5/1/09 Reds @ Pirates

[Joseph]

Reds:

Willy Taveras cf
Jerry Hairston Jr. lf
Joey Votto 1b
Brandon Phillips 2b
Jay Bruce rf
Adam Rosales 3b
Alex Gonzalez ss
Ryan Hanigan c
Bronson Arroyo p


Pirates:

Morgan - LF
Sanchez - 2B
McLouth - CF
Adam LaRoche - 1B
Hinske - RF
Andy LaRoche - 3B
Jaramillo - C
Bixler - SS
Duke - P (LHP)

Currently the Pirates don't feel the need to field a line up in order to beat the Reds and therefore they have not set one.

[Reds Fanatic]

This is the forecast for Pittsburgh tonight:


Tonight: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 50. West wind between 5 and 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

[SirFelixCat]

Morgan - LF
Sanchez - 2B
McLouth - CF
Adam LaRoche - 1B
Hinske - RF
Andy LaRoche - 3B
Jaramillo - C
Bixler - SS
Duke - P (LHP)

[OnBaseMachine]

It would be nice to take three of five on this road trip. Taking two of three in Pittsburgh would be a great start.

[SirFelixCat]

Man, I'd love to see the Reds start this RT off w/ a win vs a LHP.

Go Reds!

[SirFelixCat]

That said, how long has it been since Janish has played? Seems like a long time ago...might only be 5-6 days, but seems like it's been forever.

[SirFelixCat]

Willy T starts off w/ a bunt foul, then takes a ball low and in, then fouls it off down eB line, 1-2 on WillyT.

[SirFelixCat]

And that's 25 pushups, Willy. F8, 1 down.

[OnBaseMachine]

I have been very unimpressed with Taveras' bunting ability.

[Red in Chicago]

The game just started and I already miss Thom and the Cowboy.

[OnBaseMachine]

Hairston takes an 0-2 fastball right down the middle for strike three.

[SirFelixCat]

The game just started and I already miss Thom and the Cowboy.

Seriously...

I mean, why is it that it seems every other team's announcers are cordial towards the Reds, but they're still homers, to a point. Not George and Chris. Make my ears bleed.


And not the best start for the game there...a silent 1-2-3. Votto grounds out weakly to 2B.

[SirFelixCat]

I have been very unimpressed with Taveras' bunting ability.

As impressed as I've been w/ his willingness to take a BB this season, I wholeheartedly agree w/ you. His bunting has really left something to be desired.

[OnBaseMachine]

Nyjer Morgan continues to kill Reds pitching. Lead off single.

[GAC]

chat is open

[WVRedsFan]

Arroyo has thrown more pitches than Duke and he still hasn't got anyone out.

[OnBaseMachine]

It's very early, but it doesn't look like Arroyo has anything tonight. This could be a looooong night.

[SirFelixCat]

I like Bronson's strategy here...

Get Sanchez to foul off 44 pitches and wear out Morgan...

And Sanchez lines a single into CF w/ Morgan running, but due to Willy T playing shallow, Morgan can't take 3rd. Nice.


1 and 2, 0 out.

[WVRedsFan]

I fear we're going to be down big time by the top of the second. Pray for rain.

[OnBaseMachine]

McLouth grounds into a big doubleplay. Nice scoop by Votto after Phillips made a terrible throw.

[SirFelixCat]

Is it me of has BP had a LOT of horrible turns/throws to 1B this year? Awesome scoop by Votto to save a run and make the DP!

[WVRedsFan]

Then again, maybe not. :)

[SirFelixCat]

Where was that pitch?!?

eta: That one too? Sheesh.

[Bob Borkowski]

The game just started and I already miss Thom and the Cowboy.

Cowboy is working on the radio side this evening along with Dan Hoard. I really like Hoard.

[WVRedsFan]

Is it me of has BP had a LOT of horrible turns/throws to 1B this year? Awesome scoop by Votto to save a run and make the DP!

No, Brandon is in a funk right now, as we've been told he does when things are not going well. "The face of the franchise" is having a really rough start.

[SirFelixCat]

Hinske has killed BA in the past...let's hope that stops now.

[WVRedsFan]

Whew!

[Screwball]

I fear we're going to be down big time by the top of the second. Pray for rain.

Or still tied 0-0.

On a side note, anybody else notice Dave Wannstedt in the first row behind home plate?

[SirFelixCat]

Wow...I hope that was due to the wind...


That was an....original route Bruce took to snag that one down. But BA got out of it yay!

Thru 1, 0-0

[OnBaseMachine]

Hinske flies out to end the inning. The wind played tricks with that ball.

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 1st:

Morgan singles.

Arroyo pays too much attention to Morgan at 1st. Runs the count 3-2. George Grande and Chris profess man love for Sanchez. Sanchez singles passed a diving Gonzo up the middle. Taveras holds Morgan at 2nd.

