Reds vs Rockies 8/23/08

[Red in Chicago]

Cincinnati
C. Dickerson lf
J. Keppinger ss
B. Phillips 2b
J. Votto 1b
E. Encarnacion 3b
J. Bruce rf
C. Patterson cf
P. Bako c
E. Volquez p

Colorado
C. Barmes ss
W. Taveras cf
M. Holliday lf
B. Hawpe rf
G. Atkins 1b
I. Stewart 3b
J. Baker 2b
Y. Torrealba c
A. Cook p

[Matt700wlw]

Dickerson continues to impress

[RedsManRick]

Dickerson works a great AB and slaps a double in the LF gap. The man just glides on the basepaths - big strides. Nice to see a guy with some strikezone judgment at the top of the lineup.

[RFS62]

Dickerson has "the good face"

[Red in Chicago]

after first two hitters work to a full count, george said that this is what dusty had in mind? really?

[OnBaseMachine]

After two great atbats by Dickerson and Kepp, Phillips follows by swinging at the first pitch and grounding into a fielders choice.

Votto RBI single makes it 1-0.

EdE hits a soft liner that Barmes catches and turns into a double play after bad baserunning by Phillips.

[Matt700wlw]

That's Tavarez's 61st stolen base. 61.

[Matt700wlw]

That pitch hit 97.

[Ltlabner]

Nice to see a guy with some strikezone judgment at the top of the lineup.

Thats wild stuff man.

[NC Reds]

It's important in this lost season to get Cory Patterson 400 AB's. See to it Dusty.

[Matt700wlw]

It's important in this lost season to get Cory Patterson 400 AB's. See to it Dusty.

Giving him a fair shake to have a contract for next year.

I hope to the highest power that I'm joking :scared:

[OnBaseMachine]

Bruce hits a laser to begin the 2nd inning but Holliday makes a sliding catch to rob Bruce of a single.

[NC Reds]

For a "fast" person, Cory sure gets caught stealing a lot.

[Matt700wlw]

For a guy with speed, Corey Patterson is brutal on the base paths....

[Red in Chicago]

corey finally gets a hit, then quickly gets throw out trying to steal second...what a ball player

[RedsManRick]

Patterson can't pass up an opportunity to make an out.

[OnBaseMachine]

Patterson bloops a single but gets caught stealing to make up for it. Sheesh. Running into that out means Volquez will have to lead off the next inning now.

[NC Reds]

It's hard to be optimistic about the future with Dusty Baker at manager. He's got to go.

[Ltlabner]

Patterson can't pass up an opportunity to make an out.

Apparently speed on the basepaths is the new homerun.

[Red in Chicago]

did anyone else catch brantley's dig when he said "there aren't any more lolly-gaggers on the team"?

[Ltlabner]

did anyone else catch brantley's dig when he said "there aren't any more lolly-gaggers on the team"?

Yep...we were just chatting about it in...well....chat.

[Matt700wlw]

Yep...we were just chatting about it in...well....chat.

How dare you chat in chat.

[KronoRed]

did anyone else catch brantley's dig when he said "there aren't any more lolly-gaggers on the team"?

What an obsessed group the Reds have on the radio.

[OnBaseMachine]

Volquez had Stewart 1-2 and walked him. He's doesn't have his best command tonight.

[Ltlabner]

How dare you chat in chat.

I have no shame.

By the way, I caught one of your reports during the pre-game show (couple of days ago maybe?). Looks like you are moving up in the world. Good job.

[Matt700wlw]

Thanks.

[OnBaseMachine]

Another walk. First and second with only one out. Edinson doesn't have any command at all tonight.

[Matt700wlw]

Wow. Paul Bako.

[Red in Chicago]

fantastic job by bako throwing the ball away...we must get a catcher next year

[NC Reds]

Another gem from one of Dusty's guys.

[OnBaseMachine]

Paul Bako is awful. Just awful. With two outs Cook drops down a bunt and Bako throws it into right field. Unreal. Inning should be over.

[Matt700wlw]

Another gem from one of Dusty's guys.

It's not his team, remember?

[edabbs44]

It's important in this lost season to get Cory Patterson 400 AB's. See to it Dusty.

You know how it came out well after he signed that Corey's contract was for $3MM? Wait until we hear about the 2009 option that kicks in at 350 ABs.

