Reds vs brewers 5/7/09

[Red in Chicago]

Can someone please postlineups. Thanks

[gm]

(Per Fay's blog)


Brandon Phillips is sick also. Here's the third version of the lineup:

Willy Taveras cf
Jerry Haisston 2b
Jay Bruce rf
Ramon Hernandez 1b
Laynce Nix lf
Adam Rosales 3b
Ryan Hanigan c
Paul Janish ss
Micah Owings p
(if there ever was a game for Owings to bat higher than 9th...)

[joshnky]

Wow. What an awful lineup.

[cincrazy]

Wow. We're partying like it's 2001 tonight.

[Tornon]

Is something wrong with BP? I don't get why you would sit him & Votto the same night especially when Brandon's been heating up

[Reds Fanatic]

Votto and Phillips both came down with the flu this afternoon.

[Ltlabner]

Is something wrong with BP? I don't get why you would sit him & Votto the same night especially when Brandon's been heating up

Just reported on FSN...they both have the flu.

[OnBaseMachine]

If the Reds win tonight with that lineup, the Brewers might as well just pack it up and prepare for 2010. ;)

[GAC]

Chat is open!

[Gallen5862]

Let's go Reds. Hopefully Owings can pitch a great game.

[membengal]

The Reds have some decent sticks in that line-up. I think they can score.

The bigger issue for me is what is left on the bench? They have not DLed ALex G, but he can't play either, so he's out. Are Joey and Brandon also out? If so, what are they down to, two bench players, McDonald and Dickerson? If so, that's non-optimal...

[GAC]

Ok. It's official. Baker's man-love for Hairston is greater then he had for Patterson. It's sad when one of the best hitters in that lineup is probably the pitcher.

[GAC]

Let's go Reds. Hopefully Owings can pitch a great game.

he is gonna have to.

[membengal]

Brewers first inning, three up, three down, a fly ball out to RF, a three pitch K, and a lineout to SS.

0-0, middle of 1.

Taveras leading off for Cincy.

[membengal]

Slow grounder up the middle, fielded by Hardy at the bag, throws out Taveras by a step.

One down, Hairston up.

[membengal]

The irritating B. Looper on the mound for St. Louis tonite.

[membengal]

Hairston rips the ball into LF, but unfortunately lined right at Braun.

Two outs.

Bruce up.

[membengal]

1-0 Reds.

Bruce crushed that for a homerun to deeeppp RF down the line.

#8 on the season...

[GAC]

Bruce Hr. team high #8.

Be nice of we could get some guys on for those.

[membengal]

Ramon H up. It took the flu, but he's hitting in a spot where I think he might be effective for this team...clean-up.

[membengal]

Ramon H singles to the hole at SS. Two outs, one on.

Nix up.


Love seeing Nix starting. Thanks, Dusty.

[OnBaseMachine]

Bruce's OPS is up to .931.

[membengal]

Thom B noting what a bunch of us know, that Nix is second leading guy with doubles on the team with six despite only 35 at-bats...

[membengal]

Nix Ks on a 2-2 fastball.

1-0 Reds after one.

[membengal]

I will try a recap if folks really find it helpful, but it won't be as good as forfreel's recaps, I don't think.

Willy grounded out to SS.

Hairston tatooed one to LF but caught in his tracks by Braun.

Bruce tatooed one to the stands in RF, Reds take 1-0 lead.

Ramon H infield single to hole at SS.

Nix Ks.

1-0 Reds after one.

[Gallen5862]

Great start. The Reds give Owings a lead.

[membengal]

Random weird small sample size stat of the young season...Reds are 10-2 in games they score first...

[Gallen5862]

Thanks for the recap Membengal. The recap does help alot.

[membengal]

Brantley:


Walks are deadly because they are free passes.

Whoa. Slow down there cowboy. Don't go toooooo fast with that keen analysis...

[nate]

Chat is open and stimulates the economy!

[nate]

Brantley:



Whoa. Slow down there cowboy. Don't go toooooo fast with that keen analysis...

My mind = blown.