Nate McClouth grounds into a 6-4-3 DP. 2 out Votto with a great scoop in the dirt. Phillips had plenty of time and made a terrible throw. Looked like he shot putted that throw over there!


Arroyo stars off with a hitter's count 2-0 to LaRoche. Gets squeezed on the 2-0 pitch. 3-0. Walks LaRoche.

Hinske (didn't know there were 2) hits a deep shot to the track that is caught on the Warning track by Bruce. 3 out He just got under it a bit.

After 1 full inning, Reds 0 and Pirates 0.

[SirFelixCat]

It was Hinske who made the 3rd out, forfreelin...otherwise, good recap, thanks!

[forfreelin04]

It was Hinske who made the 3rd out, forfreelin...otherwise, good recap, thanks!

Fixed it, just realized this.

Sorry, got into this a half inning late! Got to gather my inning recap bearings!

[SirFelixCat]

Rosales keeps on keepin' on....rakes a single to LF to break up the perfect game!

[SirFelixCat]

And AGon went down swinging, again.

[Screwball]

Man, Gonzalez chases a lot of pitches out of the zone.

[WVRedsFan]

Buccos have the league's lowest ERA and going against one of the worst hitting teams. Not a prescription for success.

[forfreelin04]

Top of Second: (listening to the Pirates announcers now, much better)

Phillips battles to 2-2 after a couple of fouls offs. Flies to CF. 1 out

Bruce grounds to 1B who tosses to Duke. 2 out

Rosales (Sheffield Lite at the plate; first time I'm seeing him) Hustle singles to left field. Very nice.

Gonzo proving Janish can hit just as well as he strikes out on a ball up and out of the zone. 3 out.

After 1 and 1/2 innings, Reds 0 Pirates 0.

The key to Duke is to keep the weight back to the last possible minute and then explode. He's not going
to overpower hitters, but simply lull them to sleep.

[Homer Bailey]

Alex Gonzalez is not good at hitting the baseball.

[forfreelin04]

Buccos have the league's lowest ERA and going against one of the worst hitting teams. Not a prescription for success.

Or a prescription for the law of averages.

[OnBaseMachine]

LaRoche flies out to CF and Jaramillo K's. Bixler up.

[SirFelixCat]

That was a sneaky pitch by BA...dropped down like he does and fired a heater about neck level and got a swing and a miss K. Nice.

[SirFelixCat]

Very nice inning by BA there.

[WVRedsFan]

I hate these Pirate announcers. It's pure torture listening to the opposition team's radio crew call a Reds game.

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 2:

Andy Laroche flies to Willy T early in the count. I think the first pitch. (Thanks Andy) 1 out

Jason Jamarillo (who are they guys?) Who cares because JJ strikes out. 2 out

Get this guy and its a great quick inning for BA. Brian Bixler (who is that too?) Bixy (what I shall now call him)fouls down the line past Rosales, but foul. Bixy flies lazily to JHJ in left. 3 out. Guy ran out of the box like he had it one in the gap.

After a full 2, Overacheivers of OHIO 0 Overacheivers of Pennsylvania 0

Nice inning by BA. I'm also listening to the Pirates broadcast (MUCH BETTER!)

[Reds Fanatic]

I hate these Pirate announcers. It's pure torture listening to the opposition team's radio crew call a Reds game.
I was just listening to the Pirate radio announcers on XM on the way home. They may be the 2 most boring announcers I have ever heard.

[forfreelin04]

I hate these Pirate announcers. It's pure torture listening to the opposition team's radio crew call a Reds game.

Pure torture is the Grande and the Welsh.

[OnBaseMachine]

Duke has thrown 37 pitches in three innings. Brutal.

[SirFelixCat]

Wow, all I ask is to be consistent w/ the strike zone. That was called a ball for BA 3 times now.

[Screwball]

Ump missed that called strike 3 on Taveras. It was definitely inside.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 3rd:

Hanigan wastes no time making an out. Grounds to 3rd. 1 out

Duke K's Arroyo 2 out. Arroyo always looks like that kid on your T-Ball team that batted ninth. He just looks out of place.

Willy T K's looking. 4 K's for Duke. Questionable call. Didn't like it myself. 3 out.

After 2 and a 1/2, Reds 0 Pirates 0.

[OnBaseMachine]

The Reds as a team have a .586 OPS vs LH pitchers. That's the worst in the majors.

[Reds Fanatic]

The Reds need to get off to an early lead tonight. The rain is on the way:

http://i.imwx.com/web/radar/us_pit_closeradar_plus_usen.jpg

[reds44]

Pure torture is the Grande and the Welsh.
It's seriously painful to listen to. I'm embarassed for Georgey-pooh half the game.

[reds44]

The Reds as a team have a .586 OPS vs LH pitchers. That's the worst in the majors.
We need to get ride of Dunn and Jun.....

oh wait.