[OnBaseMachine]

Paul Bako is one of the worst players I have ever seen, and yet Dusty wants to bring him back next season. Wow.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

I feel bad for Volquez right now.

[corkedbat]

If you can't produce any runs, you better not give any away. Horribly sloppy throw by Bako with two outs. It's not like a run would've scored if he didn't get Cook @ 1B.

[OnBaseMachine]

What's hilarious is they ruled that a hit for Cook, which means those runs will be charged against Volquez. Wow. What a joke.

[Ltlabner]

Paul Bako is one of the worst players I have ever seen, and yet Dusty wants to bring him back next season. Wow.

He "handles the pitchers well and calls a good game".

[remdog]

When Dusty was hired he said that he could attract some players that enjoy playing for him. He just didn't say it was Patterson.

Rem

[HumnHilghtFreel]

What's hilarious is they ruled that a hit for Cook, which means those runs will be charged against Volquez. Wow. What a joke.

Yeah, I was shocked when Grande said that was ruled a hit. Gotta love that home cooking in the scorers booth.

[NC Reds]

It's not his team, remember?

Oh yeah, I forgot. The Krivsky corpse is still available for flogging.

[Matt700wlw]

I feel like I'm at a circus tonight...in 1 ring you have the Bengals stinking it up in a pointless football game, and in the other ring there's this....

If I had beer and popcorn, I'd be set.

[OnBaseMachine]

Volquez is being forced to throw a ton of extra pitches thanks to Paul Bako.

[NC Reds]

Our former left fielder just hit a 410 foot double off the high center field wall. I suspect he does not care for the dimensions in his new home.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

Inning, thankfully, is now over with a Holiday groundout.

[Ltlabner]

I feel like I'm at a circus tonight...in 1 ring you have the Bengals stinking it up in a pointless football game, and in the other ring there's this....

If I had beer and popcorn, I'd be set.

That'd be funny if you got all liquered up and burst into the broadcast ranting about Dusty and toothpicks.

Well, for us anyway.

[Matt700wlw]

...there's a thought...:)

[OnBaseMachine]

Paul Bako costs Volquez two runs and roughly 15 pitches or so. Unbelievable. He had plenty of time and yet still through the ball into right field.

[OnBaseMachine]

Yep. Volquez was charged with two earned runs. His ERA is up to 2.81 now instead of in the 2.60's. There is no way they can give Cook a hit for that. It was clearly going to be the third out of the inning.

[OnBaseMachine]

I'm still trying to figure out how those runs, especially the second, are earned. How can a guy that scores from second base on a throwing error be called an earned run? That is ridiculous. It looks like the Colorado official scorer must be drunk. Giving Cook a hit on that was bad enough but ruling both runs as earned is even worse.

[Spring~Fields]

Giving Cook a hit on that was bad enough but ruling both runs as earned is even worse.

Decent throw and Cook would have been out easily. I don't get the hit call either.

[OnBaseMachine]

Aaron Cook drops down an awful bunt where a decent throw nails him by a mile. Ruled a hit. Brandon Phillips hits a groundball in the hole and the SS makes a low throw allowing Phillips to reach base. Ruled an error. OK. Whatever.

[Matt700wlw]

Nice! Phillips!!

[NC Reds]

Phillips gets away with a poor baserunning play there.

Votto is really raking now. Great to see.

[Ltlabner]

Phillips with a gift to get on first. Then a gift on a pickoff. Then a gift getting into 3rd.

[edabbs44]

OBM...count down from 10 and take a deep breath. ;)

[RedsManRick]

Phillips just got really luck after a boneheaded decision to try and take third on a grounder up the middle. That right after getting picked off but having the ump miss it.

I'm glad it worked out, but I'm so tired of seeing this team take stupid chances on the bases. You can be poor or you can be stupid. You can't be both.

[Matt700wlw]

Edwin doesn't even run to first...he doesn't even make it to first on the throw out.

[GAC]

Phillips is really riding the luck train this inning....getting on to begin with, not getting picked off, and then safe at 3rd because of a high tag.

Anyone wanna bet that if the ball is hit to 3B he heads home? ;)

[NC Reds]

Bruce drives in two. Sweet. Here's Corey!!!

[Matt700wlw]

Bruce drives in 2 so the automatic outs can come to the plate...

