8/30 Game: Going for 5 in a row!

[HotCorner]

Cincinnati
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
F. Lopez ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .287
R. Aurilia 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .275
K. Griffey Jr. cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .302
W. Pena rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .269
S. Casey 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .319
A. Dunn lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .250
J. LaRue c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .264
E. Encarnacion 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .238
R. Ortiz p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .098

Houston
AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg
W. Taveras cf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .298
C. Biggio 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .270
M. Ensberg 3b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .281
L. Berkman 1b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .294
J. Lane rf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .261
L. Scott lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .154
A. Everett ss 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .247
H. Quintero c 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .188
W. Rodriguez p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lopez pops out. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Aurilia K's on three pitches. 2 outs.

[SteelSD]

Rich Aurilia attempting a drag bunt is akin to a 5'2" 350-pound lady asking for a Diet Coke to go with her three Big Macs and supersize order of McDonald's fries.

Just don't make sense.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Griffey thrown out trying to stretch a single into a double.

Reds 0, 'Stros coming up

[Matt700wlw]

15 game hitting streak for Junior.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Rich Aurilia attempting a drag bunt is akin to a 5'2" 350-pound lady asking for a Diet Coke to go with her three Big Macs and supersize order of McDonald's fries.

Just don't make sense.

He was just trying to do the little things that all players who bring a vet. presence do. ;)

[TeamBoone]

I thought he was trying to stretch a double into a triple.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Taveras lines out to RF. 1 out.l;

[Patrick Bateman]

I thought he was trying to stretch a double into a triple.

No it was right the first time. Single thrown out going to 2nd.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Ramon Ortiz gets an out #1 on a foul fly. Good news for him since he can't handle the first inning very well

[TeamBoone]

I gotta pay attention!

[CincyRedsFan30]

Biggio flies out to LF. 2 outs.

[gm]

Rich Aurilia attempting a drag bunt is akin to a 5'2" 350-pound lady asking for a Diet Coke to go with her three Big Macs and supersize order of McDonald's fries.

Just don't make sense.

RA's beaten at least one of 'em out for a base hit, this year (I think it was against Milwaukee, in July?)

Element of surprise. Your analogy would fit Casey better, but Sean's not gonna lay one down

[CincyRedsFan30]

Ensberg walks on four pitches.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Berkman grounds out. 0-0 after 1.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Pena flies out. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

This ump has an inconsistent zone early on here.

Casey K's. 2 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Dunn flies out. 0-0, Mid. 2nd.

20 pitches for Rodriguez through 2 IP.

[SteelSD]

RA's beaten at least one of 'em out for a base hit, this year (I think it was against Milwaukee, in July?)

Element of surprise. Your analogy would fit Casey better, but Sean's not gonna lay one down

Oh, well he beat out a bunt once so it must be a good idea then.

Casey and Aurilia pull nearly identical plows.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lane lines out. Nice shoe-string catch by Dunn. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Scott singles.

[KearnsyEars]

Nice catch by Adam "Duhh"

[CincyRedsFan30]

Everett K's. 2 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Quintero flies out to the edge of the track in RF. 0-0 after 2.

[CincyRedsFan30]

LaRue K's on three pitches. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

EdE singles.

[Fullboat]

Hey WilyMo!!! 2 hands use 2 hands.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Ortiz K's bunting. 2 outs.

[paintmered]

Ramon looked clueless on that 3rd strike.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Chris talking about the little things not working there.

George says that's how the Reds dug their early hole this year(not executing the little things).

Lopez lines out to 1B. 0-0, Mid. 3rd.

[GAC]

George says that's how the Reds dug their early hole this year(not executing the little things).

The pitching dug us a Grand Canyon then. :lol:

[CincyRedsFan30]

Rodriguez grounds out. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Taveras grounds to 1B. 2 outs.

[gm]

Oh, well he beat out a bunt once so it must be a good idea then.

Yeah, it is. Fake it and move the 3rd baseman up, then the SS hole becomes that much wider


Casey and Aurilia pull nearly identical plows.

Not even. While Rich has below-average wheels for a middle infielder, Sean is slower than a veteran catcher coming off multiple knee surgeries

[CincyRedsFan30]

This ump doesn't seem to like calling strikes on the left side of the plate(his right), regardless of the hitter being a LH or RH.

