Reds vs Pirates 5/2/09

[Red in Chicago]

Please feel free to post lineups...

[Degenerate39]

Willy Taveras CF

Chris Dickerson LF

Joey Votto 1B

Brandon Phillips 2B

Jay Bruce RF

Ramon Hernandez C

Adam Rosales 3B

Alex Gonzalez SS

Micah Owings P

[OnBaseMachine]

Dickerson in left tonight.

It's hard to take Nix out of the lineup with the way he's been hitting lately.

[Degenerate39]

Dickerson in left tonight.

It's hard to take Nix out of the lineup with the way he's been hitting lately.

Not if you're Dusty Baker

[SirFelixCat]

When was the last time Janish got a chance to play? Really frustrating watching that blackhole run out there day after day after day when there is a better option on the 25 man, both offensively and defensively.

[alloverjr]

50,000 things I'd do differently with this lineup/roster, but I think the first I'd do would be to bat Rosales 2nd. Why we waste the top of the order with low OB guys is maddening.

[membengal]

Sure has been a frustrating amount of games NOT offered in HD...

[membengal]

When was the last time Janish got a chance to play? Really frustrating watching that blackhole run out there day after day after day when there is a better option on the 25 man, both offensively and defensively.

Co-sign.

Just an extra start or two a week. That's all many of us are asking. But it's barely one a week at this point. Alex G just does not warrant that kind of playing time at this juncture.

[membengal]

Willy T with a soft line out to first base for out 1.

Dickerson bunts on first pitch and pops it up for out 2.

Sigh.

Votto up.

[Red in Chicago]

Taveras swung at a pitch at his knees...quickly followed by a poor attempted bunt by dickerson...sigh

[Degenerate39]

They're afraid of Votto

[Red in Chicago]

Willy T with a soft line out to first base for out 1.

Dickerson bunts on first pitch and pops it up for out 2.

Sigh.

Votto up.


Taveras swung at a pitch at his knees...quickly followed by a poor attempted bunt by dickerson...sigh

two "sighs" already ;)

[membengal]

Votto goes on professional repair the short inning work, and works a walk.

Two outs, Phillips up.

[nate]

Chat = open.

[membengal]

Let's see if Brandon will continue to go to RF tonite...

not on that, grounds out to SS for the force.

Middle of one. No score.

[OnBaseMachine]

Taveras and Dickerson need to take bunting lessons from Johnny Cueto.

I would've started Nix in LF. Play the hot hand.

Phillips swung at a 1-0 pitch that almost hit him on the hand.

[jojo]

They're afraid of Votto

Why pitch to him?

[membengal]

Micah Owings next up to the gauntlet---quality start or Reds likely die gauntlet.

Reds killer Nyjer Morgan leads off with a single.

[membengal]

Why pitch to him?

There is zero reason to pitch to him, and it boggles my mind that he isn't walking about four times a game at this point.

[membengal]

Freddy Sanchez singles to RF.

Same start to game last night. Owings desperately needs a DP like Arroyo got last night.

Pirates with runners on first and second, no outs.

[OnBaseMachine]

Nyjer Morgan kills the Reds.

[Red in Chicago]

That ball just ate up brandon at second base...ugh...

[alloverjr]

That's funny. That should be an E-4.

[_Sir_Charles_]

3 straight singles to start the game. 1-0 Bucs.

[membengal]

Ball hit to Phillips. Should have been a DP, only it took a bad hop over Phillips' shoulder (he was on his knees) into RF.

Run scores.

Runners on first and third.

No outs.

[OnBaseMachine]

Brandon Phillips botches a doubleplay. If you're not going to hit then you better play defense.

That ends the Reds 19 straight shutout innings.

[membengal]

McLouth steals second.

This one may be over before it starts tonite...

[HokieRed]

The Reds and RZ fascination with BP continues to amaze.

[OnBaseMachine]

That's funny. That should be an E-4.

Absolutely. A major league second baseman has got to make that play. It looks like the Pirates will have a huge inning thanks to that.

[jojo]

Dang Phillips got ate up on that one.....

[_Sir_Charles_]

SB by McClouth. Not exactly a great beginning by Micah.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Walk to load the bases.

[membengal]

Grande trying to entice people not to turn this off until Sean Casey hangs out with him later in the game.

Not enough to hold me if this thing goes off the rails, George.

Walk to LaRoche.

Bases loaded.

No outs.

1-0 Pirates lead.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Pop out to Rosales in foul ground.

[membengal]

Big help there, Moss pops out foul to SS.

One out.

Ground ball would be the shihizzy here.

[OnBaseMachine]

Grande trying to entice people not to turn this off until Sean Casey hangs out with him later in the game.

Not enough to hold me if this thing goes off the rails, George.

Walk to LaRoche.

