.

[WildcatFan]

Err, Jay?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Jay slid past the ball trying to cut it off. 1-1 game. Good job not letting the ball get past him, but lost his footing and grip. Okay Mike, lock it back down.

[Kc61]

Err, Jay?

They can give Bruce an error, but that was no error.

Ball was smoked most right fielders don't get near it. Ball should have bounced all the way to the wall.

[_Sir_Charles_]

KK

[50YrRedsFan]

Have to score more runs now.

[IABucFan]

They can give Bruce an error, but that was no error.

Ball was smoked most right fielders don't get near it. Ball should have bounced all the way to the wall.

Yeah, I'm surprised the play was as close as it was. I thought McCutchen might have gotten hurt on the slide. I sure hope not.

[_Sir_Charles_]

They can give Bruce an error, but that was no error.

Ball was smoked most right fielders don't get near it. Ball should have bounced all the way to the wall.

I'm pretty sure they didn't rule an error though.

[WildcatFan]

They can give Bruce an error, but that was no error.

Ball was smoked most right fielders don't get near it. Ball should have bounced all the way to the wall.

Wasn't so much the slide as it was all the bobbling.

[Red Raindog]

But my oldest is 15 and has NEVER watched wrestling...the others are 10 and younger. I didn't think there was a CHANCE they had any clue who that was.

And I won't comment on the legitimacy of those "world championships".

I met his wife once -- eating at a restaurant she had the St. Pete area -- It's closed now & I'm not sure if they are together now

:dunno:

[WildcatFan]

DatDudeHR. Lets see it.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I met his wife once -- eating at a restaurant she had the St. Pete area -- It's closed now 7 I'm not sure if they are together now

:dunno:

Personally, I would've liked to have seen what he could've done in a real sport. Guy was just a huge, HUGE man.

[WildcatFan]

Personally, I would've liked to have seen what he could've done in a real sport. Guy was just a huge, HUGE man.

Wait. What do you mean about wrestling not being real?

[50YrRedsFan]

Leake with another QS. Let's give him some runs for a Win.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Phillips looks a bit gun-shy. He's flinching on like every pitch. Nowhere close to him though.

[Red Raindog]

Personally, I would've liked to have seen what he could've done in a real sport. Guy was just a huge, HUGE man.

just as along as they didn't PED test ...

[oregonred]

Personally, I would've liked to have seen what he could've done in a real sport. Guy was just a huge, HUGE man.

Ask your kids if they've heard of Terry Bollea?

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ask your kids if they've heard of Terry Bollea?

I'm not even going to bother. I'VE never even heard of him.

[ProfessorTofty]

Frazier absolutely smokes one and we're up 2-1!

[oregonred]

FRAZIER!!!!

[WildcatFan]

Hoo boy, Todd went DEEP!

[Stray]

We've hit a couple of bombs tonight.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is Liriano hurt? He went down on one knee there after Jay's K. Just stayed there for a while.

And GONE! :jump: Toddfather!

[RedsBaron]

Downtown goes Frazier!

[Red Raindog]

and now they throw a strike to the other guy that shouldn't see one

[WildcatFan]

I'm not even going to bother. I'VE never even heard of him.

Red Raindog met his wife once.

[_Sir_Charles_]

LOL. I love that celebration he and Phillips are doing. Too damned funny.

[ProfessorTofty]

My sister had a crush on him at one time (Hogan) when she was like five or something. Called him "Hunk Hogan."

[WildcatFan]

Glad they spread out those two home runs!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Red Raindog met his wife once.

Oh crap. Really? I'm guessing that's his real name? LOL. No clue.

[WildcatFan]

I have no idea what The Bridge is about, but the commercials for it are scary as hell.

[Kc61]

If I were Baker, and I'm not, I'd probably get Cingrani warming.

The Pirates have a bunch of lefties in their lineup. Presumably, Tony needs some time to get ready.

Hopefully not needed.

[Raisor]

I'm not even going to bother. I'VE never even heard of him.

Hogan's real name

[foxfire123]

But my oldest is 15 and has NEVER watched wrestling...the others are 10 and younger. I didn't think there was a CHANCE they had any clue who that was.

And I won't comment on the legitimacy of those "world championships".

Doesn't he have some sort of "reality" show, or had at least?

[Red Raindog]

Red Raindog met his wife once.

She did not introduce herself that way --- :)

[oregonred]

Red Raindog's real name is Maroon Snowcat

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hogan's real name

Yeah, I got that. Wildcatfan clued me in in a round-about way.

[50YrRedsFan]

If I were Baker, and I'm not, I'd probably get Cingrani warming.

The Pirates have a bunch of lefties in their lineup. Presumably, Tony needs some time to get ready.