Too soon?

[OnBaseMachine]

Duke grounds out to Phillips and Morgan flies out to Taveras. Two outs and nobody on base.

[Gallen5862]

Thanks Forfreelin04 for the Inning Summaries. They have been very informative.

[OnBaseMachine]

Sanchez grounds out to Arroyo. No score after three innings.

[SirFelixCat]

Yet another stellar inning by BA.


If only this offense could, I dunno, get some base runners?

[reds44]

Are Nyjer and Juan Pierre the same person?

[Homer Bailey]

Nyjer Morgan is Juan Pierre.

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 3rd:

Duke grounds to Phillips. 1 out

Morgan grounds foul past Rosales. Very close. He flies to CF. (Pirates announcers get way too excited about it) 2 out (BTW, Morgan has a dip in the size of a pork chop)

Sanchez grounds to Arroyo early in the count. 3 out. Thanks Freddie.

After 3, Anemic Offenses doing what they do best. Not scoring runs.

[reds44]

lol @ Sanchez trying to hit that curveball.

[forfreelin04]

Thanks Forfreelin04 for the Inning Summaries. They have been very informative.

Your welcome. There's nothing more frustrating than reactions to something you can't see. Least that's how I've felt about game threads.

I used to like to read through the Game Threads when I couldn't watch a game. Often times that was frustrating because there wasn't a PBP or clarification about certain plays.

So I just started doing it myself.

[Homer Bailey]

Are Nyjer and Juan Pierre the same person?


Nyjer Morgan is Juan Pierre.

Whoa.

[WVRedsFan]

Pure torture is the Grande and the Welsh.

Agree with that, too.

[OnBaseMachine]

Hairston K's swinging on a pitch a foot outside and at his ankles. He's had maybe a handful of decent atbats all year, if that many.

Votto singles.

[reds44]

Whoa.
I wasn't sure if you were responding to my post or if it was a seperate thought.

[reds44]

Give Darnell McDonald a start against the next lefty we play.

I am not kidding.

[OnBaseMachine]

Duke entered this game with a 4.85 K/9. He's got five K's in four innings tonight.

[SirFelixCat]

It's actually kinda painful to watch JHJ and BP step into the batters box and flail away. What they're doing surely isn't 'batting' so calling it such seems to be an injustice.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 4th:

Jerry works the count 2-2. (BTW, I love Jerry's mannerisms at the plate. He's frustrating to watch and I love the Reds. I can't imagine
how it is for the opposing pitcher.) No matter how frustrating, Hairston still K's swinging. 1 out (Ball was out of the zone)

Good Pirates broadcast stat; Votto has 26.7% of the Reds runs batted in this year. Single for the Vottomatic. Just the Reds second hit of the night.

Phillips (don't hit into yourself) Phillips swung at the 1-1 pitch that was outside like he was trying to pull it. Does the same to the 1-2 pitch and fouls. He then flies to RF. 2 out

Bruce wastes an at bat and flies out to CF on the first pitch. 3 out

After 3 and 1/2, Anemic Offenses 0 across the board.

[forfreelin04]

It's actually kinda painful to watch JHJ and BP step into the batters box and flail away. What they're doing surely isn't 'batting' so calling it such seems to be an injustice.

Your darn right it isn't batting. I call it "swinging." And doing a poor job of it.

[OnBaseMachine]

Big inning here. McLouth/LaRoche/Hinske due up.

[OnBaseMachine]

Wow! What a catch by Rosales!

[SirFelixCat]

<3 Rosales!

[reds44]

Taveras
McDonald
Votto
Bruce
Hernandez
Rosales
Janish

Against the next lefty we play.

[SirFelixCat]

Petey goes into the stands and steals the ball from a fan w/ the catch. WTG, Rosales!

[Caveat Emperor]

That was nutty.

[reds44]

Oh of course my mlb.tv freezes so i miss the Rosales play.

[WVRedsFan]

Pirates "announcers" encouraging fans to take the ball out of Rosales' glove before the umpire can see he caught it. Class.

[OnBaseMachine]

LaRoche grounds out to Phillips. Two outs and nobody on base for Hinske.

[reds44]

lmao @ Rosales.

That kid is on speed, but it's fun to watch.

[SirFelixCat]

Don't look now, but BA is simply dealing tonight. Wow.

[OnBaseMachine]

Hinske K's. Another 1-2-3 inning by Arroyo. No score after four innings.

[Caveat Emperor]

Rosales = Freel v. 2.5

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 4th:

McClouth bombs a pitch just foul of the pole in right. Then Rosales makes a great play! He dives into the stands down the 3rd base line in front of the dugout amongst the Pirate fans and makes the catch. He falls into the stands. Great play! 1 out.
The old Laroche grounds to Phillips who was shading him to pull. 2 out

Hinske, who looks like he works out with Nix, K's swinging. 3 out

Great inning by BA.