Bases loaded.

No outs.

1-0 Pirates lead.

Sorry George, I've already turned it as soon as Phillips missed that ball. I'll follow via the game thread.

[jojo]

Rosales looks like a kid...

[_Sir_Charles_]

HBP makes it 2-0. Dusty out to argue that it hit the bat and not the hand...no such luck. It tagged him.

[membengal]

1-2 pitch hits Andy LaRoche in the hand, ump rules it hit hand, not bat.

Run forced home.

2-0 Pirates.

[jojo]

Sorry George, I've already turned it as soon as Phillips missed that ball. I'll follow via the game thread.

The Reds are two games over .500..... stick around a while longer....

[Red in Chicago]

He hits Laroche...are you kidding me

[membengal]

A ground ball would still be choice here...

[Falls City Beer]

What is Owings' major malfunction?

[_Sir_Charles_]

I hope Masset is ready for an extended outing tonight. It looks like we're gonna need him.

[jojo]

What is Owings' major malfunction?

He can't morph.

[Red in Chicago]

What is Owings' major malfunction?

soft tossing, no control

[SirFelixCat]

Not how I'd have scripted tonight to start, but that's ok...it's early!

[membengal]

Counts full. Vazquez has a lower BA than several of the Reds' worst. Just sayin...

[membengal]

He threw a pretty nice game last Sunday, FCB, in a game I was there to witness. Hoping he finds a way to clear this and get back on track.

Nope.

Single into RF from a bad hitter puts Pirates up 4-0.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Single scores 2 more. 4-0 Bucs. Wow, he's not fooling ANYBODY tonight.

[OnBaseMachine]

If Brandon Phillips makes that play, this is a scoreless ballgame. Instead, it's 4-0 and probably game over. Hate to say that, but I have zero confidence in this offense.

[membengal]

Hard to imagine that this thing is not already out of reach at 4-0 given the Reds' offense.

Pirates ended a 22-inning scoreless streak with this outburst to start the game.

[membengal]

Finally get the DP.

6-4-3, nice play from Alex G.

4-0 Pirates after one.

[Blitz Dorsey]

We're OK... it's early. Now let's hit the ball!

[_Sir_Charles_]

Double play to end the inning. Just a tad late though. 4-0 Pirates at the end of 1. Let's hope the bats come alive tonight. We're gonna need them. Let's go Reds!

[forfreelin04]

Reds lucky to get the DP there. 6-4-3. Just checking in now. I'll start the inning recap now.

After 1 Pirates 4 Reds 0.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Pirates have basically a AAA pitcher going tonight... even our offense can put 5-6 runs up. Maybe.

[BCubb2003]

The Reds scored four yesterday.

[_Sir_Charles_]

If Brandon Phillips makes that play, this is a scoreless ballgame. Instead, it's 4-0 and game over.

Come on OBM....it's the FIRST inning. Far from "game over". And that was a pretty crummy hop on that grounder to Brandon. I agree with the official scorer on that one.

[Falls City Beer]

A guy who hits a batter 1-2 needs to go to kangaroo court.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Just when I thought Owings was going to be a solid No. 5... he goes out and gives up four earned in the first inning.

[jojo]

The Reds still have 24 outs.... c'mon guys....

It's May and we're watching baseball....enjoy it for it's own poetry even if the Reds are in a hole.

[Tony Cloninger]

Late in.....regards to CD.....what was that? Was he sacrificing for a hit? I mean if that is a drag bunt.....then Micha Owings is Greg maddux.

BP....his AB's consist of maybe taking a pitch or 2 (if we are lucky)...then it's hack at whatever.

[SirFelixCat]

Meh, just giving the Buccos false confidence. I like a win tonight. Watch!

[membengal]

Bruce lines up the middle, looked to be a hit, but Pirates were playing way up the middle, and ball fielded.

One out.

[Chip R]

A guy who hits a batter 1-2 needs to go to kangaroo court.


Thought you were staying out of the game threads. :confused:

[Falls City Beer]

Thought you were staying out of the game threads. :confused:

I'm gone. (But come on, like I'm some of kind of downer compared to the rest of the bellyaching going on in this thread).

Ciao gents.

[membengal]

It is hard to feel the optimism flow given how badly this offense struggles. Basically, Owings and pen have to be borderline perfect from here on out and Reds have to scramble to get to their season average. That's best case scenario. And that with Alex G and Dickerson in the line-up, which is seven near guaranteed outs in eight given at-bats.

A tall order.

But, yaneverknow...

[membengal]

Ramon H with a slow roller to 3b, Andy LaRoche with a bare hand gem to throw Hernandez out.

Two outs. None on.

Rosales up.

[membengal]

Rosales singles to RF.

Again on base.

Alex G up.