Biggio grounds to 3B. 0-0 after 3.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Aurilia flies to the track in LF. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Griffey grounds out. 2 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Pena lines to RF. 3 outs. 0-0, Mid. 4th.

[Big Klu]

My guess for the AFLAC Trivia Question:

Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Ken Griffey Jr.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Ensberg K's. 1 out.

[KronoRed]

I liked the idea of EE in the 2 spot :(

[Big Klu]

I was 1 for 4.

Can't go wrong with the Bambino.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Berkman grounds out. 2 outs.

[gm]

Houston's TV AFLAC trivia question was "Who was the last Red to have 200 hits/season?"

Dave Collins?

Nah, it was Peter Edward (man, the 'stro's crew doesn't give a guy much time to cogitate...)

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lane singles.

[WVRedsFan]

Man, does this team struggle with lefties! Throw out a pitcher with a 6.16 ERA and what do the Reds do? Make 12 outs on 41 pitches (with 2 hits). AT this rate, this kid will go 10 innings and still have a shutout.

[Falls City Beer]

Houston's TV AFLAC trivia question was "Who was the last Red to have 200 hits/season?"

Dave Collins?

Larkin?

[Big Klu]

Houston's TV AFLAC trivia question was "Who was the last Red to have 200 hits/season?"

Dave Collins?

Pete Rose?

[gm]

Pete Rose?

Yessir, in '77

[CincyRedsFan30]

Scott flies out to CF. 0-0 after 4.

[gm]

Man, does this team struggle with lefties! Throw out a pitcher with a 6.16 ERA and what do the Reds do? Make 12 outs on 41 pitches (with 2 hits). AT this rate, this kid will go 10 innings and still have a shutout.

Soft-tossing southpaws are like kryponite/Superman to the Red's hitters. Been that way for years

[CincyRedsFan30]

Casey doubles.

[gm]

Casey stretches a triple into a double

[Big Klu]

Houston's TV AFLAC trivia question was "Who was the last Red to have 200 hits/season?"

Dave Collins?

Nah, it was Peter Edward (man, the 'stro's crew doesn't give a guy much time to cogitate...)

Cincinnati's AFLAC Question was "Who are the only four major-leaguers to have seven seasons with 40+ HRs and 100+ RBIs?"

The answers were Babe Ruth, Harmon Killebrew, Sammy Sosa, and Barry Bonds.

Ken Griffey, Jr. needs 7 HRs and 10 RBIs the rest of the season to become the fifth player to do it.

[SteelSD]

Yeah, it is. Fake it and move the 3rd baseman up, then the SS hole becomes that much wider

Wasn't a fake attempt.


Not even. While Rich has below-average wheels for a middle infielder, Sean is slower than a veteran catcher coming off multiple knee surgeries

Rich Aurilia has below-average wheels for a first baseman, much less a middle infielder. Roseanne Barr on a Segway beats either to first base.

[gm]

Dunner misses a HR by 5 feet (foul, right)

Then Adam bloops a single to score Casey, 1-0 Cincy. AD goes to 2nd on the throw home

[CincyRedsFan30]

Dunn doubles. 1-0 Reds.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Dunn delivers with an RBI base hit! 1-0 Reds

[Big Klu]

George says, "Casey scampers home."

I have a difficult time trying to picture that.

[Little Alex]

LaRue looks like a schmuck with that wanna be fumanchu ;)

[CincyRedsFan30]

LaRue walks. 1st and 2nd, 0 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

EdE flies to short RF. 1 out.

George talks about doing the little things again as Ortiz comes to the plate...

[CincyRedsFan30]

Ortiz bunts...runner out at 3B. 1st and 2nd, 2 outs.

[SteelSD]

Ortiz is the worst bunter in Major League Baseball.

I really don't think there's another contender for that award.

[Big Klu]

That was not that bad of a bunt.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lopez flies to RF. 3 outs. 1-0 Reds, Mid. 5th.

[flyer85]

That was not that bad of a bunt.yes it was ... you have to bunt the ball to 3rd.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

I don't think I've ever heard Marty go off on a player for lack of performance like he did for Encarnacion's first-pitch pop out after LaRue walked on 4 pitches. He said some people will be apologists and cite the fact that he's a rookie but that doesn't matter. He should know better than to swing on the first pitch when a pitcher is struggling to find the zone.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Everett singles.