[membengal]

Willy Taveras completely misplays a fly ball to CF, it drops in front of him for a "single". That was pretty pathetic.

Fielder on first, no outs.

[membengal]

6-4 force gets Fielder, Cameron on at first.

Great play from Janish to darn near get the DP, that was real quality on the field and flip to Hairston. I suspect with Brandon at 2b, that would have been a DP.

Hardy up, one out, one on.

[membengal]

6-4-3 DP ends the inning.

Owings looks real sharp tonite.

1-0 middle of 2.

[Raisor]

Chat is open and stimulates the economy!

I feel stimulated already.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Practice makes perfect. They quickly follow the botched DP with a nice one. 4-6-3 to end the inning.

[membengal]

Brewers' 2nd:

Fly ball off the end of his bat from Fielder to CF, Taveras breaks back three or four steps, by the time he recovers and comes in, can only watch helplessly as ball drops in front of him for a "single".

Cameron grounds to SS, force made at 2b.

Hardy grounds into 6-4-3 DP.

1-0 Reds middle of 2.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Is it just me, or has Micah already gone twice as deep into this game as Bronson did yesterday? :O)

[VR]

I'm looking forward to seeing Owings bat. Scary, or good?

[membengal]

Practice makes perfect. They quickly follow the botched DP with a nice one. 4-6-3 to end the inning.

Why in the world would you call the previous play "botched"? That's not remotely accurate.

[membengal]

Rosales up to start the Reds' 2nd, soft liner picked off with a leap by Weeks.

One out.

[membengal]

Hanigan up, then Owings.

[membengal]

Jeff Brantley makes Jeff Brantley laugh.

[membengal]

Hanigan flies out to RF.

Owings up.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Why in the world would you call the previous play "botched"? That's not remotely accurate.

I'm listening to the game tonight (not watching), and marty described that one as Hernandez droping the throw. Apparently that's not true.

[membengal]

I lied, Janish up.

[membengal]

I'm listening to the game tonight, and marty described that one as Hernandez droping the throw. Apparently that's not true.

No, not true. Cameron simply beat the play to first, Hairston may have been slower on the turn than Phillips, which was probably the difference.

[_Sir_Charles_]

No, not true. Cameron simply beat the play to first, Hairston may have been slower on the turn than Phillips, which was probably the difference.

Then I think someone needs to check Marty's meds. :O)

[membengal]

In my defense, arguably, Owings SHOULD be up now, batting 8th.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Nice AB from Janish there. Wow, when was the last time we saw this. Back to back pitchers batting. *grin*

[membengal]

Janish singles to CF, Cameron fails to short-hop it, it kicks off his shin, and Janish trucks into second.

Probably will be ruled a double.

Two outs, runner on second, Owings up.

[membengal]

Owings' career BA is .315.

[membengal]

Owings smokes it to 3b, thrown out at first.

After two innings, 1-0 Reds.

[membengal]

Reds' half of the second recap:

Rosales lines out (fairly softly) to second, for first out.

Hanigan flies out to RF.

Janish lines a hit to CF, kicks off of Cameron's knee as he misses on the short-hop, Janish takes second with a double.

Owings grounds out sharply to 3b.

1-0 Reds.

[membengal]

I came home and my Pyrenees pup was coated, head to bottom of feet, with mud. 20 minutes to make her remotely able to come back in the house. Have to let he back out now, she better not mess up the bath I had to give her.

[membengal]

Owings appears to have a really nice change-up tonite, by the way.

[membengal]

Oof. Where was THAT, ump?

Full count walk to Bill Hall. Owings just missed, I guess, on balls three and four.

No outs, Hall on first. Kendall up.

[membengal]

Kendall bounces into a 6-4-3 DP.

Two outs, Looper up.

[membengal]

Tinker to Evers to Chance is being replaced by Janish to Hairston to Hernandez...

[membengal]

Little dribbler in front of the plate pounced on by Hanigan and he tags out Looper.

Inning over.

Middle of 3, 1-0 Reds.

[membengal]

Re-cap of Brewers' third:

Bill Hall gets a walk, two close pitches went against Owings on 2-2 and 3-2.