[NC Reds]

I hadn't noticed but Corey's OBP has creeped up to about .231. Impressive for a veteran big leaguer.

[Matt700wlw]

:lol: Patterson

[lollipopcurve]

Phillips is really riding the luck train this inning....getting on to begin with, not getting picked off, and then safe at 3rd because of a high tag.

Anyone wanna bet that if the ball is hit to 3B he heads home?

Phillips has been playing with a lot of energy lately. The move to the thiird spot in the lineup has accentuated that even more, I think. Count me as a fan who appreciates that -- the team needs players who come to play. Energy is contagious.

[OnBaseMachine]

Dickerson works a one out walk but Keppinger GIDP.

[OnBaseMachine]

Volquez throws a 1-2-3 fifth inning on only eight pitches.

After five:

Reds 3
Rockies 1
Bako 2

;)

[OnBaseMachine]

Phillips singles to begin the 6th.

[OnBaseMachine]

Votto singles again, he's 3-for-3 and now has three straight three hit games. First and third and nobody out...

[Matt700wlw]

ROY?

He's neck and neck with Geovany Soto, and since he's on a good club, that probably helps him

[CTA513]

ROY?

He's neck and neck with Geovany Soto, and since he's on a good club, that probably helps him

Soto will win it

[OnBaseMachine]

EdE RBI single makes it 4-3. First and second and still nobody out.

[_Sir_Charles_]

EE with a ribbie! This inning is looking VERY nice. :O)

[_Sir_Charles_]

Soto will win it

Agreed. I mean they're even mentioning Soto in the MVP race (which I find ridiculous). The thing that ticks me off is that nobody is even mentioning Joey. The press acts like it's a runaway forgone conclusion. Far from the truth.

[OnBaseMachine]

This inning is looking VERY nice. :O)

Keep in mind that Patterson and Bako are coming up. ;)

[Matt700wlw]

76 Ks in 303 ABs for Bruce.

[NC Reds]

That's just Corey being Corey.

[corkedbat]

What's up with the disco cowpunk neckwear?

[Spring~Fields]

Cincinnati Inning Summary

- B. Phillips singled to center
- J. Votto singled to right, B. Phillips to third
- E. Encarnacion singled to shallow left, B. Phillips scored, J. Votto to second
- L. Vizcaino relieved A. Cook
- J. Bruce struck out swinging
- C. Patterson struck out swinging
- P. Bako struck out swinging
- End of Inning (1 Run, 3 Hits, 0 Errors)

[OnBaseMachine]

Hey Bako, if you're going to give up two runs then how about contributing on offense just a little every now and then? :thumbup:

[Matt700wlw]

Volquez now breaks the 100 pitch count...for those taking notes.

[CTA513]

Hey Bako, if you're going to give up two runs then how about contributing on offense just a little every now and then? :thumbup:

His average is starting to get close to Pattersons.

[Kc61]

76 Ks in 303 ABs for Bruce.


That's not a terrible number for a power hitter. It's better than one K in four at bats. And he's only 21.

Bruce fanned a fair amount in the minor leagues but I think his production will more than compensate for his strikeouts.

[Spring~Fields]

Oh we catch a break there.

Due Up
E. Volquez P 0-2
C. Dickerson LF 1-2
J. Keppinger SS 0-2

[OnBaseMachine]

Volquez finishes with a quality start: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 5 K

It should have only been one run if not for Paul Bako, so Volquez actually pitched better than his line indicates. I'm still stunned that the those two runs are earned.

[Spring~Fields]

A. Phillips hit for E. Volquez

E. Volquez 6.0 6 3 3 3 5 0 2.80

Pitches-strikes - E Volquez 103-64

Ground balls-fly balls - E Volquez 8-4;

[OnBaseMachine]

Volquez is in line to get his 16th win but I don't see the bullpen holding a one run lead.

[Matt700wlw]

:jump:

[OnBaseMachine]

Dickerson homers into the upper deck! 5-3.

[RedsManRick]

Wow. Dickerson just destroyed that ball. Dude has some power.

[Spring~Fields]

Homerun Dickerson.............that helps!!!!!!!