[gm]

Wasn't a fake attempt.



Rich Aurilia has below-average wheels for a first baseman, much less a middle infielder. Roseanne Barr on a Segway beats either to first base.

Still a good play, especially to lead off a series. Ensberg will stay even with the bag when Rich is up, and it could result in a gb base hit to LF during the next few games

I wouldn't mind seeing Aurilia dealt by this time tomorrow. But I don't have a problem giving him props while he's still in a Cincy uni. Reds don't beat the Pirates the other night without his 2-out double in the 9th off Mesa. (And they probably get no-hit by Derek Lowe on July 25th, if not for RA's single in the 5th)

[Crosley68]

EE did the same thing the other night in Pittsburgh

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

White Sox lose again, 8-6 to the Rangers.

They had Griffey tunnel vision and refused to look at other possible ways to improve a struggling club.

Meantime, the Devil Rays knocked Curt Shilling around tonite and lead the Red Sox.

[Big Klu]

yes it was ... you have to bunt the ball to 3rd.

I didn't say it was a great bunt--I said that it wasn't a bad bunt. If the catcher doesn't make an off-balance SS-type throw (a play which frankly I didn't think he could possibly make), then it would have been successful.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Quintero singles. 1st and 3rd, 0 outs.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Astros in serious business now.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lamb, who is PH for Rodriguez, singles. 1-1 game. 1st and 3rd, 0 outs.

[flyer85]

Happy Barber getting a shave

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

It's an Astros hit parade :help:

[Big Klu]

If Houston is struggling offensively, why isn't Lamb starting?

[CincyRedsFan30]

Taveras hits a sac. fly. 1 out. 2-1 Astros.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

At least it's an out

[SteelSD]

Still a good play, especially to lead off a series. Ensberg will stay even with the bag when Rich is up, and it could result in a gb base hit to LF during the next few games

Then every player in the lineup might as well actually fake a bunt. Funny thing is that balls Aurilia hits to the left side of the infield have turned into Outs all season long- not Hits. Aurilia is the last person Ensberg should be worrying about.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Biggio singles. 1st and 2nd, 1 out.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

Just when you start to think that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to have Ramon Ortiz back next year...

[flyer85]

I honestly hope Ortiz gets beat around so there is no inclination to bring him back

[CincyRedsFan30]

Ensberg HR, 5-1 Astros.

[CincyRedsFan30]

With the 'Stros pen coming in, I think we are toast. Calling Ortiz back to Earth...come in Ramon, come in.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Berkman K's. 2 outs.

[Aronchis]

Ramon's location collapsed this inning which caused his dismantling. We have seen it quite a bit this year when is off.

You should have no fear of Ramon coming back.

[Reds/Flyers Fan]

I'm sorry but this kind of pitching performance just isn't acceptable. Getting a lead and then having your starter go out and give up 5 runs in about 7 minutes is killer. Especially to the weak-hitting Astros.

This was a game that had to be won if the Reds wanted to win 2 of 3 in Houston, since Reds-killer Roy Oswalt and Andy Pettitte are waiting the next two nights.

Oh well.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lane grounds out. 5-1 'Stros after 5.

[jfar23]

Oh no! We suck again! :(

[gm]

Then every player in the lineup might as well actually fake a bunt.

Wouldn't hurt. Especially if they're planning on watching strike 1 go by, anyway. And a guy like Freel should be laying down 1 per series


Funny thing is that balls Aurilia hits to the left side of the infield have turned into Outs all season long- not Hits.

Not the base hit against Lowe


Aurilia is the last person Ensberg should be worrying about.

No, that would be Dunn. I haven't ever seen Adam ground out to 3b. (maybe on a check swing, once)

[flyer85]

Just when you start to think that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad thing to have Ramon Ortiz back next year...that has never even crossed my mind, a complete non-starter.

[flyer85]

Ramon's location collapsed this inning which caused his dismantling. We have seen it quite a bit this year when is off.

You should have no fear of Ramon coming back.with DanO in charge I am scared about everything. Ortiz should never have been acquired.

[Falls City Beer]

that has never even crossed my mind, a complete non-starter.

Me either. +.900 OPS Against. Stay the hell away.