Hopefully not needed.

I was thinking the same. Leake at 82 pitches to start the 7th.

[oregonred]

Leake with the leadoff 5-pitch walk to Walker. :(

[Kc61]

Leake walks Walker. Now some bullpen action for the Reds, which is necessary and appropriate.

[Mutaman]

and every match was on the up & up

Relative to what? Did you see some of those calls in the Heat Spurs game last night?

[Red Raindog]

Red Raindog's real name is Maroon Snowcat

Now I've got to call witness protection again -- dang

[WildcatFan]

Red Raindog's real name is Maroon Snowcat

I laughed inappropriately long at this.

[50YrRedsFan]

Leake walks the leadoff man. Not a good way to start the inning.

[oregonred]

Pirates with a break on that as Mes can't handle the 1-foot sacrifice cleanly. Man on second one out.

[50YrRedsFan]

Liriano out for a pinch hitter (Snider)

[Red Raindog]

Relative to what? Did you see some of those calls in the Heat Spurs game last night?

nope --- NBA has only a small interest for me

[Kc61]

Pirates with a break on that as Mes can't handle the 1-foot sacrifice cleanly. Man on second one out.

Might have been a break for the Reds.

Not that confident in Mes throwing down to second.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Looks like the Cards & Cubs are just about to get underway finally.

[_Sir_Charles_]

KKK

[Kc61]

Nice K by Leake. Very fine pitching to Snider.

[WildcatFan]

Looks like the Cards & Cubs are just about to get underway finally.

Dang. Was hoping they'd just give both of em a loss.

[50YrRedsFan]

Snider K's. 2 out with Walker at 2nd.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Dang. Was hoping they'd just give both of em a loss.

I approve of this message whole-heartedly. :D

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ooooh....where did THAT miss? Too much movement by Mes?

[WildcatFan]

Leake was robbed of another strikeout.

[Red Raindog]

:( ump missed that one

[WildcatFan]

And ANOTHER one!

[_Sir_Charles_]

LOL. And as I type that, Chris Welsh says basically the same thing.

WHAT?!? He didn't go there?!?

[ProfessorTofty]

Okay, these calls are just getting ridiculous. What does he have to do to get the strikeout call?

[WildcatFan]

Nevermind, he didn't go.

[DocRed]

And yet somehow people defend MLB terrible umps..by far the worst in all of sports.

[ProfessorTofty]

So it'll be a fly ball to center to end the inning instead.

[WildcatFan]

Another great start for the young man. This rotation.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Well, this proves why baseball needs a better system to call balls and strikes. What a joke. Time to use technology, boys. Leake throws one right down the middle per the computers and it's called a ball.

Ended up working out fine for the Reds, but that's embarrassingly-bad for the ump. And it's happened many times tonight. Unacceptable.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Fly out. Should've been a punch out a few pitches ago...but I'll take it. Heck of an outing by Mike. Getting to be an "as usual" kind of thing.

[New York Red]

Another excellent outing by Mike. He is on some kind of a roll. :beerme:

[Kc61]

I figure Leake is done, but we'll see.

Last year, Leake loses the lead that inning. Lots of adversity.

Young man has gained a ton of poise this season. Terrific game for Leake.

[Red Raindog]

Leake is a master of escape

:notworthy:

[RedEye]

Yet another nice outing by Leake. Credit due.

[Kc61]

Well, this proves why baseball needs a better system to call balls and strikes. What a joke. Time to use technology, boys. Leake throws one right down the middle per the computers and it's called a ball.

Ended up working out fine for the Reds, but that's embarrassingly-bad for the ump. And it's happened many times tonight. Unacceptable.

FWIW, Chris Welsh thought Mesoraco cost Leake that strike.

He said Mes is moving around behind the plate and it makes it harder for the ump to call strikes accurately.

I'm really not impressed with Mes defensively so far. I think he can hit, but despite all the kudos he gets here, I'm not real comfortable with Mes behind the plate.

And if I'm not comfortable, imagine how the Reds pitchers might feel, LOL.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yeah, I'd say he's done. Over 100 pitches and he's due up 2nd. Although he's a pretty good bat, so we'll see. He's had some bad luck with the bat this year IMO. Anybody know his babip?

[_Sir_Charles_]

FWIW, Chris Welsh thought Mesoraco cost Leake that strike.

He said Mes is moving around behind the plate and it makes it harder for the ump to call strikes accurately.

I'm really not impressed with Mes defensively so far. I think he can hit, but despite all the kudos he gets here, I'm not real comfortable with Mes behind the plate.

And if I'm not comfortable, imagine how the Reds pitchers might feel, LOL.

Yeah, I thought the same thing....and then a couple of seconds later, I hear Welsh complete my thought.