[Matt700wlw]

Very impressive start for Chris Dickerson

[Kc61]

Picture perfect swing there by Dickerson on that home run. Waited on the pitch beautifully. No doubt about Dickerson's power, just a question of making steady contact, which he's done well this year.

[Spring~Fields]

Cincinnati 7th Inning Summary

- A. Phillips hit for E. Volquez
- A. Phillips grounded out to shortstop
- C. Dickerson homered to deep right
- J. Keppinger struck out looking
- B. Phillips grounded out to third
- End of Inning (1 Run, 1 Hit, 0 Errors)

Reds 5 Rockies 3

[PuffyPig]

Volquez finishes with a quality start: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 5 K

It should have only been one run if not for Paul Bako, so Volquez actually pitched better than his line indicates. I'm still stunned that the those two runs are earned.

If you reconstruct the inning without the error, 2 runs still score. Therefore, they are earned.

[Matt700wlw]

...and Lincoln promply gives up a hit

[Spring~Fields]

M. Lincoln relieved E. Volquez

[OnBaseMachine]

If you reconstruct the inning without the error, 2 runs still score. Therefore, they are earned.

No they don't. A good throw gets the runner easily and the inning is over.

[OnBaseMachine]

Lincoln has been terrible lately.

[RedsManRick]

If you reconstruct the inning without the error, 2 runs still score. Therefore, they are earned.

They're earned because they called it a single with runners advancing on the error as opposed to a reached-on-error, which in fact it clearly was. Quite often, errors are decided based on how to produce the best statistical result for the home team.

[Matt700wlw]

Wow...Patterson!

[Spring~Fields]

Final Score
New Orleans 13
Cincinnati 0

Final Score
Cleveland 6
Detroit 26

[Matt700wlw]

Cleveland looking doggy crap too...they've got a lot of hype (which I don't think they'll live up to) going into the season.

[PuffyPig]

No they don't. A good throw gets the runner easily and the inning is over.


The official scorer thorught differently.

[OnBaseMachine]

The official scorer thorught differently.

The official scorer is clueless. Anyone with two one functional eye could tell ya it was an error.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Lincoln looking VERY hittable. He doesn't have it...get him out PRONTO!

[OnBaseMachine]

Just what I figured, Mike Lincoln is about to blow Volquez's 16th win.

Bases loaded and only one out. Man this team misses Burton.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Masset coming in

[Spring~Fields]

M. Lincoln relieved E. Volquez
- Y. Torrealba singled to center
- S. Podsednik hit for L. Vizcaino
- S. Podsednik flied out to center
- C. Barmes singled to left center, Y. Torrealba to second
- W. Taveras singled to shallow left, Y. Torrealba to third, C. Barmes to second

Baker to the mound.

Masset relieves Lincoln

[Matt700wlw]

That was short lived...

[Spring~Fields]

:angry::angry::angry:

M. Holliday doubled to deep right, Y. Torrealba, C. Barmes and W. Taveras scored, M. Holliday to third advancing on throw

[_Sir_Charles_]

Well...that was quick. *sigh*

3 run double by Holliday. Bullpen getting shelled last few games.

[RedsManRick]

Geez. Rockies getting a lot of hits on pitches on the black or out of the zone. Tough inning from a BABIP perspective.

[OnBaseMachine]

Great job by the bullpen. Mike Lincoln and Paul Bako single handedly cost Volquez this game. Volquez should have about 18 wins right now.

[Matt700wlw]

Add another

[_Sir_Charles_]

Thom just said only 1 of Edinson's runs were earned? Is that right? Gameday is saying all 3 were earned.

7-5 by the way. *rolls eyes*

[RedsManRick]

Hawbe bangs one off the wall. Bruce with a great throw to 2B and Hawpe overslides the bag and makes out #2.

[Spring~Fields]

B. Hawpe singled to deep right, M. Holliday scored, B. Hawpe out at second

Rockies 7 Reds 5

[Matt700wlw]

Thom just said the reason the runs were earned runs earlier (one or both, not sure), was because of Barmes hit.

If he didn't get a hit, they would have been unearned. That probably clears up nothing, but that's the reason.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nevermind. Thom just changed that. All 3 were earned.

