4/29/14 vs Baby Bears

[SirFelixCat]

Today's titanic struggle features who would have been pitching yesterday: Alfredo Simon vs Jeff Samardzija


Cincinnati Reds
CF: Billy Hamilton
1B: Joey Votto
2B: Brandon Phillips
RF: Jay Bruce
3B: Todd Frazier
LF: Ryan Ludwick
C: Brayan Pena
SS: Zack Cozart
SP: Alfredo Simon

Chicago Cubs
CF: Emilio Bonifacio
RF: Ryan Kalish
1B: Anthony Rizzo
SS: Starlin Castro
3B: Luis Valbuena
C: Welington Castillo
LF: Ryan Sweeney
2B: Darwin Barney
SP: Jeff Samardzija


Go Rojos!

[westofyou]

Weather map looks forbearing

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Could have played two today under beautiful skies. Now will they even get one in? Reds have had almost as much trouble with rain at home (postponements, delays, etc.) the past two seasons as they have had with clutch hits. Heck, even the Fourth of July game was rained out last year.

http://radar.weather.gov/Conus/full_loop.php

[Razor Shines]

Again? Guess God reads USA Today

[kbrake]

7:30 First Pitch.

[Jefferson24]

any word on Devin's return?

[SirFelixCat]

any word on Devin's return?

Last I heard is that he's on the 15-day DL and will return the first day eligible.

[Kc61]

Would like to see Reds get off to a good start tonight. The Atlanta series was a bummer, then a rain out. Get out ahead here.

Let's go Simon.

[Larkin Fan]

Devin isn't eligible to be activated until May 10th.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Did somebody eat a box of powdered donuts over Bonifacio's head just before the game?!?

[Kc61]

Strikeout by Simon to start things off.

[dabvu2498]

Bonifacio took an ugly swing. He must be terrible. :D

[Kc61]

Two down, Kalish flies to BH in short center.

[dabvu2498]

Did somebody eat a box of powdered donuts over Bonifacio's head just before the game?!?

Sprayed-on pine tar not dirty yet. Seriously.

[Kc61]

Rizzo up. Strike one swinging on a slider. Then called strike two on a fastball. Simon has good stuff. Foul. Bounces one up, 1-2. Soft liner to Votto, nothing across, 11 pitches for Simon.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Sprayed-on pine tar not dirty yet. Seriously.

Spray on pine tar? Never even heard of that before. New?

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the pbp.

[wheels]

I had to leave my local watering hole. The guy sitting next to me asked if I am a Reds fan. After giving the affirmative, he launched into a "Boy, they're terrible." diatribe.

Why are they terrible in his eyes? "No fundamentals."

When I brought up something a little more narrow, like injuries, or bad luck it was as if I was speaking another language. He said they don't catch with two hands, I countered with the fact that they're pretty much the best defensive team in the league.

Once I figured out I wasn't getting anywhere, I tabbed out and left him with this gem: "Put a young Adam Dunn in left, and you can print playoff tickets."

[Gallen5862]

Who had spray on pine tar?

[KYExtemper]

I feel bad for a pitcher of Samardzija's caliber being stuck on their terrible Cubs team.

[Kc61]

Hamilton leads off for the Reds. Hitting .221. Samardzija, good pitcher. BH shows bunt, takes a strike. Ball low. Slightly outside, 2-1. 3-1 now on inside fastball. Walk to Hamilton.

- - - Updated - - -

Votto up, let's see if Billy tried to steal. Steals second on the first pitch. Not close.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Leadoff double for Hamilton. Well, a Billy double. :O)

[KYExtemper]

Radio broadcast has no sound effects tonight. Can't hear the pitches hitting the gloves, getting hit, or even the crowd. Takes you out of the experience a little bit.

Billy getting me some fantasy points!

[kbrake]

I had to leave my local watering hole. The guy sitting next to me asked if I am a Reds fan. After giving the affirmative, he launched into a "Boy, they're terrible." diatribe.

Why are they terrible in his eyes? "No fundamentals."

When I brought up something a little more narrow, like injuries, or bad luck it was as if I was speaking another language. He said they don't catch with two hands, I countered with the fact that they're pretty much the best defensive team in the league.

Once I figured out I wasn't getting anywhere, I tabbed out and left him with this gem: "Put a young Adam Dunn in left, and you can print playoff tickets."

Was feeling bad for you until I got to the end. You are my hero.

That is the kind of thing I would have thought of 15 seconds after I left.

[_Sir_Charles_]

What was that? Some sort of protective guard for his fingers?