After a full 4, the Soccer match it will become still tied at 0.

[reds44]

Rosales is like Freel with more talent.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Rosales > Freel > Stynes

[OnBaseMachine]

That .586 OPS vs LHP continues to drop.

Rosales grounded out on the first pitch and Gonzalezg grounded out on a 1-1 pitch. Two quick outs.

[OnBaseMachine]

Hanigan lines a single to CF. At least it gets Arroyo up this inning.

Arroyo pops out on the first pitch.

[reds44]

Reds need to trade for somebody.

[WVRedsFan]

It's now an official game. Rats.

Yes, we need some trades.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 5:

Rosales grounds out on the first pitch. 1 out

Gonzo grounds to the brothers LaRoche. 5-3. 2 out

Hanigan bangs a single up the middle.

Arroyo pops to the second baseman on the first pitch. 3 out. You'd think he'd at least what to work him considering he's pitching against him.

After 4 and 1/2, the shortest game of the year is tied at 0.

[forfreelin04]

It's now an official game. Rats.

Yes, we need some trades.

Just because it ain't pretty, doesn't mean its not effective. That being said the Reds will probably get shutout and Arroyo will give up a homer this inning.

[Bob Borkowski]

Game half over and only at the one hour mark...but that will change, I betcha. ;)

[reds44]

It's now an official game. Rats.

Yes, we need some trades.
We need to acquire a LFer and SS, and acquire the old, healthy versions of BP and EE.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bronson walks the RH hitter to begin the 5th. The lefty Jaramillo now up.

[WVRedsFan]

We need to acquire a LFer and SS, and acquire the old, healthy versions of BP and EE.
Hard to disagree with that. Putting Hariston and Gonzo out there each night is criminal. And BP in his present state. I don't miss EE with Rosales out there.

Oh yeah, how about some CF punch to go with that LF'er?

[reds44]

Andrew Jones is hitting .350 with a .520 OBP.

"Whoops"

[OnBaseMachine]

Jaramillo lines out to Bruce. Out out with LaRoche at first base.

[WVRedsFan]

Andrew Jones is hitting .350 with a .520 OBP.

"Whoops"

Don't need him. We're not worried about the offense. :)

Pitching and <cough> defense, baby!

[Strikes Out Looking]

Andrew Jones is hitting .350 with a .520 OBP.

"Whoops"

In the Reds defense, if they had signed him, I think Redszone would have blown up.

[reds44]

We survived signing Willy Taveras.

[membengal]

Just got in from Wolverine movie and watched first hour and ten minutes fast forwarded on DVR. 5th inning? 5th? This is a FAST game.

And even on fast forward, JHJ's at-bats have looked awfully weak.

Yet another pitcher shuting down the Reds. Something really does have to be done. At least LF should be addressable.

Something.

[GAC]

We survived signing Willy Taveras.

Who says? :D

[OnBaseMachine]

Wild pitch allows LaRoche to advance to second.

Bixler K's. Two outs.

Duke up.

[SirFelixCat]

As bad as the "O" is, BA is having himself quite a delicious outing!

[WVRedsFan]

Looks like rain is imminent on radar.

Traveras doubles. Now's our chance.

[OnBaseMachine]

Duke pops out to Gonzalez.

No score after five innings.

[reds44]

lol pirates trying to hit the curve

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 5:

The late bloomer of the LaRoche brothers works the count 3-1 after BA gets behind 2-0 then walks.

(Key to Bronson (or any pitcher) is to get ahead early; not good)

Jaramillo up. He fouls down the LF line (Announcers get too exicted) Jammy lines out to Bruce. 1 out

Another 2-0 start to Bixy. Bixy has a nice at bat. On the 2-2 pitch, ball in the dirt, hits off of Hanigans glove. Ruled a WP. Laroche moves up. On the 3-2 pitch, Bixy K's. 2 out

Duke pops out to SS on the first pitch. 3 out.

After a full 5, Anemic Offense rue the day.

[Bob Borkowski]

Just got in from Wolverine movie and watched first hour and ten minutes fast forwarded on DVR. 5th inning? 5th? This is a FAST game.

And even on fast forward, JHJ's at-bats have looked awfully weak.

Yet another pitcher shuting down the Reds. Something really does have to be done. At least LF should be addressable.

Something.

How was Wolverine?

[GAC]

chat is open :beerme:

[SirFelixCat]

WillyT hits it 408 ft...it's 410 to that wall...unlucky that he got a GR double. He stung that something awful. :clap:

[OnBaseMachine]

Wow. Taveras just hit a 408 foot drive for a ground rule double. That's a homer in most ballparks. Too bad the ball bounced over the wall or that's a triple.

[11larkin11]

Please bunt JHJ

Edit--Thank You

[SirFelixCat]

JHJ w/ a sac bunt. 1 down, Willy T on 3rd. Please get him in!