[Ironman92]

Hell of a game Mike Leake.....screw that home plate ump.

I haven't been over here much.....you guys still bothered by Leake being one of our starters?

If Jay simply bends over and backhands the ball he goes 7 scoreless.

[Magdal]

Cubs/Cards under way

[WildcatFan]

Yeah, I'd say he's done. Over 100 pitches and he's due up 2nd. Although he's a pretty good bat, so we'll see. He's had some bad luck with the bat this year IMO. Anybody know his babip?

.250. He's career .387, according to BR.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Man, Lutz is strong.

[ProfessorTofty]

Lutz up to pinch hit and blasts one to right for a single.

[50YrRedsFan]

Lutz singles for Leake

[RedEye]

Lutz single

[Ironman92]

A strike is a strike...while Hanny is one of THE very best receiving the ball.....Meso catches a ball down the center of the plate and the entire ball is above the bottom of the knee....it's a strike.

Remember the call on Meso in his first AB....ball was 6 inches low. This umpire just stinks.....Meso shouldn't have anything to do with it.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Crud. 4-6-3 to end the inning. Choo hit that one hard too.

[oregonred]

Nice outing by Leake, battling through some adversity and getting squeezed much of the night.

Choo with tailor made 6-4-3 inning killer.

[Red Raindog]

Cubs/Cards under way

good -- a double header tonight!

[RedEye]

Choo GIDP. That doesn't happen too often.

[50YrRedsFan]

Grrrrrrrr, Choo 1st pitch swinging into a DP

[Raisor]

A strike is a strike...while Hanny is one of THE very best receiving the ball.....Meso catches a ball down the center of the plate and the entire ball is above the bottom of the knee....it's a strike.

Remember the call on Meso in his first AB....ball was 6 inches low. This umpire just stinks.....Meso shouldn't have anything to do with it.

Rocco

[oregonred]

Make that 4-6-3. The home plate ump has me all worked up. Time to bust out Terry Bollea to enforce the rules.

[RedEye]

Rocco

Baldelli?

[RedEye]

Rocco

and his Brothers?

[oregonred]

Well, here we go folks. THe 8th inning with a one run lead. Buckle up.

[50YrRedsFan]

I hope LeCure is on...no room for error.

[_Sir_Charles_]

A strike is a strike...while Hanny is one of THE very best receiving the ball.....Meso catches a ball down the center of the plate and the entire ball is above the bottom of the knee....it's a strike.

Remember the call on Meso in his first AB....ball was 6 inches low. This umpire just stinks.....Meso shouldn't have anything to do with it.

He shouldn't....but he does. It's not about the ump "stinking" or not. When a catcher bounces around like that, it'll mess up EVERY ump. They use the glove as the target and as a guide to call the pitch. Some people are under the impression that it's EASY to call balls/strikes accurately. It's not. I'm not trying to excuse the guy...but part of that blame HAS to go towards Mesoraco there. He's just not very good back there.

[RedEye]

Is Pete wearing a pink cap or is my TV off?

[Vottomatic]

I feel like the theme song from Halloween or The Exorcist should be playing since it's the 8th inning.

[oregonred]

Is Pete wearing a pink cap or is my TV off?

Your TV is way off. It's a camel color Reds cap.

[Kc61]

A strike is a strike...while Hanny is one of THE very best receiving the ball.....Meso catches a ball down the center of the plate and the entire ball is above the bottom of the knee....it's a strike.

Remember the call on Meso in his first AB....ball was 6 inches low. This umpire just stinks.....Meso shouldn't have anything to do with it.

Maybe Welsh was wrong, but if the umpire is affected by catcher movement, Reds are better off without it.

I have no idea, just reporting what Chris says.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is Pete wearing a pink cap or is my TV off?

It was a camo Reds hat earlier. Or did he switch it?

[RedEye]

Your TV is way off. It's a camel color Reds cap.

Okay, thanks. :-0

[oregonred]

Mes has been a little shaky on those strike 3s. Good start for Sam I am.

[RedsManRick]

I know those were good curves, but it sure seems like Mesoraco really struggles to catch the ball squarely sometimes.

[Brutus]

The National Weather Service has issued an 8th inning watch for the following areas:

Great American Ballpark.

If you live in this area, be advised that conditions are favorable for torrential downpours, heavy winds and falling skies.

[RedEye]

Big AB here. McCutchen is always so tough.

[Kc61]

Mes has been a little shaky on those strike 3s. Good start for Sam I am.

Yes, I agree, he seems to have dropped a bunch of them. Including foul tips, although it's tough to know via television if they were catchable.

I'm a bit down on Rocco's defense. Which he can easily fix by hitting a couple of homers.