[HalMorrisRules]

I was just about to ask if Billy had a history of wearing that mitten on his left hand and then the umpires just confiscated it. What was that all about?

[Kc61]

Votto falls behind 0-2, then at bat gets long.

On 2-2 a wild pitch and Billy is on third.

- - - Updated - - -

So, man on third no outs. Votto walks, seems like a close pitch.

[757690]

Even a DatDudeDP gets a run here

[KYExtemper]

The MLB needs to be doing more promote Billy Hamilton. This guy makes baseball fun.

[Kc61]

Ok, first and third for Phillips, whose hitting is much beloved on RedsZone lately. Joking.

Long fly to right, caught. Run scores.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Tight zone if that's a ball all night. (last pitch to Votto)

[KYExtemper]

I thought DatDude hit a homer. HR-less streak continues!

[wheels]

Was feeling bad for you until I got to the end. You are my hero.

That is the kind of thing I would have thought of 15 seconds after I left.

Try Scotch next time.

[757690]

Summer winds take that baby into the stands.

[dabvu2498]

Spray on pine tar? Never even heard of that before. New?

No. Not especially.

http://m.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11006041

[kbrake]

Try Scotch next time.

I usually stick to whiskey and if that were the case I'd still be there arguing with him. Thought I'm sure Adam Dunn would have come up by now.

[KYExtemper]

Samardzija is all out of sorts tonight. Good for us. REALLY bad for the Cubs.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Try Scotch next time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovUkATL4l_g

[Kc61]

Reds actually scored a run after an 18 inning drought in Atlanta.

Now Bruce with Votto on first. Jay takes a ball, then a strike on lower part of zone.

Ball low, Bruce much more patient this year. 2-1 count, one run in for Reds, man on first, one out.

Bruce lines out to left. Two down.

[Tom Servo]

Thought Bruce had a hit off the bat.

[757690]

Samardzija not fooling anyone so far.

[dabvu2498]

Who had spray on pine tar?

Bonifacio has a funky white film on his batting helmet. I'm pretty sure that's what it is.

[KYExtemper]

ROFL. Cubs....never, never change!

[Kc61]

Todd Frazier swings and misses, strike one. Low pitch, 1-1. Samardija likes to work down in the zone. Now Frazier fouls, 1-2.

Todd stays alive with a foul back. Breaking pitch, another foul.

Pitcher piling up the pitches here.

Frazier slow roller to first, beats it out.

Broken bat single. Two men on.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice ab from Todd. Wasting a bunch of good pitches. And now he hustles and beats out an IF hit after Rizzo falls down.

[dabvu2498]

Samardzija not fooling anyone so far.

Poorest-hit ball is the only hit so far.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Ryan has really been swinging the bat well. His results have been mixed but he's been taking the best cuts on the club (outside of Rocco).

[Kc61]

Last batter for me, will try to pick up later. Ludwick.

Strike one on Ryan. First and second for Reds. Foul, 0-2. Thom says a 95 MPH pitch.

26 pitches for Samardija.

In the dirt. 1-2.

Two on, one in, two outs. Strike three.

[wheels]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovUkATL4l_g

You know...That's exactly how I feel when I have a nice dram of Glenmorrangie (or anything that starts with a "Glen", really).

It smoothes out my rough edges. When a man drinks Scotch, he should act the part.

[_Sir_Charles_]

No. Not especially.

http://m.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11006041

I thought you meant ACTUAL pine-tar. We're on the same page now. :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Castro flies out to Billy. 1 down.

'Fredo working rather quickly. I haven't really seen that out of him before.

BB to Valbuena. Simon all over the place to him.
HBP to Castillo. Simon struggling with his control. (visit from pitching coach)
Still struggling with zone. Sweeney flies out to Hamilton.
Barney flies out to Bruce to end the inning.

Hopefully Simon settles down and rediscovers the zone.

[Tom Servo]

Simon suddenly can't find the zone.

[wheels]

I don't know how I feel about rooting for this guy on the mound.

Not to get into a snit with anyone, but I just don't like it. I think I'll do laundry when they're in the field.

[cincyinco]

I don't know how I feel about rooting for this guy on the mound.

Not to get into a snit with anyone, but I just don't like it. I think I'll do laundry when they're in the field.

I know what you're saying, but I root for the Reds.. Not any one player.

[Tom Servo]

Simon Sez, inning over.

[wheels]

I know what you're saying, but I root for the Reds.. Not any one player.

That's what I'm going with.

I don't know how Steelers fans do it.

[Kc61]

I'm back. Pena called out on strikes. One down for Reds still ahead 1-0 after a shaky top two by Simon.