[OnBaseMachine]

Hairston bunts Taveras to third base. One out. Votto up.

[membengal]

How was Wolverine?

Meh. It was okay. Not really blown away by it. More like the original X-Men movie, and not NEAR as good as the second.

Lead off double from Taveras was just crushed. Bad luck that it went over the fence for a ground rule.

JHJ lays down the bunt.

Looking at the radar, Votto needs to Votto the runner home here, badly.

[SirFelixCat]

I'd have Votto's child. Really, I would.

[OnBaseMachine]

Votto lines a single to CF! 1-0 Reds.

[Screwball]

Vottomatic.

[membengal]

Votto vottos!

21st Votto of the year.

Votto. It's way better than lotto.

[WVRedsFan]

Votto continues to be the offense of the Cincinnati Reds. 1-0 Reds on a base hit to drive inTraveras. Philips up. No DP, please.

[SirFelixCat]

No, BP isn't 'swinging'...he's hacking and praying. Horrible. Just horrible.

I mean, he's nowhere NEAR the pitches. He's like Andruw Jones circa 2008. Seriously, it's that bad right now.

[11larkin11]

Duke is actually much tougher this year on righties than lefties.

Due to that, I probably would have started Nix again today.

[RedsManRick]

Nice hit by Votto which would have driven in Taveras from 2B. Still don't understand sacrificing at the top of the order when your best hitters are coming up and a there's a chance for the guy at the plate to get a hit, walk, or advance the runner with an non-purposeful productive out.

[Razor Shines]

So how long before teams realize they don't need to pitch to Joey, especially in those situations?

[membengal]

RMR: with JHJ's plate approach tonight, and his season-long uber-slump, the bunt was as easy a call as I have seen in awhile. You can't let him swing away there...

[WVRedsFan]

Nice hit by Votto which would have driven in Taveras from 2B. Still don't understand sacrificing at the top of the order when your best hitters are coming up and a there's a chance for the guy at the plate to get a hit, walk, or advance the runner with an non-purposeful productive out.

Because Hariston would have popped out and the runner would still be at second. This way, you at least advance the runner.

[membengal]

Rats. Thought that might stay fair.

[OnBaseMachine]

Dangit! Bruce crushes one to deep right but it went juuusstt foul.

[Strikes Out Looking]

So how long before teams realize they don't need to pitch to Joey, especially in those situations?

Shush, they may be trolling the boards!

[OnBaseMachine]

Bruce smokes a line drive single to right center, Votto advances to third.

[membengal]

Ducks on the pond for Rosales to try and pick up.

And, I have no idea why anyone is giving Votto anything to hit when Phillips is hitting behind him. I would walk Votto intentionally each and every time at this point.

[WVRedsFan]

Bruce 3-22 against lefties, according to Lanny on the radio.

Mist falling.

[11larkin11]

The team from Pittsburgh is called the Pirates. If I just listened to every FSN game vs. them with Grande at the helm, I could swear they were the Buccos. Every once in awhile is fine, but thats all I hear from him.

[oneupper]

Rosales reminds me of Foghorn Leghorn

[Bob Borkowski]

Pete Rose-ales

[OnBaseMachine]

Rosales walks. Bases loaded. Two outs. I'd seriously pinch hit with Owings here and bring Janish in at SS.

[membengal]

Rosales works the walk. Nice approach.

Quick! Bring Owings in to pinch hit for Alex G with the bases loaded!

[RedsManRick]

RMR: with JHJ's plate approach tonight, and his season-long uber-slump, the bunt was as easy a call as I have seen in awhile. You can't let him swing away there...

Then he shouldn't be batting 2nd. Put Rosales there. Easy call.

[membengal]

OBM! Great minds! And ours!

[11larkin11]

Rosales walks. Bases loaded. Two outs. I'd seriously pinch hit with Owings here and bring Janish in at SS.

OBM, I believe you say that every time Gonzalez comes to bat. Not saying I disagree, but I highly doubt it ever happens.

[membengal]

Then he shouldn't be batting 2nd. Put Rosales there. Easy call.

You won't be hearing any arguments from me on that. I am waiting for an explanation why he is still getting starts at this point...

[WVRedsFan]

Rosales reminds me of Foghorn Leghorn

Ray Romano.

And I hope he doesn't get the PR tag given to him. It's the kiss of death.

[Blitz Dorsey]

The last guy you want up in a situation like this... Alex Gonzalez.

[membengal]

Would Alex G mind waiting for a pitch NOT in the dirt to swing?

[RedsManRick]

Because Hariston would have popped out and the runner would still be at second. This way, you at least advance the runner.

He might have, sure. Or he might have doubled and now we'd be up two. Or grounded it to 2nd. Or flew out to RF. Or singled up the middle...

With a speedy runner on 2nd, no outs, in the 6th, with your best two hitters up next, there's no reason to give away an out.

