4/24/2014 Reds vs Pirates Day Baseball Today

[cumberlandreds]

Hamilton gets the day off. Game time is 12:35 pm. The MLB Network is carrying the game.


1. Chris Heisey (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) CF
2. Joey Votto (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (L) 1B
3. Brandon Phillips (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) 2B
4. Jay Bruce (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (L) RF
5. Todd Frazier (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) 3B
6. Ryan Ludwick (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) LF
7. Devin Mesoraco (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) C
8. Zack Cozart (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) SS
9. Tony Cingrani (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (L) P


1. Starling Marte (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) LF
2. Neil Walker (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (S) 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) CF
4. Gaby Sanchez (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) 1B
5. Pedro Alvarez (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (L) 3B
6. Jose Tabata (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) RF
7. Jordy Mercer (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) SS
8. Chris Stewart (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) C
9. Brandon Cumpton (http://www.baseballpress.com/lineups#) (R) P

[Maldez]

I was hoping Cincy would get a total stiff as Pitt's last-minute pitcher, but this Cumpton guy looks pretty decent.

[RedsfaninMT]

nm

[RedsfaninMT]

I see Billy coming into the game in the 8th as a pinch runner, stealing 2nd and advancing to 3rd on the throw into CF, then scoring the winning run on a wild pitch. Crazy part is that it is almost more expected than not.

It's those first-time starts that have historically seemed to flummox the Reds a bit. Let's hope that isn't the case today.

[Cedric]

I see Billy coming into the game in the 8th as a pinch runner, stealing 2nd and advancing to 3rd on the throw into CF, then scoring the winning run on a wild pitch. Crazy part is that it is almost more expected than not.

It's those first-time starts that have historically seemed to flummox the Reds a bit. Let's hope that isn't the case today.

First time this year. The Reds faced Cumpton three times last year I think.

[RedsfaninMT]

First time this year. The Reds faced Cumpton three times last year I think.

Completely missed that. Thanks for the correction. Now no excuse not to score bunches.

[Magdal]

Good morning boys. I get to watch this game. Good luck beating these pesky Pirates!

[VR]

Votto Walks, Phillips single.

Put the hammer down early boys.

[tomnuetten]

votto with a walk and phillips with a base hit ... good start

[VR]

Bruce and Frazier go down quietly, on to the bottom of the 1st.

[Magdal]

I think it's a damn good idea to bat Joey 2nd. Now if Hamilton could get more hits...what's his BA now?

[SirFelixCat]

I think it's a damn good idea to bat Joey 2nd. Now if Hamilton could get more hits...what's his BA now?

His OB% is over .350 the last 10 games, I believe.

[VR]

.230 for the year, .300 over the last 10 games.

[VR]

10 straight 92-93 MPH fastballs to Walker, the last resulting in ball 4. Curious.

[Magdal]

.230 for the year, .300 over the last 10 games.

Oh! That's not too bad. The Cards have 4 starters way below that, and they've SEEN all the NL pitching. :cry:

- - - Updated - - -

Looked foul to me.

[SirFelixCat]

Walker walks, then Cutch singles off of Frazier's glove (tough stop on the line, I hear). 1 down, 2 on.

[tomnuetten]

don´t argue with the umpire, throw to first ...

[VR]

Could be a long bullpen day in Tony doesn't get a little sharper.

[Magdal]

Walker walks, then Cutch singles off of Frazier's glove (tough stop on the line, I hear). 1 down, 2 on.He gloved it about 5 feet foul, but the ump said it went over the bag fair.

[Cedric]

Unless Cingrani develops a secondary pitch he is going to be more reliant on fastball velocity than any pitcher I've ever witnessed.

[RadfordVA]

It has gotten to the point where Cingrani is my least favorite starter to watch pitch. In the end he is still successful enough and I am glad he is part of rotation just frustrating to watch.

[Kingspoint]

That's normally routine for Phillips.

[Tom Servo]

1-0 Pirates thanks to so hits barely out of the infield.

[Magdal]

Is it my imagination, or is this ump not giving Cingrani ANY close pitches?

Yikes! BP??

[villain612]

Jesus, Brandon.

[tomnuetten]

and again, phillips defence this year is bad. definetly bad for him but even bad for an avg 2nd baseman...

he shouldn´t hit 3rd and he should get some days off in general

[Magdal]

It has gotten to the point where Cingrani is my least favorite starter to watch pitch. In the end he is still successful enough and I am glad he is part of rotation just frustrating to watch.