[Spring~Fields]

G. Atkins walked

[Spring~Fields]

Colorado 7th Inning Summary

- M. Lincoln relieved E. Volquez
- Y. Torrealba singled to center
- S. Podsednik hit for L. Vizcaino
- S. Podsednik flied out to center
- C. Barmes singled to left center, Y. Torrealba to second
- W. Taveras singled to shallow left, Y. Torrealba to third, C. Barmes to second
- N. Masset relieved M. Lincoln
- M. Holliday doubled to deep right, Y. Torrealba, C. Barmes and W. Taveras scored, M. Holliday to third advancing on throw
- B. Hawpe singled to deep right, M. Holliday scored, B. Hawpe out at second
- G. Atkins walked
- I. Stewart struck out swinging
- End of Inning (4 Runs, 5 Hits, 0 Errors)

:thumbdown

M. Lincoln 0.1 3 3 3 0 0 0 4.43
N. Masset 0.2 2 1 1 1 1 0 2.38

[RedsManRick]

Thom just said the reason the runs were earned runs earlier (one or both, not sure), was because of Barmes hit.

If he didn't get a hit, they would have been unearned. That probably clears up nothing, but that's the reason.

Cook was (wrongly IMO) credited with a hit, the error being limited to the runner advancement, thereby extending the inning from an earned run perspective. The Barmes hit then would have driven in the runs (in the fantasyland scenario where Cook reaches first and the runners stay put).

[OnBaseMachine]

I count about six games where Volquez should have won but received a loss either due to no run support or a blown save like tonight. Five of those games he allowed two earned runs or less. He could easily have about 18 wins right now.

[Matt700wlw]

...it's part of baseball. Sadly, this team makes it a part of their game on a consistant basis.

[Matt700wlw]

Bruuuuuuuuuuuuce

:jump:

[Spring~Fields]

Bruce homerrrrrrrrrrrrrssss

[NC Reds]

Bruce goes yard. The young guys have been good tonight.

[RedsManRick]

Bruce goes yard. The young guys have been good tonight.

I think Bruce and Votto have developed more this year than Patterson has in his entire major league career.

[Chip R]

Rally killer by Bruce.

[NC Reds]

I think Bruce and Votto have developed more this year than Patterson has in his entire major league career.

Agreed.

Corey got a bloop hit today. For him, that is a productive day.

[Spring~Fields]

Cincinnati 8th Inning Summary

- C. Barmes at second
- T. Tulowitzki at shortstop
- T. Buchholz relieved L. Vizcaino
- J. Votto flied out to deep left
- E. Encarnacion flied out to deep left
- J. Bruce homered to deep right
- C. Patterson struck out swinging
- End of Inning (1 Run, 1 Hit, 0 Errors)

Rockies 7 Reds 6

[Matt700wlw]

WOW!

:clap: Corey Patterson :clap:



It's a shame he has to hit....;)

[Spring~Fields]

Patterson outstanding catch

[_Sir_Charles_]

Bruce goes yard. The young guys have been good tonight.

Yep.

Bruce 2-4 with a dinger and 3 rbi's
Votto (who just missed a homer this inning) 3-4 with an RBI
Dickerson 2-3 with a dinger
Volquez 6 inning 6 hits / 3 runs / 5 k's and should've gotten a W

I'd like to see more of the young kids. Hanigan, Rosales...BOTH of these guys should be getting the lions' share of the starts the rest of the season.


Patterson's still got one hellofa glove. GREAT snag.

[Spring~Fields]

Colorado Inning Summary

- T. Tulowitzki flied out to deep right center
- Y. Torrealba fouled out to first
- S. Smith hit for T. Buchholz
- S. Smith flied out to deep left center
- End of Inning (0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors)

Due up for the Reds top of the ninth

Bako
Masset - Pinch hitter
Dickerson

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hopefully a PH'er for Bako. The excuse for him starting is for volquez...and he's not in there. Get Bako OUT!

[Matt700wlw]

Cabrera for Bako...

Javy? for pitcher...

[RedsManRick]

Why is Rosales on the roster? Dusty absolutely refuses to use him.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Wow...dusty's thinking. Cabrera PH'ing for Bako.

[Matt700wlw]

Hanigan on deck...not Javy.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Hanigan in the ondeck circle. Again, a decision I agree with by Dusty. No sense going with Javy...give Hanigan the opportunities.

[RedsManRick]

If I'm Fuentes I'd want that stupid mascot out from behind home plate. So annoying.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Jolbert K's in one heck of an AB. 10 pitches.