But if we'd rather our #2 batter to make outs in front of our best hitters than put the bat on the ball, he shouldn't be batting #2.

[alloverjr]

That's pathetic.

[RedsManRick]

Rosales reminds me of Hunter Pence.

[Screwball]

Gonzalez makes me wanna :bang: until the cows come home.

[Blitz Dorsey]

I knew Gonzalez was going to be really bad as a hitter this year (bad hitters don't suddenly get good after taking a year+ off from the game). But he's been even worse than I expected. The guy is such an offensive liability I wonder if his defense is worth it.

[membengal]

W e a k ground ball back to the mound.

How can Dusty stomach watching that from his SS on a regular basis? Seriously, how? Same quesiton for Jocketty.

[OnBaseMachine]

Gonzalez takes ball one low, then chases a bad ball down and fouls it off. Should be 2-0. Now he chases a pitch in the dirt. Unreal. Could be 3-0 instead of 1-2. Ball two high. 2-2count. Chases a pitch down and away and grounds out. That's embarrassing. You won't find a worst atbat that that. Why in the world was he allowed to hit?

[forfreelin04]

Top of 6th:

Willy T (Redszone's wants him to be the whipping boy sooo bad) ground rule doubles to left.

Jerry H sacs to a tagging LaRoche at 1st. 1 out. Willy to 3rd.

Willy T runs into the dugout for his wrist sliding guard.

Mr RBI Joey V singles to CF. Willy T scores.

Phillips chips a soft line drive to Sanchez behind second. Votto back to 1st. 2 out

Bruce hits a bomb to RF. Just foul . Bruce singles to CF. Votto to 3rd. Runners on the corners for Rosales.

Rosales gets ahead 2-0. Jammy out to talk to Duke. 3-0. A getover strike. 3-1. Rosales than walks and sprints to 1st like a madman.

Bases juiced for Gonzo. Gonzo loses his bat on one pitch. Gonzo hits one back to Duke further proving Janish should be the everday SS. 3 out.
After 5 and 1/2, Reds 1 Pirates 0.

[Screwball]

Rosales reminds me of Hunter Pence.

I've thought the same thing. Except Pence annoys the crap out of me.

[OnBaseMachine]

That atbat by Gonzalez was embarrassing. It's one of the worst atbats I have ever seen. He swung at three pitches and all three were WELL out of the strikezone.

[SirFelixCat]

Who do you have less faith in at this point, BP or AGon? It's awfully close, sadly, isn't it? I mean, there was no way AGon does anything there but make an out. It's beyond painful to watch.

[membengal]

forfreel on Taveras:

NO. It doesn't. We want him to OBP .370+, steal 50+, and generally be good. That's what Redszone wants.

[Blitz Dorsey]

That atbat by Gonzalez was embarrassing. It's one of the worst atbats I have ever seen. He swung at three pitches and all three were WELL out of the strikezone.

That's nothing new though. Pretty typical for him.

[membengal]

Rain's here. Arroyo, please, lock 'em down.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Who do you have less faith in at this point, BP or AGon? It's awfully close, sadly, isn't it? I mean, there was no way AGon does anything there but make an out. It's beyond painful to watch.

Uh, definitely Gonzalez. At least BP has proven he can be a good hitter. I have zero faith that Gonzalez's bat will come around. I think Phillips' will for some reason.

[membengal]

Great sequence of pitches from Arroyo there to Morgan. Extreme quality. Nice K.

[OnBaseMachine]

Morgan K's to begin the bottom of the 6th.

[Red in Chicago]

I've thought the same thing. Except Pence annoys the crap out of me.

Yeah, he bothers me as well. Kind of like Craig Counsell annoys me. Don't even get me started on JHJ

[lollipopcurve]

You guys should manage. The bench would be depleted by the 6th inning every game.

[Blitz Dorsey]

If it's anything like what passed through Columbus tonight, they won't be finishing this one. Lock 'em down here is right! That's two outs in the 6th... one more to go.

[OnBaseMachine]

Sanchez flies out to Taveras. Two outs. McLouth up.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Nice! Now let it rain and rain some more!

[OnBaseMachine]

McLouth flies out to Hairston.

1-0 Reds after six innings.

[redsfandan]

Thanks for the quick recap forfreelin04.:thumbup: I just woke up so that was just what I needed to catch up to what's going on.

[membengal]

Great inning from Arroyo. Simply fantastic.

Quick three up and three down from the top of the Pirates line-up. Very professional.

When he's right, a joy. And he's right tonight.

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 6th:

Morgan K's on a foul tip. 1 out
Sanchez flies to Willy T. 2 out
McClouth flies to LF. 3 out

After a full 6, Reds 1 Pirates o.

Good start for BA.

[WVRedsFan]

Bring out your rainmakers!