This statement surprises me...every time I see him he's extremely tough.

[kbrake]

BP just all around brutal so far this year.

[757690]

and again, phillips defence this year is bad. definetly bad for him but even bad for an avg 2nd baseman...

he shouldn´t hit 3rd and he should get some days off in general

I'm guessing his back his hurting more than he admits. I agree he needs a day off. Problem is his replacement is Santiago at this point.

[villain612]

BP just all around brutal so far this year.

He's been great at photobombing though.

[tomnuetten]

This statement surprises me...every time I see him he's extremely tough.

he is and his results are good, the problem is that he can´t pitch longer than the 6th with those high pitch counts... he rely´s on his velocity and location on his fastball... if one of those isn´t sharp he has a problem... he needs a good secondary pitch

[VR]

32 pitches.....

[villain612]

These Pirate announcers are intolerable.

I need to cough up the extra $5 a month to pick which broadcast I want.

[malcontent]

Phillips with the Votto (ole).

[VR]

Appears the Pirates are using the Reds as target practice this year.

[RadfordVA]

he is and his results are good, the problem is that he can´t pitch longer than the 6th with those high pitch counts... he rely´s on his velocity and location on his fastball... if one of those isn´t sharp he has a problem... he needs a good secondary pitch

And he is walking nearly double the league rate this season. Like I said right now he is succeeding it is just not the most enjoyable games to watch with little action between the strikeout, walks and pitching changes due to not going deep in games.

[Kingspoint]

And with that at-bat, Zach Cozart ties Brandon Phillips with the team lead in GODP @ three. Votto and Bruce each have two, while Frazier has the only other one.

[No pants Mcgee]

Hit a batter so Cozart can make two outs instead of one... Those pirates are sneaky ;)

[Cedric]

Hamilton changes the dynamic of the whole lineup. I have to say I've been really impressed with how chaotic things become for opposing teams when he is in a lineup and getting on at least once a game.

The Reds have too many poor plate approaches to consistently grind out innings without forcing mistakes. Hamilton helps provide that extra pressure.

[cincrazy]

What a diving catch in center by Chris Heisey!

[Kingspoint]

Nice catch, Heisey.

[villain612]

Great catch by Heisey.

[texasdave]

Heisey with two shots and nothing to show for it. Sometimes it is just not your day.

[Kingspoint]

If anything that Price gets credit for over Dusty is the usage of Votto in the #2 hole. So glad to have someone different managing the club.

[villain612]

I'm not really a fan of Phillips right now.

[Gallen5862]

How did the pirates get their run? MLB Network showing the Cards game instead of Reds even though Reds was advertized game.

[kbrake]

How did the pirates get their run? MLB Network showing the Cards game instead of Reds even though Reds was advertized game.

2 on 2 out in the first and Alvarez hit a slow roller to 2nd. BP had to cover a lot of ground but should have made the play. He slid to get the ball and it got past him.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks K brake.

[Cedric]

Does Cingrani have that 5 hit streak still? It's about over if he did.

[VR]

I believe it will be important for the Reds to figure out how to get McCutcheon out at some point before the year is over.

[Gallen5862]

What Inning is it? Thanks for pbp.

[texasdave]

Thanks K brake.

The two runners on were courtesy of a walk and an infield single.

[villain612]

Cingrani doesn't have his best stuff today but he's battling. Gotta like that at least.

[malcontent]

Does Cingrani have that 5 hit streak still? It's about over if he did.
Yeah, it's still on.

[Gallen5862]

Do the Reds remove him to keep the streak?

[villain612]

Good hustle Todd.

[tomnuetten]

Do the Reds remove him to keep the streak?

they shouldn´t! individual records are unimportant in a team game! you can do something like that if you are out of the playoff race.. not in april!

[VR]

I really hope they don't walk Mez here.

[RedsfaninMT]

You're joking, right? Streak means nothing.

[texasdave]

This is Cumpton's sixth Major League start and seventh major league appearance. He has made three of the starts and has appeared four times against the Reds. <--meaningless trivia

[malcontent]

This is Cumpton's sixth Major League start and seventh major league appearance. He has made three of the starts and has appeared four times against the Reds. <--meaningless trivia
He's been pretty tough against them, hasn't he?