- - - Updated - - -

Cozart swings on first pitch and grounds to third.

Pitcher up.

[757690]

Reds announcers should record, "first pitch hitting, Cozart makes an out." Make thier job a bit easier.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Good swing and hard hit from Cozart...right at third.

[Kc61]

Simon up goes quickly 0-2. Samardzija strikes him out. Guy has one tough name to spell.

[Kc61]

Alfredo now pitching top three, Reds up a run. Both pitchers with 37 pitches after two.

Pitcher up for Cubbies, 1-1 count, takes off the plate, Simon seems to be having some control issues.

Now 2-2 count. Fly to right caught by Bruce in front of track.

- - - Updated - - -

Line single to left by Bonafacio on first pitch.

Kalish up. One on, one out. Bonafacio definitely a threat to steal and Simon throws over several times.

Breaking pitch in the zone, strike one. Grounder into right field, base hit, first and third, one out.

[KYExtemper]

C'mon Simon. Get it together.

[Kc61]

Simon now having some problems, will face Rizzo with first and third.

Ball one fastball inside. 1-1 count on breaking pitch, taken.

Rizzo ahead 2-1. Simon now mounting up that pitch count. 48.

3-1 count. Walk, bases loaded, Castro coming up, one out.

[KYExtemper]

Simon isn't going to last 5 innings at this pace.

[SirFelixCat]

Need a gbdp. No room for anyone now, Alfie.

[Kc61]

First pitch grounded up the middle, single for Castro, 2-1 Cubs. Men on first and second, one out.

This mean Reds will need three to win. At least. Valbuena pops to short right on first pitch. Not great approach. Two outs. Phillips caught that, Bruce seemed to have trouble finding it.

Now Castillo. Double steal for Cubs. No chance, not close, throw was to second.

[Red Raindog]

Simon isn't going to last 5 innings at this pace.

I'm worried about 3

[SirFelixCat]

Walks will haunt. Sigh

[Red in Chicago]

double steal…sigh

[Kc61]

1-1 count on Castillo. Second and third, two down.

1-2 on a swing. 55 pitches for Simon.

Ball on breaking pitch outside. Strike three call, close pitch, Reds trail 2-1 going to bottom of third.

[KYExtemper]

Somewhat lucky to get out of that inning only giving up 2 runs. Still, 2 too many.

[Kc61]

Plot thickens with Reds trailing 2-1 going to bottom of third. Top of the order.

Hamilton who scored the Reds' first run. 1-1 count. Hamilton beats out a single on grounder to short. Castro had to move right for it, couldn't get too much on throw. Hamilton is fast.

[SirFelixCat]

That dude is marsupial fast.

[KYExtemper]

Time for more Billy ball.

[Kc61]

Hamilton on first, Votto up. No outs. Throws to first.

Hey Reds, new thought for you. It's called a home run. You know, over the fence, guy gets to circle the bases.

0-1 on Joey. High pitch, even count. Hamilton thrown out stealing.

[kbrake]

Looked like he got tagged in the face with his hands on the bag. Hamilton is really good at getting in there after the ball gets there but beating the tag. Unfortunately he never gets the call.

[Red in Chicago]

billy needs to work on the success rate...

[757690]

Another terrible jump for Hamilton.

[KYExtemper]

We don't have to steal EVERY time Billy is up.....

[Kc61]

Now 2-2 on Votto. Full count on Joey.

High pitch, Votto walks. Man on first, one out.

[Kc61]

Now BP is up. Strike one. BP with a high fly to CF which is easily handled by Bonafacio. Two. Outs.

Which leaves the inning in the hands of Jay Bruce. C'mon Bruce hit a home run.

Takes a ball low and outside.

Bruce now takes it just off the plate. Half way to a walk. 2-0 count.

3-0, Cubs pitcher wants no part of Votto or Bruce.

Jay swings 3-0 and grounds single that shortstop gets to but can't handle. Up the middle.

[wheels]

Brandon looks miserable. He's got to be injured.

[Kc61]

Todd Frazier up. High strike call. Inside corner, strike two.

Was it really necessary to get Hamilton thrown out this inning?

Frazier takes one up, 1-2 count.

Ball in the dirt, breaking pitch, Samardzija at 56 pitches.

Sharp grounder to short for force play.

[Red in Chicago]

when you're oba is hovering around .250, your stolen base percentage better be more than 66%

[KYExtemper]

Team continues to struggle with RISP.