[Falls City Beer]

Off days seem to kill this offense. I'm not sure if that's a reality or just a perception. Their bats turn into sweet cream butter after an offday, it seems to me.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Springer in to relieve Rodriguez.

Aurilia grounds out. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Griffey grounds out. 2 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Pena K's looking. 5-1 'Stros, Mid. 6th.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Scott lines to RF. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Everett reaches on a single that went under Lopez' glove at SS.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Everett goes to 2B on a wild pitch.

[gm]

Houston TV guy saying there's talk in Cincy that LaRue may be non-tendered this offseason. Too spendy for arbitration, yadda yadda

That makes Valentin the starter and Cincy will look for a backup c

blah blah blah

[traderumor]

Usually a stopper is called that because he stops losing streaks. Ortiz is the other kind of stopper, in position to lose both games so far on this road trip.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Quintero pops up to LaRue. 2 outs.

[Falls City Beer]

Dan O'Brien is a magic elf who casts spells with a magic wand made of poop.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Vizcaino PH and K's. 5-1 'Stros after 6.

[Aronchis]

Ramon will try to blame it on one bad pitch, just bad luck ;)

[CincyRedsFan30]

Dan O'Brien is a magic elf who casts spells with a magic wand made of poop.

No. Remember what he said when he was made GM? He said he uses what he terms: "precision decision making". ;)

[CincyRedsFan30]

Gallo pitching for the 'Stros now.

Casey walks.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Dunn flies out. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Garner out to take Gallo out as we get the oooooffical call to the pen.

[gm]

Gallo pitching for the 'Stros now.

Is that Ernest, or Julio?

[CincyRedsFan30]

Chad Qualls in the for the 'Stros.

[Falls City Beer]

The Reds offense gets picked on by the Astros like nobody's business.

[gm]

Caught on camera...Everett, Lamb and Ensberg group hug in the 'stro's dugout following Morgan's HR

So it's just not Casey...

[flyer85]

The Reds offense gets picked on by the Astros like nobody's business.the Astros keep them in the park

[CincyRedsFan30]

Quintero/ump. threw the ball to Qualls at the same time and he didn't catch either one.

LaRue K's. 2 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

EdE grounds out. 5-1 'Stros, Mid. 7th.

[gm]

I wonder if Houston's Qualls is related to Jimmy Qualls (who played for the Cubs in '69 and broke up one of Seaver's would-be no-hitters in the 9th inning...)

[Falls City Beer]

the Astros keep them in the park

And pound the strike zone: 7 innings--24 balls total. 5 baserunners.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Coffey in for the Reds.

Taveras grounds out. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Biggio grounds out. 2 outs.

[flyer85]

struck him out twice

stros have got those calls

[CincyRedsFan30]

Ensberg walks. Wow, three close pitches there.

[KearnsyEars]

at least dunn's on pace to knock home 100 RBI

[CincyRedsFan30]

Berkman grounds out. 5-1 'Stros after 7.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Dan Wheeler in for the 'Stros here in the 8th.

Olmedo PH.

Olmedo K's. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lopez K's swinging. 2 outs.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Aurilia flies out. 5-1 'Stros, Mid. 8th.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Standridge in for the Reds in the 8th.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lane flies out. 1 out.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Scott doubles off of Griffey's glove. He almost caught that one.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Everett flies out. 2 outs.

[Matt700wlw]

That was a heck of an effort by Griffey....that little hill in center makes me nervous

[CincyRedsFan30]

Quintero grounds out. 5-1 'Stros after 8.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Lidge is in.

[gm]

Scott doubles off of Griffey's glove. He almost caught that one.

I would've lost money on that one ("any ball that Junior reaches, you can bet your money he'll hold onto")

There's nothing like running blindly towards a terrace to make you leery

[CincyRedsFan30]

Griffey flies to CF. Great catch by Taveras(although he did misread the ball). Grande sounded thrilled he did. "He got it!!!!" 1 out.

[SteelSD]

Wouldn't hurt. Especially if they're planning on watching strike 1 go by, anyway. And a guy like Freel should be laying down 1 per series.

Aurilia isn't Freel, but then you know this. And you're not going to get much of a result asking beer-league speed guys to fake bunt attempts. Smart defensive players laugh at that stuff.


Not the base hit against Lowe

Obviously a career-making hit. But not exactly hit where you think it was.