[Screwball]

Rosales should bat 2nd.

[membengal]

Alex G gets hit by pitch!

[membengal]

Owings up, runners on first and second, two outs.

Owings, NOW would be a good time to make up for what you wrought from the mound to start the game...

[membengal]

Owings grounds out to third for the force on first pitch.

Rats.

4-0 Pirates middle of two.

[HokieRed]

Rosales looking more and more like the 2 hitter we've needed. (Though maybe he should hit 4th.)

[forfreelin04]

Top of 2nd:

Bruce lines up the middle. Vasquez has him shifted perfectly. Nice play. 1 out.

Hernandez works the count 3-2. Swings at ball 4 and bounces to the Brothers LaRoche. Andy barehands and Adam scoops. Nice play. 2 out
Rosales singles to RF on a 1-1 count

Gonzo is hit by the first pitch. Just grazed a bit. Runners on 1st and 2nd.

Owings swings at the first pitch. Way to help yourself. Bounces to the 3rd baseman who steps on 3rd to forceout Rosales. 3 out

After 1 and 1/2, Pirates 4 Reds 0.

[membengal]

Just when I thought Owings was going to be a solid No. 5... he goes out and gives up four earned in the first inning.

Happens to best, worst, and mediocre of pitchers.

He's a fine five. It would really help if he would settle down and get them into the fifth or sixth and hold the score where it is...

[membengal]

Owing HAS to throw strikes though. A must.

[jojo]

It is hard to feel the optimism flow given how badly this offense struggles. Basically, Owings and pen have to be borderline perfect from here on out and Reds have to scramble to get to their season average. That's best case scenario. And that with Alex G and Dickerson in the line-up, which is seven near guaranteed outs in eight given at-bats.

A tall order.

But, yaneverknow...

IMHO, the Reds are most likely a .500 team.... If that's correct, there's going to be ups and downs because inconsistency is a characteristic of a flawed roster.

We ought to expect it so the reactive hyperbole when the Reds play a little poorly and the polar opposite reactive hyperbole when they play well is more than just a little over the top IMHO.

Right now, they're 2 over .500..... many thought they'd already be out of it. We've been given a gift....

[*BaseClogger*]

I appreciate the inning recaps, forfreelin... :)

[membengal]

Ohlendorf grounds out to second.

One down.

Morgan up.

[membengal]

Dear George, if "by some parts of Reds country" are not getting this in Hi-Def, you mean, the WHOLE country who has DirecTV, then, yes, "some" of us are not in Hi-Def.

Again.

Morgan pops up to CF.

Out two.

[membengal]

Owings looks like he is settling in a bit. Classic first inning roughness. Offense has to pick him up.

[Screwball]

Well I'll be a monkey's uncle, Nyjer Morgan made an out.

[membengal]

Sanchez flies out to CF.

End of two, 4-0 Pirates.

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 2nd:

Hoping for better results.

Owings doesn't start well. Gets behind 2-0 to the pitcher. He works back to 2-2 and the Ohlendorf bounces to BP. 1 out

Morgan, who may or may not be related to Reds Killa Bill Hall, flies to WT. 2 out.

Owings finally gets ahead in the count, gets Sanchez to 0-2.
He then fouls off a few and flies to WT. 3 out Sanchez obviously did not use the power of whatever that is on his face. It looks like a fake mole?

After 2, Pirates 4 Reds Offense doesn't get started until the 6th 0.

[Tony Cloninger]

Morgan has killer socks.

[membengal]

Taveras hits it hard, right at third base.

One out.

Reds hitting it where the Pirates ARE tonite, which is frustrating. Some well struck balls have not found green...

[membengal]

Dickerson rolls to SS, beats throw to first base.

Infield single.

One out, one on.

[Screwball]

Dickerson rolls to SS, beats throw to first base.



I wonder if Jack Wison makes that throw.

[membengal]

That was Vazquez at SS, if that's Jack Wilson, I bet that's an out. Wilson can really pick it out there.

Votto up.

[membengal]

No George, I did not have the 50-1 winner of the Derby today. But I wish I had.

[forfreelin04]

I appreciate the inning recaps, forfreelin... :)

No problem. I'm happy your reading. :beerme:

[membengal]

2-1 count on Votto. Man they are working him carefully...

[Screwball]

2-1 count on Votto. Man they are working him carefully...

I'm surprised they threw him the 1 strike.

[membengal]

Votto walks.

Phillips is up.

And Brandon HAS to make the opposition pay for pitching around Votto.

First and second. One out.

[Red in Chicago]

Phillips needs to get the Reds back in the game here...

[membengal]

Brandon hits the ball hard, but right on a line to LFer Morgan.

Two outs.

Bruce up.

[Screwball]

Rats, thought that was a gapper.