Kendall then grounds into as room service a DP as you could wish to see.

Looper grounds one maybe three feet in front of home plate, tagged out.

1-0 Reds.

[membengal]

Top of the order up for the Reds in the third.

[_Sir_Charles_]

*faints dead away*

[membengal]

Oh. my.

Taveras homers.

Seriously.

[nate]

Lol omg!! Willy t hr!

[membengal]

I am not having you all on.

To LF. Borderline no doubter.

2-0 Reds lead.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Am I dreaming? Or did Taveras really just hit a solo jack?

Twilight zone, indeed.

[cincrazy]

Braden Looper should retire immediately.

[Red in Chicago]

Oh. my.

Taveras homers.

Seriously.

April 1st was last month...nice try;)

[membengal]

Ball was down but caught a lot of the plate, and Taveras put a REAL good swing on it.

Nice, Willy. Very nice.

Hairston Ks.

Bruce due up.

[Razor Shines]

:laugh::laugh:

[membengal]

June of 2008 was Willy's last homerun, on the road in interleague play in Chicago against the White Sox.

[membengal]

I will never forget where I was when Willy Taveras went yard on the Brewers...

Bruce draws a walk.

One out, one on, Ramon H. up.

[membengal]

Looper, by the way, wanted NO part of Jay Bruce.

[membengal]

Hit and run single into right center for Ramon H.

Bruce heads over to third.

First and third, one out. Nix up.

[membengal]

If I may editorialize for a moment, and, really, why not...that at-bat from Ramon H is why I have been positing that he should be batting clean-up against RHers (if Dusty wants to break up the leftys...) instead of Phillips. Ramon knows where RF is and is content to not over-swing.

[BCubb2003]

Looper, by the way, wanted NO part of Jay Bruce.

All the parts Jay Bruce has, Looper didn't want any of them.

[RichRed]

Willy T for cleanup.

[_Sir_Charles_]

Willy Taveras is now ahead of Russell Martin (95 ab's), Geovany Soto (63 ab's) and Miguel Tejada (115 ab's) in HR's this season...COMBINED. :O)

[membengal]

In a rarer occurrence than a Willy T homerun, Looper just threw to 1b to keep Ramon close...

[membengal]

Nix does his job, flies to the track in CF, runner scores from third. Nix juuuuussstt missed that, by the way.

3-0 Reds.

[membengal]

Rosales lines hard this time to 3b, but rightatem.

Third out.

End of 3, Reds up 3-0.

[membengal]

Recap of Reds' 3rd:

---In an event that shook the cosmos to its very foundation, Willy T homers to LF.

---Hairston, still stunned by what just happend, Ks, confused.

---Bruce takes a walk that might as well have been intentional.

---Ramon H hit and run single to right center, bruce takes third.

---Nix just missed a jack of his own, settles for a long fly ball out sac fly to score Bruce.

---Rosales lines out to 3b.

3-0 Reds.

[membengal]

Gang, I lost track last night, the bullpen work was Herrera for three, then Lincoln, then, _______, and eventually Janish. Weathers work last night? Anyone else?

Who's fresh tonight? Cordero, Rhodes, Masset, Burton?

[membengal]

Weeks bloops a ball to RF, Bruce comes in aggressively and correctly but can't get to it. Untainted single.

No outs, Weeks on first, to start the fourth.

[_Sir_Charles_]

I know Weathers did. He tied Cy Young in appearances.

Herrera 3.0
Lincoln 2.0
Weathers 1.0
Cordero 1.0
Janish 1.0

[redsmetz]

Gang, I lost track last night, the bullpen work was Herrera for three, then Lincoln, then, _______, and eventually Janish. Weathers work last night? Anyone else?

Who's fresh tonight? Cordero, Rhodes, Masset, Burton?

Weathers one inning and Cordero one inning before Janish.

[membengal]

Bad.

Rosales fields a ball at third, drops it, bobbles it, and then when he throws to second, Hairston bobbles it and runner called safe.

First and second, no one out.

Ack.

[Joseph]

Rosales playing himself back to Louisville.