[VR]

Do the Reds remove him to keep the streak?

He holds the record, which will be broken at some point.

Right now I'm worried about him being the only major league pitcher to never sniff the 6th inning. :doh:

[Kingspoint]

Does Cingrani have that 5 hit streak still? It's about over if he did.

So, you're saying that there's only one hit left for the Pirates while Cingrani is still out there.

[malcontent]

So, you're saying that there's only one hit left for the Pirates while Cingrani is still out there.
Correct.

[Tom Servo]

I blinked and apparently missed the first two outs of this frame.

[RedsfaninMT]

I blinked and apparently missed the first two outs of this frame.

Not exactly working the pitcher in long counts.

[malcontent]

Heisey Ks on ball 4.

Can we just be done with Cozart? Walt? Please?

[RadfordVA]

Cumpton the Magnificent

[tomnuetten]

mhm pretty boring game today.. hope the reds bats will awake soon

[Kingspoint]

We've had a great 10-game Offensive stretch (best in the NL in Avg, Obp, and Slg), without one game where we didn't hit well. Today, doesn't seem to be the day for Offense. Going to have to win this thing 2-1. This is one game where having Hamilton Pinch-run may pay off.

[Red Raindog]

McCutchen has been on base 13 times thru 3+ games of this series

Cozart has been on base 11 times this year

[malcontent]

Pirates have looked flat all series, IMO. Time to knock them off today to take 3 of 4.

- - - Updated - - -


McCutchen has been on base 13 times thru 3+ games of this series

Cozart has been on base 11 times this year
That's unbelievable.

[Kc61]

The Reds' lineup today seems unlikely to win this on a rally. Too many guys sprinkled throughout lineup who this year (or longer) are swinging at almost everything.

They do have potential to win it on the long ball, a key extra base hit or two.

Hamilton adds a different dimension because every time he gets on base is a major scoring opportunity. So even if he only gets on once, there's a decent chance.

[Kingspoint]

These are the types of games where all your runs are by way of your best player.

[VR]

Tony w/ a good recovery after a rocky 3 innings. May be able to squeeze two more innings out of him (as long as he doesn't give up a hit!!!!)

[kbrake]

I hate bunting but I don't trust BP. Move Votto to 2nd.

[Chip R]

McCutchen has been on base 13 times thru 3+ games of this series

Cozart has been on base 11 times this year

This just in: McCutcheon is good. Cozart, not so much.

[VR]

Pirates pitchers hit a Reds batter for the 47th time this series.

[Kingspoint]

McCutchen has been on base 13 times thru 3+ games of this series

Cozart has been on base 11 times this year

Cozart....11 Total Bases and 6 RBI's in his last seven games.

[Kc61]

Phillips needs to get that right field swing going. Big at bat here.

[Kc61]

Cozart....11 Total Bases and 6 RBI's in his last seven games.

Just curious. How many times has he reached base during this "hot streak?"

[Kingspoint]

Phillips needs to get that right field swing going. Big at bat here.

Counting today, 5 for his last 31.

[malcontent]

A BB here wouldn't be the end of the world, BP.

[Kingspoint]

Just curious. How many times has he reached base during this "hot streak?"

6 for 26.

[Kc61]

Counting today, 5 for his last 31.

Cozart or Phillips?

[villain612]

For the love of god BP, take a walk please

[Kingspoint]

Price (and the REDS) do not seem to be bunting as much lately, I've noticed.

[Tornon]

In case anybody was wondering, the White Sox just activated David Beckham from the DL according to the Fox Sports bottom line

[kbrake]

BP really not a fan of walks.

[tomnuetten]

bp wanted the walk, the umpire had other idea´s

[Kingspoint]

...

[cincrazy]

This Cumpton kid OWNS the inside of the plate. I don't really recall him pitching against us last year, but obviously he knows what he's doing.

[Chip R]

In case anybody was wondering, the White Sox just activated David Beckham from the DL according to the Fox Sports bottom line

Just in time for the World Cup.

[Tom Servo]

BP tried to hit into a BP, but Votto was on the move to prevent it.

[Kingspoint]

Cozart or Phillips?

Phillips....Cozart, counting today...6 for his last 28.