[membengal]

Bruce grounds out to first base.

Rats.

4-0 Pirates, middle of three.

[jojo]

Rats, thought that was a gapper.

At least Brandon didn't sulk about it.

[jojo]

This is an ideal matchup for Bruce and the Reds

[OnBaseMachine]

Hopefully Cueto can throw a gem tomorrow and get enough offense. Can't afford to lose two of three to the Pirates.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 3rd:

Pirates announcers have Don Long their hitting coach on. Last night it was the GM.
That is so much better to listen to than the Milwaukee broadcast that does interviews with the conductor of their indoor train.

Willy T hits a hot shot to a pulled in LaRoche at third. He makes a nice stab and throws to 1st. 1 out

Chris Dickerson hits a ball into the hole at short. The Pirates D finally doesn't get the Reds in time. An infield single!

(After listening to Don Long for two batters, I prefer the conductor)

Mr Joe Votto works the count 3-1 and then walks on a ball down. Runners on 1st and 2nd.

Come on BP! NO DOUBLE PLAYS! PLLLLLELASE.

Phillips swings at the first pitch. Hits it hard but right at Morgan. 2 out.
Bruce up with 2 outs, whiffs on the first pitch. And then swings at the second and grounds to 1st. So much for patience. 3 out.

After 2 and 1/2, Pirates 4 Reds refusing to see three pitches during an at bat 0.

[forfreelin04]

Hopefully Cueto can throw a gem tomorrow and get enough offense. Can't afford to lose two of three to the Pirates.

Who says we're losing this one?

[Red in Chicago]

Those motorcycle commercials make me long for last year's Bronson JTM spots

[jojo]

Who says we're losing this one?

Seriously.

[membengal]

I find that Reds text poll MOST unhelpful...

[membengal]

McLouth singles through the box.

No outs, one on.

[Red in Chicago]

I find that Reds text poll MOST unhelpful...

Frankly, I think the answer to the poll is NONE of the above.

[membengal]

LaRoche singles through the box, runner goes to third. Ball cut off at SS and LaRoche caught straying too far off first, thrown out.

One out, runner on third.

[Screwball]

Reds liners are at people, Pirates bleeders are finding holes.

[membengal]

Frankly, I think the answer to the poll is NONE of the above.


Word.

Moss singles over the drawn-in infield.

5-0 Pirates.

[jojo]

Last night the Angels were up 9 to 4 against the Yanks to start the bottom of the 8th and the Ms quickly fell behind the As 6 to 1.

The Ms picked up a game on the Angels in the standings at the end of the night.

[membengal]

Reds liners are at people, Pirates bleeders are finding holes.

Yup. Starting out as just-one-of-those-nights where the breaks are in the other dugout.

It's not like they've been tattooing Owings.

[membengal]

Andy LaRoche pops out to RF for out number two.

Vazquez up, runner on first.

[OnBaseMachine]

Who says we're losing this one?

I appreciate the optimism, but I just don't have the confidence in this offense. Right now, the Reds need at least five runs to come back and win this game. The Reds have scored 5+ runs in a game only six times this season. This game isn't over, but it's not looking good.

[Screwball]

Still, I don't think we should concede the game in the 3rd inning.

[membengal]

Reds have only scored five or more runs in a game 6 times in 22 games this season? That doesn't seem like very many. I wonder how that stacks up with other teams in baseball.

Owings walks the 8th place hitter.

First and second. Two outs.

Ohlendorf up. Maybe. I lost track. Someone was up.

[membengal]

Fly out ends the inning.

5-0 Pirates after three innings.

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 3:

McClouth singles to CF. Micah is leaving alot of pitches up.

Adam Laroche singles to CF. McClouth moves on to 3rd. Gonzo receives the cutoff throw from WT and pegs to 1st to get LaRoche. 1 out

Brandon Moss singles on the first pitch with the infield in. Scores McClouth.

(Both Laroche and Moss singled on the first pitch; why can't the Reds do that?)

Andy Laroche flies to Bruce. 2 out

Vasquez is pesky. He works a walk. Runners on 1st and 2nd.

Diaz flies to a running Bruce in RF. Nice play. 3 out.After 3, Pirates 5 Reds 0.

[forfreelin04]

I appreciate the optimism, but I just don't have the confidence in this offense. Right now, the Reds need at least five runs to come back and win this game. The Reds have scored 5+ runs in a game only six times this season. This game isn't over, but it's not looking good.

If they don't score this inning, I will share your pessimism. Isn't their a stat if there is less innings left than runs behind in a game, the chances of still winning that game are terrible? HMMM, maybe I'm thinking of basketball and minutes.

[membengal]

Reds have two hits through three innings, but have stranded five. So they are finding ways on base. Need to cash some of those in. In bunches.