[malcontent]

Looked like he got tagged in the face with his hands on the bag. Hamilton is really good at getting in there after the ball gets there but beating the tag. Unfortunately he never gets the call.
Price could have challenged that call. Who knows what NY would say?

FOX should at least show it again.

[Kc61]

Team continues to struggle with RISP.

Yeah, a problem measured in years.

Cubbies up now. Lead by a run, fourth inning.

Sweeney up, gets ahead 2-0. Smash to second, Phillips with a web gem. One down.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Phillips' range and defensive skills are clearly declining. :O)

[kbrake]

Price could have challenged that call. Who knows what NY would say?

FOX should at least show it again.

I'm guessing his confidence in the replay system is shot and I can't blame him.

[RedWilly]

Price could have challenged that call. Who knows what NY would say?

FOX should at least show it again.

Concerned about a later scoring play needing reviewed? I would like to see the rule changed to give managers one scoring play review and one nonscoring play review.

[Kc61]

0-2 on Darwin Barney. Grounds it in the hole up the middle, Cozart gets there and throws him out. Two down for the pitcher

[Razor Shines]

Phillips' range and defensive skills are clearly declining. :O)

Derek Jeter has been making diving stops for years.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Cozarts' range and defensive skills are clearly declining. :O)

[gilpdawg]

Price could have challenged that call. Who knows what NY would say?

FOX should at least show it again.

They did.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Derek Jeter has been making diving stops for years.

How dare you disrupt my point with facts! Rude!

[Razor Shines]

I'm guessing his confidence in the replay system is shot and I can't blame him.

Well the explanation he got for the last time he challenged a play was "What do you want me to do, Bryan? It was tails."

[KYExtemper]

Concerned about a later scoring play needing reviewed? I would like to see the rule changed to give managers one scoring play review and one nonscoring play review.

I like this idea.

[Kc61]

Concerned about a later scoring play needing reviewed? I would like to see the rule changed to give managers one scoring play review and one nonscoring play review.

There should be no challenges. An official should review all close plays. Period.

Simon at 66 pitches up 0-2 on pitcher. Now a ball inside.

2-2 count. Another foul raising the pitch count to 69. On 70th pitch, Simon ends the inning with a K.

[Hoosier Red]

Derek Jeter has been making diving stops for years.

That's true, it's why all the Italian restaurants in NY have Pasta Diving Jeter as their favorite entree.

['69]

The second angle looks like he was out cleanly.

BP looks to be playing with some energy tonight.

Bruce and Frazier NOT chasing the low outside 2-seamer and slider respectively.

[RedWilly]

There should be no challenges. An official should review all close plays. Period.

Depending on your def of close - that could be A BUNCH of plays. Would really slow the game down.

[Kc61]

Ok, bottom four. Reds trail by one. Ludwick swing and misses. Starting to think the Reds' best option here is to get Samardzija's pitch count up so he has to be relieved.

Ludwick fouls an 0-2 pitch and therefore the count remains at 0-2.

Takes ball one, umpire says Ludwick held up. Breaking pitch way outside, 2-2. Barney throws out Ludwick on grounder up the middle, nice play.

[Red in Chicago]

ryan is ridiculously slow...

[DocRed]

Wow..Luddie is hella slow too. Who is slower? BP, Votto or Luddie? :P

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice play by the purple dinosaur.

[Kc61]

Depending on your def of close - that could be A BUNCH of plays. Would really slow the game down.

Would not slow the game down. You wouldn't need the manager with the initial argument, then looking for the replay coach's decision. It would happen quickly and automatically.

Single by Pena to right on a line drive.

['69]

Lol, cowboy..."with Ludwick's speed, it gave Barney just a little extra time."

[malcontent]

Cozart going deep here.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Would not slow the game down. You wouldn't need the manager with the initial argument, then looking for the replay coach's decision. It would happen quickly and automatically.

Single by Pena to right on a line drive.

In a perfect world, you're right...but it wouldn't work out that way I think. I think RedWilly is right, it would be quite slow. They'd have to signal the umps fairly regularly "hang on...let me look at that some more".

[Kc61]

Man on first, one out Cozart up. 1-1 count on Cozart who so far took two pitches.

Ball two way outside, 2-1 on Cozart. C'mon Zack, you show em.

Ball inside, half swing. 3-1 count on Cozart.

Foul by Cozart. Full count now. And now Zack stays alive with a foul. Good at bat by Cozart so far.

Grounder to short, Cozart out at first, Pena to second. Two outs, pitcher up.

[RedWilly]

Would not slow the game down. You wouldn't need the manager with the initial argument, then looking for the replay coach's decision. It would happen quickly and automatically.