No, that would be Dunn. I haven't ever seen Adam ground out to 3b. (maybe on a check swing, once)

And yet, Dunn appears to have more Hits to the right of SS than Aurilia this season. Aurilia doesn't actually produce anything when his BIP's go that way, but a bunt attempt makes him scary? But hey, what do I know. I'm just reading the hit charts.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Cruz PH for Pena and singles under Biggio's glove at 2B.

[gm]

That ball Taveras caught, he misred, spun and had to lunge for it. Junior would've read it better off the bat and made it look more routine

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it

[CincyRedsFan30]

Casey walks. 1st and 2nd, 1 out.

[Matt700wlw]

The Reds have gauranteed themselves a winning August.

Consecutive winning months for the first time since April and May of last season

[CincyRedsFan30]

Dunn's last hit was changed from a Double to a Single(with an error enabling him to get to 2B).

Dunn walks to load the bases with 1 out after being behind 0-2. Four straight balls and a GREAT AB by Dunn.

[CincyRedsFan30]

Valentin PH for EdE.

[Gainesville Red]

Umpire's strike zone has gotten smaller this inning. Not that I'm complaining.

[Matt700wlw]

Lidge is having a heck of a time...

[CincyRedsFan30]

Valentin grounds out. A run scores, 5-2 'Stros. 2nd and 3rd, 2 outs. That was ball four there.

[Heath]

EdE's when to the Wily Mo school of beard growing

[CincyRedsFan30]

EdE K's. Astros win 5-2.

[Heath]

Major League slider

[WMR]

Ede showed his youth on that AB. Hopefully these experiences will pay dividends next season.

[Gainesville Red]

Major League slider

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking. :thumbdown

[CTA513]

If you dont swing at Lidges pitches theres a good chance they will be balls.

[WMR]

He did take the first pitch... that one falling for a strike really put him in a bad spot...

[Falls City Beer]

Let's hope the offense wakes up from their little dirt nap. Oh wait, they faced the easy pitcher tonight. They get the good pitcher tomorrow. :rolleyes:

[westofyou]

Oh wait, they faced the easy pitcher tonight.

Strange lefties... Reds Kryptonite.

[oneupper]

Didn't see the game tonight. Looks like I didn't miss much.
I thought we could do better against Wandy Rodriguez.

Stros have our number this season. I believe that is 4-10. Arggghhhhh!

[CTA513]

He did take the first pitch... that one falling for a strike really put him in a bad spot...

He throws 1 maybe 2 pitches in the strike zone in an atbat.
The rest he makes you chase to get your self out.

Hes a good pitcher, I wish the Reds had someone that good to close for them.

[Falls City Beer]

Didn't see the game tonight. Looks like I didn't miss much.
I thought we could do better against Wandy Rodriguez.

Stros have our number this season. I believe that is 4-10. Arggghhhhh!

When do the Stros not have our number? The Reds are totally punked by that team.

You don't see the Astros, the Braves, or the Cards coming out sluggish on the first game of a new road series like you do these Reds. They do it all the time. It's annoying. This team has been utterly flat-footed and un-hungry for the last five years.

[pedro]

When do the Stros not have our number? The Reds are totally punked by that team.

You don't see the Astros, the Braves, or the Cards coming out sluggish on the first game of a new road series like you do these Reds. They do it all the time. It's annoying. This team has been utterly flat-footed and un-hungry for the last five years.

you taint kidding FCB.

[Roy Tucker]

Ede showed his youth on that AB. Hopefully these experiences will pay dividends next season.
Completely subjective opinion here from watching bits and pieces of the last 25 games.

It seems to me that umpires have giving EE rookie balls and strikes calls since he was called up. He continually gets the borderline strikes called against him.

EdE does his best to not show up the ump, but he does step out and have to re-compose himself.

My theory is that umps do this to all rookies and eventually, if they keep their mouth shut and show they belong, they start getting better calls.

[M2]

Completely subjective opinion here from watching bits and pieces of the last 25 games.

It seems to me that umpires have giving EE rookie balls and strikes calls since he was called up. He continually gets the borderline strikes called against him.

EdE does his best to not show up the ump, but he does step out and have to re-compose himself.

My theory is that umps do this to all rookies and eventually, if they keep their mouth shut and show they belong, they start getting better calls.

Exactly, and I find EdE's composure in reaction to that to be laudable.