[cincrazy]

Has anyone else ever actually witnessed Brandon Phillips running hard through the first base bag on a play where he's about to get doubled up? Because I can't recall it.

[Kc61]

Phillips....Cozart, counting today...6 for his last 28.

All these guys have their virtues, Cozart, Phillips (this year), Heisey, arguably Ludwick. But they are making too many outs and it's tough to sustain an inning.

Some of the others are doing much better at avoiding outs. Phillips grounds out, no DP, man on second.

[Kingspoint]

I like seeing Bruce take a HR swing in a game like this in that situation. (on the 0-0 fastball)

[malcontent]

Ball 4 almost hit Phillips.

[RadfordVA]

If you are able to come to a complete stop 3 feet past 1st base were you truly hustling?

[Kc61]

Has anyone else ever actually witnessed Brandon Phillips running hard through the first base bag on a play where he's about to get doubled up? Because I can't recall it.

He's always been slow getting out of the box. His (former) good speed never really showd up on infield grounders.

[Kingspoint]

If you are able to come to a complete stop 3 feet past 1st base were you truly hustling?

Not physically possible.

[Tom Servo]

Pittsburgh sure likes plunking.

[kbrake]

Painful AB from Bruce.

[Kingspoint]

HBP may be how we win this game.

[VR]

For the love of god BP, take a walk please

1 of 9 pitches was 'in' the zone, 2 were on the border.

6 very clear balls against a #7 starter.

[Tom Servo]

Luddy! 2-1 Redlegs!

[Kc61]

I can really understand why Pirates think Reds throw at them, LOL. They have to be kidding.

[cincrazy]

Luddy puts the Reds up 2-1 with a big 2 out double!

[texasdave]

I have stopped expecting that breakout season by Bruce. He is what he is.

[Kingspoint]

Beautiful.

2-1! on two HBP's, and a Double, no doubt. One swing, two runs.

[kbrake]

Ludwick! Doubles in 2. Reds 2-1

[Red Raindog]

Painful AB from Bruce.

Luddy bails him out with a gapper & 2 runs

[RadfordVA]

HBP's will haunt!

[tomnuetten]

thanks for the hbp! instead of starting a bean ball war (which nobody can win) make them pay for it on the scoreboard! ludwick :beerme:

[50YrRedsFan]

Ludwick bails out BP and Bruce...2-1 Reds

[VR]

I have stopped expecting that breakout season by Bruce. He is what he is.

He's been 'horrible' this April, and has an OPS above .800. I see significant changes in Bruce, results just aren't there yet on the traditional stats.

[Kingspoint]

Let's go Cingrani....one more from you and then the pen to close this series out.

[texasdave]

Nice job, Luddy!

[Red Raindog]

That was almost clown car material on the pop up

[texasdave]

He's been 'horrible' this April, and has an OPS above .800. I see significant changes in Bruce, results just aren't there yet on the traditional stats.

I hope you're right.

[Kingspoint]

That was almost clown car material on the pop up

Thought we were playing the Cardinals for a moment there.

[villain612]

He's been 'horrible' this April, and has an OPS above .800. I see significant changes in Bruce, results just aren't there yet on the traditional stats.

I agree.

His OBP is better than you'd think with his AVG where it is.

He's taking better at bats and see more pitches and walking more.

His bat will kick in at some point.

[Kingspoint]

Who called for that shift?

[cincrazy]

There it is folks! The streak is over! Even the Undertaker is stunned that Tony Cingrani's streak has come to a crashing halt today.

[Tom Servo]

Who called for that shift?
Dusty's fault.

[Kingspoint]

Do what you do best Cingrani and strike this guy out.

- - - Updated - - -

Leake would induce a DP right here.

:)

[Kingspoint]

Cumpton had his first pitch sinkerball working from the get-go today. That's a great thing to have in this ballpark.

[Tom Servo]

There it is folks! The streak is over! Even the Undertaker is stunned that Tony Cingrani's streak has come to a crashing halt today.
http://cdn.fansided.com/gif/The_streak_is_over_2.gif

[Kingspoint]

I'll take that call.

- - - Updated - - -

Got him! One more out.

[Tom Servo]

Nicely done. One more to go.

[Kingspoint]

100 pitches now.

- - - Updated - - -

That was dead red. Got away with that one on the 2-1 FB.

- - - Updated - - -

Nice job, Cingrani!