[NC Reds]

Hanigan with a good AB.

[RedsManRick]

Hannigan works a walk after getting a gift from the ump who ruled a no-catch on an amazing play by Barmes. Let's see #3 Dickerson!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Game over. Lincoln & Masset handed that game to them on a silver platter. Take out those two performances and this was a very well played game by the good guys. At this time of the year, you look for whatever positives you can. :O)

[Spring~Fields]

Final 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Cincinnati 1 0 0 2 0 1 1 1 0 6 10 1
Colorado 0 2 1 0 0 0 4 0 X 7 11 1




AB R H RBI BB K LOB Season Avg

C. Dickerson lf 4 2 2 1 1 2 1 .341
J. Keppinger ss 4 0 0 0 1 1 2 .264
B. Phillips 2b 4 2 1 0 0 0 1 .268
J. Votto 1b 4 1 3 1 0 0 0 .290
E. Encarnacion 3b 4 0 1 1 0 0 4 .249
J. Bruce rf 4 1 2 3 0 1 2 .260
C. Patterson cf 4 0 1 0 0 2 3 .194
P. Bako c 3 0 0 0 0 1 3 .211
J. Cabrera ph 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .320
E. Volquez p 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .083
A. Phillips ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .193
M. Lincoln p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
N. Masset p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
R. Hanigan ph 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .238


Scoring Summary
Top 1st: Cincinnati
- J. Votto singled to left, C. Dickerson scored, B. Phillips to second


Bot 2nd: Colorado
- A. Cook reached on bunt single to catcher, J. Baker to third, I. Stewart to third, J. Baker and I. Stewart scored, A. Cook to second on catcher P. Bako's throwing error


Bot 3rd: Colorado
- I. Stewart singled to center, G. Atkins scored


Top 4th: Cincinnati
- J. Bruce singled to right, B. Phillips and J. Votto scored


Top 6th: Cincinnati
- E. Encarnacion singled to shallow left, B. Phillips scored, J. Votto to second


Top 7th: Cincinnati
- C. Dickerson homered to deep right


Bot 7th: Colorado
- M. Holliday doubled to deep right, Y. Torrealba, C. Barmes and W. Taveras scored, M. Holliday to third advancing on throw

- B. Hawpe singled to deep right, M. Holliday scored, B. Hawpe out at second


Top 8th: Cincinnati
- J. Bruce homered to deep right

Batting
2B - C Dickerson (6, A Cook).

HR - C Dickerson (2, 7th inning off L Vizcaino 0 on, 1 Out), J Bruce (14, 8th inning off T Buchholz 0 on, 2 Out).

RBI - J Votto (58), J Bruce 3 (39), E Encarnacion (49), C Dickerson (5).

2-out RBI - J Bruce.

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - P Bako 1.

GIDP - J Keppinger.

Team LOB - 4.

Base Running
CS - C Patterson (8, 2nd base by A Cook/Y Torrealba).

Fielding
E - P Bako (5, throw).

Outfield assists - J Bruce (B Hawpe at 2nd base).

DP - 1 (J Keppinger-B Phillips-J Votto).


Batting
2B - G Atkins (30, E Volquez); M Holliday (34, N Masset).

RBI - I Stewart (39), M Holliday 3 (78), B Hawpe (74).

Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - B Hawpe 1, M Holliday 2.

GIDP - J Baker.

Team LOB - 5.

Base Running
SB - W Taveras (61, 2nd base off E Volquez/P Bako), C Barmes (9, 2nd base off E Volquez/P Bako).

Fielding
E - C Barmes (8, throw).

DP - 2 (C Barmes, C Barmes-J Baker-G Atkins).

Pitching

.
Cincinnati
E. Volquez 6.0 6 3 3 3 5 0 2.80
M. Lincoln 0.1 3 3 3 0 0 0 4.43 (L, 1-4)
N. Masset 1.2 2 1 1 1 1 0 2.19 (BS, 2)

Colorado
A. Cook 5.0 8 4 3 2 1 0 3.91
L. Vizcaino 2.0 1 1 1 0 4 1 5.00 (W, 1-0)
T. Buchholz 1.0 1 1 1 0 1 1 1.67 (H, 20)
B. Fuentes 1.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2.84 (S, 25)


WP - E Volquez.