Then you need to install a pitch clock bc after every "close" play either the batter or pitcher (whoever wants the play reviewed completely) would take about a minute to pitch/get in the box.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Baby steps for Zack. 0-2 today, but he's scorched the ball both times....and hit it on the ground too.

[KYExtemper]

Dang. Simon almost smashed that to help himself.

[Kc61]

Alfredo up with a man in scoring position. 73 pitches for Cubs starter. Alfredo with long fly to center field that Bonafacio gets to on the run in deep center.

Wow, almost scored.

[RedTeamGo!]

This offense is so poopy with Mesoraco out of the lineup.

[SirFelixCat]

Man, he smoked that too! :(

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice running grab by Bonifacio. Simon tagged that one.

['69]

Cozart going deep here.

Does deep in the 4 hole count? :p

[Kc61]

Baby steps for Zack. 0-2 today, but he's scorched the ball both times....and hit it on the ground too.

So now we're applauding a guy hitting two ground ball outs, including one with the tying run on base. Ok.

Rain delay. See ya later.

[RedWilly]

noooooooooooooo

[KYExtemper]

The rain comes. Glad it came now instead of next inning because then it could be counted as an official game.

[SirFelixCat]

Raining HARD. Big time rain delay.

[_Sir_Charles_]

So now we're applauding a guy hitting two ground ball outs, including one with the tying run on base. Ok.

Rain delay. See ya later.

No, I'm saying it was baby steps, not applauding. He didn't lunge and pop it out. He had 2 solid swings. Hit the ball hard and good things will happen.

[malcontent]

Question: does each team have a max of two challenges per game?

Pretty bogus, if that's the case.

[malcontent]

Does deep in the 4 hole count? :p
I meant deep in the count.

;)

[Kc61]

No, I'm saying it was baby steps, not applauding. He didn't lunge and pop it out. He had 2 solid swings.

The guy has 1342 PAs in the major leagues before tonight. Sorry if I can't get too jacked up about two ground ball outs. I'm just too demanding.

[malcontent]

Bonifacio has scored 4 more runs than Choo.

What prevented Jocketty from snagging him?

[_Sir_Charles_]

The guy has 1342 PAs in the major leagues before tonight. Sorry if I can't get too jacked up about two ground balls. I'm just too demanding.

LOL. My point is that he's not as bad as his numbers are showing this year. He's a better hitter than this. His 1342 PA's prove that. When I point out that he's having good AB's, swings and solid contact...I'm hoping it's a sign that he's going to break out of this monstrous slump he's in and revert to his norms.

And I'm not "jacked up" about ground balls. Just hopeful that he'll come around sooner rather than later.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bonifacio has scored 4 more runs than Choo.

What prevented Jocketty from snagging him?

I asked Walt not to pick him up because I can never spell his name right. :p

[KYExtemper]

Well that was a quick delay.

[KYExtemper]

We need to win this, with the Cards beating the Brewers down at the moment.

[DocRed]

Need a run here or I think they will call it a game after next rain.

[KYExtemper]

Billy Hamilton just hit a HR! WTF?!?!?!

[DocRed]

Billy Barou!!!!

[Red Raindog]

ok to hit that one in the air BH no pushups

[Slyder]

Um... who said Billy couldn't launch em?

[DocRed]

And Joe West just said.."ahhhh crap".

[Tadasimha]

No need to run fast on that one, Billy! :thumbup:

[villain612]

I got my wish. A Billy Hamilton home run.

[KYExtemper]

Score another run here and we might win this in abbreviated fashion.

[Tom Servo]

Ah man, I missed it.

[Kc61]

I guess I just missed a Hamilton homer. Oh well, there's always replay.

Votto up. Fifth inning, 2-2 tie.

Votto goes up 3-1.

Full count, right down the pipe. 82 pitches for Jeff. Ball four, man on first.

[Larkin Fan]

Congrats to Billy on his first MLB homer. And what a great time for it to happen!

[KYExtemper]

Votto just walking the bases tonight.

[WrongVerb]

BHAM!!! Wow!

He hits a few more like that and he'll be able to drop those bunts all year long. They won't know where to play him.

[Kc61]

By the way, it's ironic that Hamilton homers after the Reds failed to do so for 7 games.

Phillips, however, pops up to center so there is one out. Not a very good at bat. One down.

[KYExtemper]

Memo to Steve Smith: If this is a double, keep Votto at third!

[malcontent]

This ump doesn't want to ring up Votto.

Phillips with the weak fly, ad nauseum.

[NebraskaRed]

What's the theory on Phillips? Back injury?