Ramon H leads off the 4th.

[membengal]

Sean Casey is in the booth. You've been warned.

[membengal]

Ramon H singles to RF in a nice piece of hitting to start the 4th.

Rosales up, one on, none out.

[VR]

Reds have been getting guys on base....need to make a move this inning.

[membengal]

Rosales battling, count is 2-2.

There is a LOT of giggling going on in the booth.

[redsfandan]

Still, I don't think we should concede the game in the 3rd inning.
Or in the 4th. Comebacks DO happen. It may not happen tonight but we never know when we'll see one.

[jojo]

Ohlendorf is taking a classic pitch to contact approach.... the Reds are most likely going to get their chances. The dude doesn't miss bats.

[Red in Chicago]

Rosales battling, count is 2-2.

There is a LOT of giggling going on in the booth.

It's "special", isn't it Chris:rolleyes:

[membengal]

Sigh. Chris Welsh. It is NOT Rosales' hustle that has him in the big leagues. It's that he was hitting .400. He has talent. Please. Let's all admit that he has talent.

Counts full.

[membengal]

Hit and run single to CF from Rosales.

Ramon H waddles to third base just ahead of the throw.

First and third. No outs.

Alex G up.

[Red in Chicago]

Ramon is sllllooowww, but at least he made it in there

[membengal]

Sean Casey actually cuts through the noise by noting it was a nice piece of hitting from Rosales and WHY it was a nice piece of hitting. That was cogent and timely analysis. In fact, it was so good, I wonder why Casey can't be hired to bring that sort of analysis to the TV side on a regular basis.

HOME RUN Alex G!!!!

[redsfandan]

Hell yeah!!! :)

[sonny]

Brantly has a man crush on Rosales

[VR]

Rosales at .667. If he keeps that up, that will be really good.

[membengal]

Hit the foul pole.

NICE.

5-3 Pirates.

[Red in Chicago]

Wooo hooo....Alex!!!

OBM, are you listening :)

[Screwball]

HAHA!! That's what I'm talkin' about!

[nate]

Yeah, I liked the Mayor's analysis there.

I also you liked "you remember my speed, right?"

[VR]

Gonzo now OPSing 1.100 for May. Let's keep that up. :)

[membengal]

Owings flies to RF.

One out.

Willy T up.

[jojo]

From bug to windshield!!!!!!!!!!!!

[sonny]

Reds will win this game. Quote me on that.

[Red in Chicago]

Gonzo now OPSing 1.100 for May. Let's keep that up. :)

That's the ultimate small sample size:D

[membengal]

Welsh to PBP, Casey for color. Red in Chicago, make it so...

[membengal]

Reds will win this game. Quote me on that.

I am now quoting sonny.

McLouth diving catch to rob Willy T in right center.

Two outs, none on.

[OnBaseMachine]

Wooo hooo....Alex!!!

OBM, are you listening :)

Nah, but I'm reading the game thread. Hopefully Owings can shut them down and allow the offense a chance to tie it up or take the lead.

[VR]

That's the ultimate small sample size:D

gotta start somewhere.... :beerme:

[membengal]

Reds would be well served to keep hitting balls over the fence, because balls in the field of play are finding too much leather, hit well or not. Stupid ball in play bad luck tonight, so far, in several instances.

Fly out to LF from Dickerson to end inning.

Still, a bolt of lightning inning.

5-3 Pirates middle of 4.

[jojo]

Nice play in center field by NM.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 4:

Hernandez singles. As Membegal said, they are getting on base but not getting that breakout hit.

Rosales swings at the 1-0 pitch, bounces it foul down the 3rd base line. Never seen someone so upset about that. On the 1-2 pitch,
it looked like Rosales went, 1st base ump motions otherwise. Tall Pete works the count 3-2, (nice at bat).
Dusty puts the hit and run on with Hernandez and Rosales hits exactly whre he needs to for a single. Hernadez is out dead to rights at 3rd from the throw from center. However, Andy LaRoche
muffs the tag, ball falls out of his glove! Runners on the corners.

First pitch, Gonzo bangs one off the Left Field foul poul! 3 Run Johnson!

Owings stings a ball to RF but right at the fielder. 1 out
Taveras tries to bunt for a hit but fouls it off. Willy hits a sinking fly to McClouth who dives and makes a WEB GEM. Nice play! 2 out

Dickerson flies to Morgan. 3 out.

Runs are on the board!
After 3 and 1/2, Pirates 5 Reds 3.

[membengal]

Alex G needed that ball to stay fair as much as the Reds and Reds fans did. Good for him.

[membengal]

Ohlendorf leading off. He's 0 for 10 on the year. Strikes and outs are the order of the day, Micah...

[Red in Chicago]

Nah, but I'm reading the game thread. Hopefully Owings can shut them down and allow the offense a chance to tie it up or take the lead.