Pitches-strikes - E Volquez 103-64; M Lincoln 11-6; N Masset 29-15; A Cook 98-60; L Vizcaino 29-22; T Buchholz 10-8; B Fuentes 23-15.

Ground balls-fly balls - E Volquez 8-4; M Lincoln 0-1; N Masset 0-3; A Cook 9-3; L Vizcaino 2-0; T Buchholz 0-2; B Fuentes 1-0.

Batters faced - E Volquez 25; M Lincoln 4; N Masset 7; A Cook 23; L Vizcaino 7; T Buchholz 4; B Fuentes 4.

Time: 3:12.
Attendance: 42,282.

[Falls City Beer]

Defense is improved yet the relief still gives up runs in bunches. Hmmm.

[Spring~Fields]

Volquez finishes with a quality start: 6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 3 BB, 5 K

It should have only been one run if not for Paul Bako, so Volquez actually pitched better than his line indicates. I'm still stunned that the those two runs are earned.

Hit or an error?

JohnFay

Edinson Volquez was surprised.

"Why'd they call that a hit? He had plenty of time."

Good question. The official scorer initially called Aaron Cook's bunt a base hit. He could not find a replay to overrule the original call. Paul Bako fielded the ball cleanly. There's no question in my mind that a good throw gets Cook.

It ended up costing Volquez two earned runs. Here's the explanation of the ruling. Runners were on first and second when Cook bunted. Because it was ruled a hit, it would have loaded the bases. Clint Barmes followed with an infield single. That made one run earned and the bases still would have been loaded. Volquez then walked Willy Taveras, so that would have forced another run in. The two earned runs added .12 to Volquez's ERA. Not good for a guy who is in the running for ERA title.

Volquez wasn't mad -- just puzzled.

The play was the pivotal one in the game.

"It was really the difference in the ballgame when it comes down to it," Dusty Baker said.

The bullpen cost Volquez his 16th win. He wasn't mad about that either.

"I'm not mad at anybody," he said. "That happens. They're trying to not give up any runs."

Volquez still has an outside shot at 20 wins.

"That would be great for me -- and the team," Volquez said.

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[OnBaseMachine]

Defense is improved yet the relief still gives up runs in bunches. Hmmm.

Best reliever is on DL....Hmmm. And the infield defense is still pathetic. This bullpen badly misses Jared Burton.

Mike Lincoln is another one that needs to be gone at the end of the season. He's been terrible lately.

[Screwball]

Defense is improved yet the relief still gives up runs in bunches. Hmmm.

And yet shoddy defense cost the Reds some runs yet again. Hmmm.

[OnBaseMachine]

And yet shoddy defense cost the Reds some runs yet again. Hmmm.

Good point. Those two runs turned out to be difference in the game.

[Falls City Beer]

Best reliever is on DL....Hmmm. And the infield defense is still pathetic. This bullpen badly misses Jared Burton.

Mike Lincoln is another one that needs to be gone at the end of the season. He's been terrible lately.

The defense is becoming less and less an excuse for this pitching staff. Keppinger's the only true sore thumb on the infield. Everyone else is passable or good.

The defense will continue to be the excuse apparently until there's a Gold Glove at every position.

[OnBaseMachine]

The defense is becoming less and less an excuse for this pitching staff. Keppinger's the only true sore thumb on the infield. Everyone else is passable or good.

The defense will continue to be the excuse apparently until there's a Gold Glove at every position.

If you say so.

[Falls City Beer]

If you say so.

You think the bullpen (outside of Burton) has pitched well this season?

[OnBaseMachine]

You think the bullpen (outside of Burton) has pitched well this season?

Considering they have been ranked near the top three most of the season I'd say they've been doing something right. I certainly don't want to see this same bunch back next season because I don't see guys like Lincoln or Weathers repeating.

[Falls City Beer]

Considering they have been ranked near the top three most of the season I'd say they've been doing something right. I certainly don't want to see this same bunch back next season because I don't see guys like Lincoln or Weathers repeating.


They're not in the top three of anything without Burton. And if a bullpen can't pick up the loss of even its most important piece (even a little bit), then it's not a good bullpen and was destined to fall apart to a great extent in the first place (especially after Harang went down and it had to throw more innings and get exposed).