[villain612]

We really need to get Phillips out of the 3 hole.

[Kc61]

So now, Votto on first, one out, tie game, bottom five.

Bruce down 1-2 in the count. Thom discussing Legos with Brantley.

Bruce fans.

[KYExtemper]

Throw me in with the crowd that doesn't think BP is 100%.

[Kc61]

Now Frazier will try. Ball one inside. Strike call, seemed borderline to me. 1-1 count.

Maybe Hamilton should hit fourth.

Ball two, low. 2-1 count on Todd. Frazier deep drive but caught in right short of the track.

[Kc61]

Throw me in with the crowd that doesn't think BP is 100%.

Then he should take a week off. It doesn't help if he never heals. Take time off, get healthy.

Headed to inning six. Castro is up for the Cubs. High drive caught by BH in center, one down.

[KYExtemper]

Simon's been leaving a lot of pitches up tonight.

[NebraskaRed]

Then he should take a week off. It doesn't help if he never heals. Take time off, get healthy.

Might be what happens when Skip gets back.

[Kc61]

Valbuena goes to the opposite field and singles. One out hit. Nice piece of hitting.

[WrongVerb]

OK, new lineup:

CF Hamilton
1b Votto
LF Heisey
3b Frazier
RF Bruce
C Pena/Tucker/Mez
2b Phillips
SS Cozart
P

[_Sir_Charles_]

Billy Hamilton just hit a HR! WTF?!?!?!

WHAT!?! I missed it? I went away because I thought the delay would be considerable looking at the radar! Now I'm pissed! :(

[Kc61]

Simon at 88 pitches gets ahead of Castillo. Count goes to 2-1. 5-4-3 double play gets runner in plenty of time.

[Tom Servo]

Yesiree!

[KYExtemper]

WHAT!?! I missed it? I went away because I thought the delay would be considerable looking at the radar! Now I'm pissed! :(

Most shocking event of the season!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Most shocking event of the season!

What, Billy hitting a dinger, or me walking away and then getting pissed? :O)


~edit~ Just watched it. That was a thing of beauty! *grin*

[Kc61]

Here we go to the bottom of the sixth, with the Reds tied 2-2 with Chicago Cubs. Reds will have Ludwick up to lead off. Reds finally with a homer tonight, by BH, and a sac fly by Phillips. Hamilton has a CS, but has scored both Reds' runs. One might say BH, with all his flaws, is the best reason to watch Reds baseball right now.

Ludwick is at 1-1. He's 0 for 2 tonight. Gets ahead 2-1 in the count. Ondrusek is warming up.

Now strike two swinging. Lud hits a short fly ball to right for out number one.

- - - Updated - - -

Pena, who apparently is hurting in some way, is now up. He hits one well but Bonafacio makes the catch.

Which brings up Zack Cozart, he of the two ground ball outs tonight. Zack takes one down the pipe. Then Zack swings and gets a hit. Goes to the wall in right center. Cozart slides in with a triple.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Zack! 3 bagger!

3rd hard hit ball tonight. :O)

[Tom Servo]

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

[kbrake]

Guess hitting the ball hard all night is a good sign for Cozart.

[NebraskaRed]

Before the game, if I would have told you that Hamilton hits a HR and Cozart gets a triple, would anyone have believed that?

[Kc61]

So now the Reds have a shot. Heisey up. He should have hit in the tenth the other day. But he'll get his shot now.

And Chris comes through. 3-2 Reds on a single. And the rains come back.

[KYExtemper]

Well how about that? Cozart got a great hit and may have won us this game by scoring!

[Norm Chortleton]

Rain, please.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Boom! Single for Hi-C! 3-2 Redlegs!

[Chuckie]

Now let it rain, let it rain and then let it pour.

Yessir!

[Raisor]

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good.

I'm both.

[Tom Servo]

Hi-C!

[Chuckie]

Billy is now 3-for-3 with a walk.

[Kc61]

Cozart and Heisey with big hits. Well, you didn't expect a walk, did you?

Hamilton up with Heisey on first. I would try to steal.

2-1 on Billy. Raining pretty hard.

Heisey runs. Hamilton beats out a roller to third, with infield in. Heisey to third. That's pressure baseball.

Jeff S being removed for a new pitcher. Presumably a lefty to face Votto.

[KYExtemper]

Well, Billy Hamilton came to play tonight. He beat the Cubs pretty bad one game at Wrigley.

[Tom Servo]

Banner night for Billy.

[Larkin Fan]

Man, Hamilton is fun to watch.