[SirFelixCat]

I say again, BA is just pitching his tail off tonight. You wouldn't know it reading here, due to the offense being so anemic, but great googly moogly, he's having himself an outing!

[Blitz Dorsey]

Just checked the weather radar in Pittsburgh... looks like most of the big stuff missed north, but it's going to be raining steady the rest of the night. Just depends on how hard it comes down and right now it's just a sprinkle.

[Razor Shines]

You guys should manage. The bench would be depleted by the 6th inning every game.

No, if Gonzo wasn't starting you wouldn't have to waste a PHer on him.

[OnBaseMachine]

Hanigan walks to begin the 7th inning.

[SirFelixCat]

H-U-S-T-L-E!

WTG Hannigan!

[WVRedsFan]

Boy, that was a boneheaded play by LaRouche

[membengal]

Thank you Andy Laroche.

[OnBaseMachine]

Arroyo bunts, LaRoche throws to second. Hanigan is safe! First and second with nobody out and Taveras up. Get some runs please.

[SirFelixCat]

Andy larouche hesitates on a sac bunt by BA and throws to 2nd, everyone is safe!

[SirFelixCat]

Nice sac. bunt by WillyT there. Perfect placement.

[Reds Fanatic]

Perfect bunt by Taveras moves the runners over.

[membengal]

Alright, JHJ. Time for some redemption.

[Blitz Dorsey]

How 'bout we just blow them out and forget about the rain!

[Blitz Dorsey]

Nyjer Morgan is too dumb to understand the fan just helped him.

[Reds Fanatic]

Yes that was a run for sure if he caught that.

[membengal]

Infield is playing in with the runners at second and third.

[Blitz Dorsey]

C'mon Hairston... we need you here.

[Screwball]

Morgan doing his best Moises impression.

[SirFelixCat]

A BB would be a godsend here. Couldn't pitch around Joey then!

[membengal]

THAT is beyond frustrating.

[SirFelixCat]

:chuckle:

[OnBaseMachine]

2-2 on Hairston. Ball inside. 3-2 count. He pops out. Unbelievable.

[alloverjr]

oy

[Reds Fanatic]

Hairston fails again with a pop out to short.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Hairston swings at what would have been ball 4 and pops it up. What a HUGE disappointment he's been this year.

[membengal]

Using JHJ as the righty part of the platoon needs to take a break.

[WVRedsFan]

Oh fiddle. Hairston just was the biggest mistake made by the Reds over the winter. You cannot expect Votto to do it every time.

[SirFelixCat]

I seriously IBB Votto here. I don't care if it's lefty vs lefty. IBB is the right call imo.

[alloverjr]

Color me shocked beyond belief if they pitch to Votto here.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Now the rain is starting to come down hard.

[GAC]

you're bunting guys into scoring position for JHJ? C'mon Dusty! Think here. PH Nix for JHJ there.

[OnBaseMachine]

Oh fiddle. Hairston just was the biggest mistake made by the Reds over the winter. You cannot expect Votto to do it every time.

Yep. I'd release him after this game. He's a liabilty to this team.

[Reds Fanatic]

They just blew a huge scoring chance.

[SirFelixCat]

Boo 6-3 GO for Votto. I still think an IBB would have been smarter.

[Blitz Dorsey]

They tried to pitch around him, but Joey would have none of it (given our cleanup hitter, I can't blame him).

[WVRedsFan]

What an offense. Simply a black hole 2 on, no one out. And we don't score. Good grief.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 7th:

Duke still pitching.

Hanigan walks on a 3-2 count. Great at bat. Good game for Ryan. What does this guy have to do to get more starts?

Arroyo bunts to the 3rd baseman who goes to second. Hanigan is safe! Runners on 1st and second

Willy T bunts and Zach Duke makes a nice play. 1 out Runners move up.

Hairston flies to left field. Guy obstructs Morgan who can't make the catch. Fan did Morgan a favor. Ball is foul. Morgan is not smart as he is frustrated with the fan.
JHJ works the count 3-2 and then pops to Bixler in short left. 2 out (No runs score)

Starting to rain in Pittsburgh! YES!

Votto grounds to SS. He appeared anxious at the plate. Swung at two balls. 3 out

Wasted opportunity there.

After 6 and 1/2, Reds 1 Pirates 0.

[OnBaseMachine]

I hate to pile on, but this should be a comfortable lead right now if the Reds had just AAA caliber players at SS and LF.

[Blitz Dorsey]

We are seeing the real Jerry Hairston this year. Not sure who that good hitter that we saw last year was, but it wasn't Jerry Hairston.

[alloverjr]

They tried to pitch around him, but Joey would have none of it (given our cleanup hitter, I can't blame him).

Yep, Votto really expanded the zone that AB. Swung at 2 pitches out of the zone. Too much heaped on his shoulders.

[Razor Shines]

They tried to pitch around him, but Joey would have none of it (given our cleanup hitter, I can't blame him).