2-1 good guys.

[Tom Servo]

Good job Tony C!

[villain612]

Cingrani is dodging bullets today.

[RadfordVA]

What is the streak for 6 or less?

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Made it through 6. Some tightrope walking for Tony C, but still only 1 run on the board for the Rats.

[tomnuetten]

nice to have someone get a mlb record in a reds uniform, good for cingrani but it would be nice to see him pitch longer than 6 innings :dunno:

[VR]

I agree.

His OBP is better than you'd think with his AVG where it is.

He's taking better at bats and see more pitches and walking more.

His bat will kick in at some point.

Last year he got his 14th walk on May 22nd. His OBP is at .368....he hasn't been above .349 in over two years for any one single month.

[Kingspoint]

Cingrani is dodging bullets today.

When you have just one pitch, it seems like it's the norm.

[Raisor]

Cingrani is dodging bullets today.

I know Kung fu

[Kingspoint]

Zach can't make two outs here leading off.

Just kidding. I like Cozart.

[kbrake]

Pretty solid start from Cingrani on a day where he clearly didn't have his best command.

[VR]

Cingrani seemed like a hot mess today, and yet finishes with a line of 6IP/7K/1 earnie.

This kid gets his control under control.....wowzers.

[Red Raindog]

Cozart swings at ball four & misses his chance to make the rare on base appearance

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Bad Shark!

[Kingspoint]

Start a rally, Heisey!


...guess not.

[Raisor]

Start a rally, Heisey!

You can't have a rally when you're leading.

[reds44]

3 innings of this bullpen with a 1 run lead.

Yikes.

[Kingspoint]

3 innings of this bullpen with a 1 run lead.

Yikes.

We can do it!

It shall be entertaining.

[redssince75]

3 innings of this bullpen with a 1 run lead.

Yikes.

Starting with Ondrusek. Yikes yikes.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

3 innings of this bullpen with a 1 run lead.

Yikes.

Starting with Logan. Double Yikes.

Edit: Great minds think alike redssince75 :D

[Kingspoint]

First Reliever up....11.25 ERA.

[kbrake]

3 innings of this bullpen with a 1 run lead.

Yikes.

Exactly. Buckle up.

[villain612]

I hate day games when Ondrusek is pitching.

It causes me to start drinking way too early in the day.

[villain612]

3 innings of this bullpen with a 1 run lead.

Yikes.


7034

[cincrazy]

Do you think Bryan Price is drunk enough to follow up Ondrusek with Hoover?

[tomnuetten]

logan will make a 9out save ;)

[kbrake]

Neil Walker hitting just a single when Ondrusek is pitching feels like a major victory for the Reds.

[Raisor]

Do you think Bryan Price is drunk enough to follow up Ondrusek with Hoover?

No one asked you commie! Go root for the Yankees if you want a sure thing!

[Kingspoint]

4 for 8 w/ 2 HR vs Ondrusek going into this at-bat for McCutcheon.with a man on 1st and 2 outs.

[Tom Servo]

Pirates announcers oddly echoing the this year isn't the same thing thatIAmBucsFan said yesterday. (http://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?105180-Good-Luck)

[Red Raindog]

quality pitches to McCutchen

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Cutch THIS! Andrew force out to 2nd. Wolverine Logan showed up. Haven't seen him in a while.

[cincrazy]

Figures that the only pitcher that can get McCutchen out would be Ondrusek. Go figure. #baseball

[Tom Servo]

Ondru the Giant holds the lead.

[Kingspoint]

And the big guy comes through with his inning. Next up?

[malcontent]

Ondrusek didn't mess around.

[villain612]

Wow...we just got McCutchen out....



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFPwm0e_K98

[Mutaman]

No one asked you commie! Go root for the Yankees if you want a sure thing!

Yankees cheat!

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

Figures that the only pitcher that can get McCutchen out would be Ondrusek. Go figure. #baseball

It's like that time during the Lost Decade when Mike Stanton struck out Bill Hall.

[Kingspoint]

Could use another run or two here for a bullpen cushion.

[Tom Servo]

It's like that time during the Lost Decade when Mike Stanton struck out Bill Hall.
God, why was Stanton even pitching to Hall?

[Kingspoint]

That was the first out Votto's made today. Love seeing that high production OBP in the #2 hole.

[Kingspoint]

C'mon, Brandon!