[Raisor]

Before the game, if I would have told you that Hamilton hits a HR and Cozart gets a triple, would anyone have believed that?

Yes, but I'm insane.

My mother had me tested.

[_Sir_Charles_]

OH MY! Another IF single! Hamilton on base MACHINE. :O)

[BluegrassRedleg]

Love the contrast between the last two Hamilton ABs. :D

[Chuckie]

Billy's batting average all the way up to .247.

[NebraskaRed]

Man, this is fun to watch

[KYExtemper]

Man, Hamilton is fun to watch.

I know. If MLB had any brains they'd be hyping this guy. Bud Selig probably can't keep up with him, though.

- - - Updated - - -

Rain delay now? Crap.

[NebraskaRed]

The Cubs are good for what ails ya

[WrongVerb]

Love the contrast between the last two Hamilton ABs. :D

I'm tellin' ya. A few more drives, a few more GB hits, and other teams won't know how the h-e-double-hockey-sticks to play the guy. I'm LOVING this!

[villain612]

Rain > Our bullpen

[Kc61]

Another rain delay.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Yes, but I'm insane.

My mother had me tested.

Anti-Sheldon. Do they sing "rough doggie" to you when you're ill?

[_Sir_Charles_]

I'm tellin' ya. A few more drives, a few more GB hits, and other teams won't know how the h-e-double-hockey-sticks to play the guy. I'm LOVING this!

I got a chuckle out of him attempting 2 bunts, then driving one over the wall. Just surreal.

[Chuckie]

I'm looking at the radar. No way this one gets called early. There is nothing behind this current storm front. I bet we'll be playing baseball within the hour and there won't be another delay.

Too bad. I was hoping it would end here.

[Kc61]

I know. If MLB had any brains they'd be hyping this guy. Bud Selig probably can't keep up with him, though.

- - - Updated - - -

Rain delay now? Crap.

Hamilton will get plenty of hype. Give it some time.

[KYExtemper]

That fan should give Hamilton that ball.

- - - Updated - - -


I'm looking at the radar. No way this one gets called early. There is nothing behind this current storm front. I bet we'll be playing baseball within the hour and there won't be another delay.

Too bad. I was hoping it would end here.

J.J. Hoover and Manny Parra better go missing down in the bullpen.

[villain612]

Votto is due for a HR.

[Red Raindog]

I'm looking at the radar. No way this one gets called early. There is nothing behind this current storm front. I bet we'll be playing baseball within the hour and there won't be another delay.

Too bad. I was hoping it would end here.

My weather channel future radar shows rain until after 2:00 AM --- YMMV

[KittyDuran]

BIG thunder (window rattling) here in Hamiltucky...

[KYExtemper]

I'd take a called game at this point. Saves our bullpen.

[RiverRat13]

I'd take a called game at this point. Saves our bullpen.

It would be a very Cub-like way to end the game.

[Roy Tucker]

Just got home from the ballpark. I was wet, the game won't end before midnight, I gotta work tomorrow, and I'm a wimp.

[KYExtemper]

Rain is also expected tomorrow. Nearly the whole series could be a washout.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Just got home from the ballpark. I was wet, the game won't end before midnight, I gotta work tomorrow, and I'm a wimp.

Were you there for Hamilton's dinger?

[CrackerJack]

Coffee with George!

[NebraskaRed]

ctrent ‏@ctrent 2m
The Mat Latos getting coffee with George Grande is the Andy Griffith Show of our times #Reds

:laugh:

[Roy Tucker]

Were you there for Hamilton's dinger?

Yes we were. We left after that inning. I was watching the radar and I told my wife "either we leave now or we get wet again and start drinking". We bailed.

I'm taking the whole Tucker clan on Friday night for CinFin night. Plus celebrate my youngest's 21st birthday. That will be a big $$$ night.

[DocRed]

It's official right?

[Hoosier Red]

Yes we were. We left after that inning. I was watching the radar and I told my wife "either we leave now or we get wet again and start drinking". We bailed.

I'm taking the whole Tucker clan on Friday night for CinFin night. Plus celebrate my youngest's 21st birthday. That will be a big $$$ night.

Tell the concession people to put one for your youngest on my tab. It won't work quite as well as dining on Adam Dunn's tab, but you can give it a shot.

[SirFelixCat]

It's official right?

Mos def

[Playadlc]

Waiting out this delay and found this. http://youtu.be/JKc_q30h8Kw

Dibs at his finest. Not sure if I've seen a player do this before.

[NeilHamburger]

C Trent said they're restarting the game in 20 minutes even though it's raining. Joe West's call.