Come on dude...you're the same guy who said over the winter that you'd watch the Reds even if they lost every game, right?

[membengal]

Pop to 2b for out one.

Morgan up.

[membengal]

Yeesh. That 2-2 pitch looked like an easy strike three. Called a ball.

Counts full on Morgan.

[membengal]

Owings gets Morgan to roll over on one and ground out to first base.

Two outs, Sanchez up.

[membengal]

Looking ahead to the rest of the game, the Reds have a well rested bullpen. Long start from Volquez on Wed, day off on Thus, and long start from Arroyo last night means most everyone down there is uber-rested. They should be fresh to help keep it close and give the offense a chance.

[membengal]

Sanchez grounds out to end inning.

End of four, 5-3 Pirates (sorry about that)...

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 4:

Ohlendorf pops to Phillips in short right. 1 out

Morgan up again. Works the count 3-2 on a couple of questionable calls.
Morgan then grounds to Votto who flips to Owings at 1st. Picture perfect 2 out

Sanchez hits a sharp grounder to a backhanding Phillips. 3 out.

Nice inning!

After 4, Pirates 5 Reds 3.

[sonny]

Sanchez grounds out to end inning.

End of four, 5-3 Reds.

Pirates, you mean. I feel a big offensive inning this go around.

[Tony Cloninger]

OBM.....comebacks are like bear attacks....you never know when they are going to happen...so it's a good idea not to leave, beacuse you might miss it.

[membengal]

Owings is one inning from doing what we wanted him to after the first, get it to the middle innings and keep the score reasonable. Nice clean-up-on-aisle-five moment from him if he can get another inning under his belt with no further damage.

Votto/Phillips/Bruce and bunch more up this inning for Cincy...

[membengal]

Pirates, you mean. I feel a big offensive inning this go around.

Er...yeah. Sorry. Trying to fix things all by myself...

[membengal]

Votto into the gap. Shockingly McLouth doesn't make a circus catch.

Leadoff double.

[nate]

Votto is awesome.

[VR]

It would be good to get 5 to 6 out of Owings after that tough start. Plus we need another ab out of him.

[Red in Chicago]

Phillips gets another shot at getting some runs in...

[Screwball]

Votto continues to rake. Dude's a doubles machine.

[membengal]

That double ties Votto with Freddy Sanchez for the lead league in doubles with 10.

Phillips lays a bunt down, presumably to try and get a hit, it rolls foul.

0-1 count.

[membengal]

Phillips shows bunt, pulls bat back. 1-1 count.

[Red in Chicago]

I don't like Brandon trying to get on via the bunt...

[OnBaseMachine]

Come on dude...you're the same guy who said over the winter that you'd watch the Reds even if they lost every game, right?

I do watch them every game but if they start getting blown out I'll turn the channel for a little while out of frustration and then turn it back on. Every year I attend 10-12 games a season despite living four hours away.

[Tony Cloninger]

Why does GG have to drone on about Casey like he's Mother Teresa?


I sense a bear attack coming.

[membengal]

Brandon. STOP trying to pull the ball. RF is your friend.

He grounds out to SS.

One out, Votto still on second.

Bruce up.

[jojo]

I don't like Brandon trying to get on via the bunt...

Brandon has King Kong on his back right now.

[OnBaseMachine]

Gotta get Votto in. Can't strand a lead off double...

[membengal]

Ugly. Bruce weak grounder back to mound, pitcher runs to first himself.

Two outs, Votto on third.

Ramon H trying to pick his teammates up.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bruce has struggled since that big game on Sunday.

[Tony Cloninger]

It's Joey Votto and nothing else. So much for the bear attack.

[Screwball]

Bruce needs better discipline than that. He chased one that was undoubtedly up and out of the strike zone.

[membengal]

Oooooo, ball in dirt, thought for a second a wild pitch. Nice stop from the Pirate catcher.

2-0 count on Ramon H.

[membengal]

Ramon hammers one to CF, McLouth runs it down on the warning track.

Middle of 5, 5-3 Pirates.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 5:

Votto doubles in the gap in Right Center. McClouth didn't quite get there!
Votto has ten doubles on the year.

Phillips sacs but it goes foul. WHY? Might have been a bunt for a hit on second thought. No, on third though, Phillips squares again. He is sac bunting wow.
He then grounds to SS. 1 out Votto stays at second. Funny at bat. If your going to SAC, do it. It's not a bad move since a righty is on the mound.

Bruce up. Ohlendorf chases Votto back to second. Nobody there for the throw. Bruce bounces to the pither. 2 out.