[cincrazy]

No one asked you commie! Go root for the Yankees if you want a sure thing!

Watch it! We don't want Robot J. McCarthy to follow us to Redszone's sacred ground.

[villain612]

That was the first out Votto's made today. Love seeing that high production OBP in the #2 hole.

I'm glad the Reds organization decided not to try to change the approach of one of MLB's top 5 hitters.

[Kingspoint]

Two more weeks of this and Mes needs to move to the #3 hole.

- - - Updated - - -


I'm glad the Reds organization decided not to try to change the approach of one of MLB's top 5 hitters.

In a game with a total of three runs in it, he has one of them.

[Kingspoint]

Great at-bat by Bruce.

Laid off a low breaking ball to draw a walk.

I still believe Bruce is going to win the NL MVP award this season.

[villain612]

Two more weeks of this and Mes needs to move to the #3 hole.
.

I would personally bat him 4th so we can keep Bruce and Votto back to back. But at this point, I'll take ANY move up in the lineup for Rocco.

[Kingspoint]

IF they move Mes to the #3 hole, Bruce could get 120 RBI's.

...or the #4 hole after Bruce and Mes could get 120 RBI's.

[Chip R]

Two more weeks of this and Mes needs to move to the #3 hole.

Careful, don't want to make him nervous hitting him any higher than 7th.

[Kingspoint]

I would personally bat him 4th so we can keep Bruce and Votto back to back. But at this point, I'll take ANY move up in the lineup for Rocco.

I agree with that...Votto, Bruce, Mez....just been seeing too many Bruce in the 5-hole lineups lately.

[villain612]

IF they move Mes to the #3 hole, Bruce could get 120 RBI's.

Fair point.
I wouldn't complain either way to be honest.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

I would personally bat him 4th so we can keep Bruce and Votto back to back. But at this point, I'll take ANY move up in the lineup for Rocco.

Hamilton
Votto
Rocco
Bruce
Luddy
Phillips
Frazier
Cozart
Pitcher

Not too bad.

[kbrake]

It doesn't even have to be Rocco for me. Just bump BP down a few spots and let him try to figure out some where that isn't between our two best hitters.

[Kingspoint]

Nice pitch to get out of the inning for Pittsburgh.

[kbrake]

LeCure vs. the lefties. This could be interesting.

[Kingspoint]

LeCure vs. the lefties. This could be interesting.

Heck of a breaking ball on the second pitch.

- - - Updated - - -

Nice job by LeCure to get Ike Davis on a called third strike.

[Red Raindog]

Sam -- my man == K to start

[Mutaman]

How did Davis hit 2 grand slams?

[Red Raindog]

Sam -- my man == K to get the 2nd out

[757690]

Parra or Broxton for the 9th?

[Red Raindog]

wow - classic Sam today --

[Mutaman]

I would have brought in Para to face the lefties. Now thanks to Sam , Bryan will never play the percentages.

[villain612]

Same "lights out" Lecure in the 8th.

3 more outs boys.

[Tom Servo]

LeKure!

[Red Raindog]

Parra or Broxton for the 9th?

I vote Sam

[kbrake]

Wow. LeCure just dominates the Pirates in the 8th. On a day like this I'd probably just give him the 9th. Already in day 2 of back to back days so he won't be available tomorrow anyways.

[RadfordVA]

Parra or Broxton for the 9th?

Lecure

[tomnuetten]

what an inning! sam lecure :thumbup:

[Kingspoint]

This isn't a day for runs, but could we get one more for our Closer today, please?

[malcontent]

LeCure makes it look so easy.

[Chip R]

Parra or Broxton for the 9th?

Both make me nervous.

[Kingspoint]

3-inning bullpen save by 3 guys will build a nice bond among them.

- - - Updated - - -

Hit a Triple, Luddy!

[Mutaman]

Broxtons been getting the job done, but sooner or later....................

[kbrake]

Send in Hamilton to steal us an insurance run.

[villain612]

BHAM!

[Red Raindog]

BHAM!

run Billy run

[Kingspoint]

Wasn't even close. Hamilton out by a mile. Got a decent jump, but the pitchout got him.

[Tom Servo]

Foiled by the pitchout.

[Red Raindog]

pitch outs should be outlawed

[kbrake]

Stupid pitch out.