Yeah, Joey needs to let them walk him there. No matter how hard that may be.

[Reds Fanatic]

We are now in a pretty solid area of rain in Pittsburgh:

http://i.imwx.com/web/radar/us_pit_closeradar_plus_usen.jpg

[HokieRed]

I'd add second base to the list of positions to be improved by AAA players.

[membengal]

Yeah, Joey needs to let them walk him there. No matter how hard that may be.

That's going to start to be a real concern, if Joey starts to try and press to make up for what is going on (or NOT going on) around him....

[WVRedsFan]

Uh Oh.

[membengal]

I can't believe the tightrope they are making their SP walk again. Leadoff single from Adam Laroche.

5-4 force on Hiske.

One out, one on.

[11larkin11]

That is why you bat Jay Bruce cleanup

[Reds Fanatic]

LaRoche singles and Hinske grounds into a 5-4 FC.

[SirFelixCat]

Yet another horrible turn by BP. Sheesh. It wasn't that the throw wasn't in time, it was just nowhere near the bag. Ugh.

[WVRedsFan]

I can't believe the tightrope they are making their SP walk again. Leadoff single from Adam Laroche.

5-4 force on Hiske.

One out, one on.

That will continue until Hariston and Gonzalez sit, which is simply never.

[Reds Fanatic]

A wild pickoff throw moves Hinske to 2nd.

[membengal]

Rats. Arroyo for some reason worried about the slllooooowww Hinske, throws the ball away. Hinske to 2nd.

[WVRedsFan]

Whoa Boy.

[11larkin11]

Rosales was too slow on that DP. A little cautious with the wet all.

Votto with the E3

Edit--Error was on Arroyo, although I would have given it to Votto

[membengal]

Ground out to SS for out number two. Would have been a DP.

Two outs. Runner on second.

[Reds Fanatic]

Broken bat ground out to 3rd ends the inning.

[membengal]

Rosales was too slow on that DP. A little cautious with the wet all.

Votto with the E3

Gotta tell you, on the force, I was glad to see Rosales make sure of his grip and get the out rather than hurry it and throw it away.

Man does Rosales have a strong and sure arm at 3b. Grounder to Rosales ends the inning.

[SirFelixCat]

Nice job, BA, yet again. And not BP comes up...


I'mma say...4-3 GO. Who's with me!

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 7th:

Rain coming down now.

Adam Laroche leads off with a single on a 2-1 count.

Hinske grounds to Rosales who throws to Phillips for 1 out but not for 2. Hinske safe. Rosales should have charged that ball to get the DP, but Phillips turn was poor.

With Andy Laroche up, Arroyo throws it by Votto at 1st. Hinske moves to second
Laroche hits a sharp one hopper to Gonzo. Gonzo thinks about throwing to second to get Hinske thinks better of it. Throws to 1st. 2 out

JJ grounds to 3rd on the 1st pitch. Thanks JJ. 3 out.

After a full 7, Reds 1 Pirates 0.

[Reds Fanatic]

Arroyo is through 7 on 92 pitches.

[dabvu2498]

Bronson is twirling. He can be fun to watch. Can be...

[11larkin11]

Gotta tell you, on the force, I was glad to see Rosales make sure of his grip and get the out rather than hurry it and throw it away.
Man does Rosales have a strong and sure arm at 3b. Grounder to Rosales ends the inning.

Agreed, just stating it wasn't BP's fault that DP didnt get turned.

[SirFelixCat]

Alrighty, I'll eat crow. Glad to see!

[Reds Fanatic]

Phillips homers to right!! 2-0 Reds

[OnBaseMachine]

Phillips homers to right! 2-0 Reds.

[WVRedsFan]

BP redemms himself with a RF HR.

2-0 Reds.

[forfreelin04]

Nice job, BA, yet again. And not BP comes up...


I'mma say...4-3 GO. Who's with me!

Please suggest this every Phillips at bat.

[membengal]

THERE you go Brandon!

Home run to OPPOSITE field. That's the way to stay with the ball. Great to see him not try and pull that.

[membengal]

Bruce grounds out to first base.

Rosales up. Rosales is 1 for 2 with a BB on the night. And some real steady sure-handed work at third base.

[WVRedsFan]

Since mosgt teams will give us a steady diet of left handers, I hope Bruce learns to hit them.

[membengal]

Josh Hamilton went on the DL with a strained muscle at his rib cage before tonight's Rangers game...

Rosales takes another BB.

REAL nice plate approach. Real nice.

[OnBaseMachine]

Another walk for Rosales. He's been on base three more times tonight.

[WVRedsFan]

Did Rosales know it was Ball 4?

[membengal]

Since mosgt teams will give us a steady diet of left handers, I hope Bruce learns to hit them.

Almost homered earlier in the game, and singled right thereafter. He'll be fine.