(If Phillips would have sacked, that run might have scored)

Here's to hoping Hernadez stays hot. Ball in the dirt. Nice block by Diaz. Votto holds. 3-0. (This smells of an intentional/unintentional walk)
That being said, Ohlendorf throws a strike 3-1. Hernandez then hits a ball behind McClouth that he runs down. 3 out

Sad inning for the Reds there.

After 4 and a 1/2, Pirates 5 Reds 3.

[jojo]

That one hurts because the count had been worked to 3-0.

[Gallen5862]

Let's go Reds. Thanks for the PBP and Inning Summaries.

[OnBaseMachine]

That was huge. A runner on second and nobody out and they failed to score. Instead of a one run game, it's still 5-3. Huge.

[membengal]

Owings in to do his job. Throw strikes, get outs.

Ball hit well to RF, but caught.

One out, Adam LaRoche up.

[membengal]

That was huge. A runner on second and nobody out and they failed to score. Instead of a one run game, it's still 5-3. Huge.

NOT huge. Tiny. They'll get other shots at this if Owings and the pen hold them close.

[membengal]

Owings at 80 pitches on the night.

[membengal]

LaRoche pops out foul to 3b.

Two outs. None on.

[membengal]

George Grande trying to give Casey a job with the Reds.

[membengal]

I think George wants to kiss Casey. This is really tender.

[membengal]

Moss grounds out to 2b.

End of five, 5-3 Pirates.

Owings has done his job since the first.

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 5:

McLouth hits a rocket into RF that Bruce runs down. 1 out

Adam Laroche pops to Rosales in foul grounds behind 3rd. 2 out

Moss bounces to Phillips. 3 out.

After 5, Pirates 5 Reds 3.

[Red in Chicago]

I think George wants to kiss Casey. This is really tender.

That may be the grossest (and funniest) thing ever posted on RZ

[membengal]

Rosales leading off. He's two for two on the night.

[membengal]

George about Casey:


"You treasure every moment with that guy"

[membengal]

The last time I heard such a deep and abiding love from the booth was Thom B during the Florida bowl game talking about Tim Tebow...

[membengal]

Rosales Ks on a full count pitch.

Alex G up.

[membengal]

Alex G strikes out.

Waiting to see if Owings hits for himself.

[membengal]

Owings does hit for himself.

And grounds out.

Quick inning.

Middle of 6, 5-3 Pirates.

[redsfandan]

I think George wants to kiss Casey. This is really tender.


George about Casey:"You treasure every moment with that guy"
Someone needs to tell them to get a room already.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 6:

Tall Pete up. Get ahead 2-0. Then the 2-0 pitch was a ball but called a strike. Another solid at bat 3-2. But K's on a bad ball down on the full count pitch. 1 out

AGON tries to bunt on the 0-1. It goes foul. How often does the "sneaky bunt" actually work? Then he strikes out swinging. 2 out

Owings way to anxious at the plate,(Can you blame him?) bounces to 3rd on the 1st pitch. 3 out
After 5 and 1/2, Pirates 5 Reds 3.

[Screwball]

Here I thought Casey never played for the Cardinals... ;)

[membengal]

First pitch fly out for Pirates to start the 6th.

One out.

[membengal]

Ramon Vazquez, living the dream tonight, has singled, walked, and driven home two.

[membengal]

Vazquez grounds out to 2b.

Man has Owings settled in. Can't ask for more than he has done since the first to keep the team in in it.

Two outs, catcher Diaz is up. No one on.

[membengal]

Diaz singles back through the box. Two outs, one on.

Ohlendorf(k) being taken down for a pinch hitter. Delwyn Young pinch-hitting.

[membengal]

Young doubles down the line in RF.

Houston, we have a mini-problem.

Runners at 2nd and 3rd. Two outs.

Nyjer Morgan due up.

[OnBaseMachine]

Better pull him before it's too late.

[membengal]

Ramon going out to talk to Owings. But bullpen just now getting active, so this will be on Owings against the new Reds killer, one way or another, I think.

Herrera throwing in the pen.

[membengal]

I was wrong, Dusty pulling Owings. Herrera coming in. He got warmed up quickly.

[nate]

Whatever happened the the golf carts that brought players in from the bullpen?

[membengal]

Herrera's been awfully good this year. Tough spot here.

Lefty against lefty.

[membengal]

NASTY.

Herrera Ks Morgan on four pitches.

5-3 Pirates after 6.

[OnBaseMachine]

Great job by Herrera. He's pitched better lately after getting off to a slow start.

[nate]

Nice K of Morgan. Great sequence of pitches. Totally setup the swinging strike on the outside.

[forfreelin04]

Bottom of 6:

Bad Andy Laroche lines to Bruce in RF on the first pitch. 1 out

(Alot of first pitch swinging by both teams tonight)

Vasquez bounces to Phillips. 2 out.