[klw]

Fay just tweeted that the tarp is coming off and they hope to restart in 20 minutes

[Reds Fanatic]

Fay just tweeted that the tarp is coming off and they hope to restart in 20 minutes

There is another round of heavier rain to the west. Either they are going to keep playing through bad conditions or this may not be the last delay of the night

[villain612]

Renteria dropping the F bomb on MLB.tv

[WVRedsFan]

As Votto K's, I have to wonder what Joe West is thinking?

[Gainesville Red]

Renteria dropping the F bomb on MLB.tv

I could get used to an empty stadium. New sounds!

[kbrake]

Cool the umpires started the game without telling the Reds so we get a cold Logan Ondrusek.

[Tadasimha]

Reminds me of the first game of the Pittsburgh series

[dabvu2498]

Waiting out this delay and found this. http://youtu.be/JKc_q30h8Kw

Dibs at his finest. Not sure if I've seen a player do this before.

That wasn't the only crazy thing that night. http://youtu.be/oAKkHxkkCyA

I was there that night with my dad. Quite the education for a 15 year old.

Also, Joe West was doing the game that night and is in Cincy for this series as well.

[Tony Cloninger]

They are really bringing in Logan?

How Joey missed that 2-2 pitch is confusing and of course..... terrible call on a check swing for strike three.

[SirFelixCat]

Cool the umpires started the game without telling the Reds so we get a cold Logan Ondrusek.

Seriously. Wtf? Country Joe strikes again.

[kbrake]

Seriously. Wtf? Country Joe strikes again.

Told the Reds game would start in 20 minutes. Told the Cubs it would start when their pitcher was ready. He didn't take close to 20 minutes. FSO said some Reds weren't even fully back in uniform when told the game was starting.

[WVRedsFan]

Man. No left field foul line and pouring the rain. Crazy.

[KYExtemper]

Get up 0-2 on a guy and can't put him away. Err...,.....

[redsfaninbsg]

This game being played is asinine.

[VR]

Barney may be in single A if it weren't for Ondrusek

[Roy Tucker]

Looks pretty miserable. Glad I'm sitting here in my dry family room with a snort of Woodford.

[Tony Cloninger]

Speaking of umpires....can someone explain how their union is this strong? Or how did it get this strong after what happened a few years back?

[SirFelixCat]

It's pouring. Why are they playing again?

[Chip R]

Rick Renteria has been ejected.

[kbrake]

Fastball away away away please.

[redsfaninbsg]

Rick Renteria has been ejected.

Somebody catch me up on Renteria. I was under the impression the game would be starting back along about one and just turned on the tube.

[kbrake]

It's pouring. Why are they playing again?

Joe West writes his best country music standing in the rain.

What a night for Billy Hamilton!

[KYExtemper]

Was that trapped?

[Tadasimha]

Great catch!

[SirFelixCat]

What a catch, Billy!

[kbrake]

Somebody catch me up on Renteria. I was under the impression would be starting back along about one and just turned on the tube.

Votto took a close 2-2 pitch but Votto looked like he thought he K'd looking and it was called ball 3. Renteria expressed his thoughts using many F words from what FSO picked up thanks to no one being in the ballpark. He was told he could watch the game from some place else.

[KYExtemper]

If Ondrusek blows this one I'm going to scream.

[Cedric]

Logan Ondrusek getting a 2 year contract is asinine.

[Roy Tucker]

That catch was good.

[Tom Servo]

Get Ondrusek the hell out of there.

[villain612]

Somebody catch me up on Renteria. I was under the impression the game would be starting back along about one and just turned on the tube.

Didn't like the called ball on a pitch to Votto. I admit it was close, but could've gone either way.

You could hear him yelling, "That's f--cking bulls--t" from the dugout.

I actually thought it was a fan til the ump threw him out.

[Chuckie]

Ondrusek is horrible. I cringed when I heard he was coming in.

[villain612]

One run game and the Reds didn't even play yesterday.

Why is Ondrusek in there????

[SirFelixCat]

Get Ondrusek the hell out of there.

2 broken bats, an infield single and a seeing eye single. I am not a fan of his, but he's pitching well....

[Cedric]

Lack of options or not it scares me that our new manager seems to think Logan Ondrusek can handle high leverage roles.

[Chuckie]

Well, our reverse psychology worked.

[Tadasimha]

Nice!

[KYExtemper]

Whew. Heart attack central.

[Cedric]

2 broken bats, an infield single and a seeing eye single. I am not a fan of his, but he's pitching well....dont give 2 year contracts to relievers often and surely don't if they don't miss bats.

He's a god awful reliever.