[Kingspoint]

Bullpen is going to have to hold a 2-1 lead.

[tomnuetten]

http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/thefw.com/files/2012/06/RonSwanson.gif

[Mutaman]

All these guys have their virtues, Cozart, Phillips (this year), Heisey, arguably Ludwick. But they are making too many outs and it's tough to sustain an inning.
.

scratch Ludstick from that group.

[villain612]

Was he not expecting a pitchout with an 0-1 count? lol

[Kingspoint]

You know runs are at a premium when Mez goes 0-fer.

[Red Raindog]

Was he not expecting a pitchout with an 0-1 count? lol

true -- I was thinking the same when the catcher set up

[malcontent]

Brox has been getting it done, but by skin of teeth. Like to see a clean inning here.

[villain612]

Please make this 1-2-3 so I can go eat soon.

[malcontent]

I'd like to have seen the tag. I know the throw beat him.

[Red Raindog]

The Big Lug is in

[Kingspoint]

Looking at Broxton reminds me I've got to make lunch.

[757690]

I'm with the ores who wanted LeCure to stay in.

[ThatPitchIsDunn]

The Notorious BFB with the K.

[Red Raindog]

up the ladder for a K

[tomnuetten]

I'm with the ores who wanted LeCure to stay in.

I wanted Logan to stay in :cool:

[Red Raindog]

93 on the gun with that pitch

[Tom Servo]

One more to go.

[Red Raindog]

looper to Frazier -- one more great big guy

[cincrazy]

Big Brox with a 1-2-3 inning, and this one belongs to the Reds!

[Kingspoint]

The 12th time this season that we have held our opponents to 2 runs or less!

[Tom Servo]

We're still good! :beerme:

3 out of 4! Suck it Pittsburgh!

[Red Raindog]

Cingrani and crew do fine job today

[villain612]

Good pitching wins games like this.

3 in a row.

[Brutus]

Back to an even win & loss column!

[tomnuetten]

http://i.imgur.com/xilCM.gif

[krm1580]

On a side note do you think Cingrani's streak will be intact when MLB overturns the "hit" Pedro Alvarez was credited for in the 1st

[reds44]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CuWQfMGjZF4

[maniem]

Feels great to finally win a one-run game. Great series win and back to .500! :beerme:

[OesterPoster]

Finally won a game on Thursday. :)

So now they're undefeated on Sundays and Wednesdays, but winless on Saturdays and Mondays. Crazy!

[HeatherC1212]

Yay for another series win! Love this team! :jump:

[OesterPoster]

And that loss drops the Pirates to only a 1/2 game lead over the Scrubbies. :D

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm not counting that first game.

3 game SWEEEEEEEEP!

[Mutaman]

Older I get, more I'm convinced that a key to success is having the second line guys step up when needed. Broxton has really been doing that. Great effort.

[WVRedsFan]

This series pleases me more than any of you can know. I spend a lot of time in Pittsburgh because of my elderly mother in law and last year was really bad. I hate to say this, but with a 5-2 record, I'm looking forward to going back this time. I did notice the crowds seem to be much smaller than last year, and that's a Pittsburgh tradition. Love them when they're winning and cuss them when their losing--and don't even mention them. I imagine that Mother's Day will be very quiet about baseball this year.

Small thought. One of the local TV stations down here has a staff of mostly Pittsburgh or Pennsylvania natives. The sports all last year was dominated by the Pirates. hey would only report on how the Bucs were doing each night and never mention the other scores. I even wrote them and told them that this was Reds country. I noticed this year they started the same thing until this losing streak, and then there was nothing. Typical.

[villain612]

The Reds were a JJ Hoover from a 4 game sweep.

[Mutaman]

The Reds were a JJ Hoover from a 4 game sweep.

That first game could have been a back breaker. Big time effort not letting it psych them out particularly on the road against a team that really needed a few wins. Many heroes but particularly JC, Broxton and Hamilton. Nice efforts by Fredo and Cingrani both shaking off rough starts.

[OnBaseMachine]

Great win today. Even after a 4-9 start I still had a great feeling about this team. Back to .500 and hopefully getting Chapman and Latos back within a few weeks. I think Bruce is about to break out in a big way.

[cumberlandreds]

Good series win. Back to .500 and only good things from here. The Pirates look an awful lot like the 2011 Reds. They will be a fourth place team this season.