Diaz singles to center. (Till then Owings retired nine straight)

Young pinch hits and doubles down the line. Diaz to third.

(That's it for Owings. You have to admit he battled after the 1st inning)

Danny Ray in to face Morgan. (Should be a nice battle)

Danny K's Morgan swinging. 3 out Very impressive! If he can be the loogy all year, this bullpen can be beyond dangerous.

After 6, Pirates 5 Reds 3.

[membengal]

Whoever was waiting on Herrera to pitch his way back to L'ville will have to keep on waiting. Herrera has not been remotely out of his element in the bigs. At. all.

[BCubb2003]

Whatever happened the the golf carts that brought players in from the bullpen?

The last bullpen car was a Harley Davidson motorcycle with a sidecar in Milwaukee in 1995.

[Screwball]

What a lame defensive highlight - a routine grounder to 3rd off the bat of Taveras.

[nate]

Whoever was waiting on Herrera to pitch his way back to L'ville will have to keep on waiting. Herrera has not been remotely out of his element in the bigs. At. all.

Yep. He's looked good so far.

[membengal]

forfreel, Herrera is nasty on lefties, certainly, but he's been good against righties too. I think he can be an important piece of the pen for longer stints than just LOOGY, imo.

Taveras to start the Reds seventh against new Pirate pitcher, lefty Sean Burnett (he pitched last night too).

[membengal]

McDonald will pinch hit for Dickerson against the lefty.

Willy T down 1-2 to Burnett.

[membengal]

Nice.

Willy T singles to CF to start the Reds' 7th.

McDonald up.

[nate]

Nice single by Taveras to start the 7th.

[membengal]

Welsh advocating a bunt here.

I disagree with Welsh.

[membengal]

McDonald showing no signs of bunting, takes a ball on the first pitch.

[Gallen5862]

Let's get some runs Reds. Get Owings off the Hook.

[membengal]

Ack. Patience, Darnell. 2-1 pitch, swung at a ball in the dirt.

2-2 count.

[membengal]

McDonald hits it on the screws, but right to the LFer. We've seen that a bunch tonite.

One out, Taveras on first.

Votto up.

Lefties hitting a not so robust .071 against Burnett on the young season...

[OnBaseMachine]

I think I'd rather have Dickerson up there over McDonald, even against a LHP.

[membengal]

4-6-3 DP.

Ah well.

5-3 Pirates middle of 7.

[membengal]

I think I'd rather have Dickerson up there over McDonald, even against a LHP.

No way, jose. Not against that lefty. Not by a long shot.

[Tony Cloninger]

I disagree...i do not think CD would have produced a better AB against this guy.

[forfreelin04]

Top of 7th:

Sean Burnett the lefty pitching.

Willy T singles to lead off the inning.

Darnell McD pinch hits for Dickerson. He's not bunting on the inital pitch. McDonny lines to LF. 1 out

(Why have Phllips bunt and not McDonald?)

Votto then grounds into a 4-6-3 DP. Huge play. 3 out.

After 6 and 1/2, Pirates 5 Reds 3.

Amazing.

[membengal]

I have decided to award the UDF "you are the CONE!" commercial an F-.

[membengal]

Herrera on the mound to start the 7th.

Broken bat ball up the middle, probably would have caight it, except the bat was coming along with the ball, and Herrera had to duck.

Single for Sanchez.

One on, none out.

McLouth is up.

[membengal]

McLouth drags a bunt with him. Clever. Great bunt, and gets a single out of it.

First and second. No outs.

Two pitches. Two runners on. Neither ball hit remotely well. Theme of the night for the Pirates...

[membengal]

This is closing in on an untenable inning. 3-1 count on LaRoche.

[membengal]

LaRoche singles to RF.

That one was hit hard.

Bases loaded. No outs.

[membengal]

Herrera staying on to try again with another lefty. Moss up.

[membengal]

Moss grounds to first.

Votto comes home for the 3-2 force.

One out, bases still loaded.

Dusty summoning Stormy to try and bail the team out the rest of the way.

[membengal]

Well, it was fun while it lasted.

Ground ball to 3b for what looked like a DP, was bobbled by Rosales. Then when he threw it to second, it messed up Phillips and ball was dropped.

Two runs ended up scoring. The E is given to Rosales, right now just one error. Could be two, frankly.

7-3 Pirates.

Runners on first and second. Still one out.

[Red in Chicago]

another potential double play botched that gives away runs...

[flyer85]

BP was in a hurry to get off of the bag and dropped the ball

[membengal]

Weird scoring decision, they give a FC on the ground ball, and give the error to Phillips at 2b on the drop. But the timing was all off on that play because of the bobble.

Tough to give Phillips the E there, but Pirates scorer did.

Fly ball to RF for out two. Runner moves to 3b.