[membengal]

Weathers one inning and Cordero one inning before Janish.

Thanks.

Hairston given the error as ump was going to call an out, but ump ruled that Hairston didn't catch it cleanly as opposed to dropping it while taking it out of his mitt.

[OnBaseMachine]

Goodness. You can't give teams four outs, especially when Braun and Fielder are on deck. That will lead to a disaster.

[membengal]

Touchy for Owings here, and bad luck that it is touchy.

Braun up. Then Fielder.

[membengal]

Bad luck continues.

Bouncer back to mound, Owings jumps for it, it ricochets off his glove, to Janish, who throws to first, and high and late.

This inning is the suck.

Bases loaded. No outs. Fielder up.

And not one ball hit remotely hard.

[Razor Shines]

Goodness. You can't give teams four outs, especially when Braun and Fielder are on deck. That will lead to a disaster.

And it hurts more to do it to your fifth starter.

[OnBaseMachine]

Thankfully I decided to not watch tonight.

[membengal]

NOW a ball has been hit hard.

Fielder doubles to the corner.

Two runs score.

Runners on second and third. Still no outs.

3-2 Reds lead.

Cameron up.

[Team Clark]

Rosales playing himself back to Louisville.

He'd have to make 7 more errors in the next 5 games and strike out 26 of the next 27 times up for him to be that bad. :laugh:

[membengal]

Rosales has succeeded in making Reds fans miss EE's glove at third base...

[membengal]

Cameron grounds out to 2b.

Run scores to tie it. Fielder to third. One out

3-3 game.

[OnBaseMachine]

I have a bad feeling tonight will be the last time the Reds see .500. No offense, too many errors on defense. Pitching can't carry the team all season long. I would love to be wrong.

[membengal]

Hardy is up. This inning really feels unfair. Baseball is a cruel and capricious game at times.

[Team Clark]

I was wondering on the replay why Hairston was on the wrong side of the bag to take the throw from Rosales? Could have been all the difference.

[membengal]

I have a feeling tonight will be the last time the Reds see .500.

Relax, OBM. Bad luck sometimes happens, and this game is FAR from over.

[membengal]

Well done, Micah Owings.

He Ks Hardy.

Two outs, runner still at 3rd.

[membengal]

Bill Hall up.

[membengal]

Man does Owings have a borderline filthy change-up working tonite...

[Team Clark]

BTW, the Cowboy is wrong about his little "hit scenario". Once Owings touched the ball the play is not routine. Janish picks it up and makes a decision to throw. The runner would have been safe so the point is out the window.

[membengal]

Brewers are 12-3 in their last 15 games, so the Reds are dealing with a team that is playing well and catching more than its fair share of luck right now...

[Team Clark]

nice off speed slider... very nice

[membengal]

Micah Owings Ks Hall.

Solid.

3-3 middle of 4.

[Team Clark]

Owings showing some good "stuff". Shame he got dinked and doinked to death.

[Strikes Out Looking]

How many of the runs that inning are unearned?

[membengal]

My attempt at a recap of an unfair Brewers' half of the 4th:

---Bloop single to RF for Weeks.

---Ground ball to 3b, bobbled by Rosales, then the throw to second dropped by Hairston. Ruled an E-4. Two on.

---Chopper up the middle glances off of Owings glove, Janish fields, but really has no play, throws late to first. An infield hit. Bases loaded.

---Fielder doubles to RF corner, two score.

---Cameron grounds out to 2b, runner on third scores, Fielder to 3b.

---Hardy Ks.

---Hall Ks.

3-3 middle of four.

[cincrazy]

I agree, Owings has been fantastic. He's kept the ball down and he's had pretty good stuff. The only mistake he made was to Fielder. He did a good job of getting out of it without letting the inning and the game really get away from the Reds.

[membengal]

How many of the runs that inning are unearned?

I think one. Maybe two.

[membengal]

Why is FSN showing us a montage of Pujols homers at GABP? I don't want to see that. No one does.

[membengal]

Hanigan, Janish, Owings, and hopefully others up in Reds' half of the fourth...

[membengal]

Hanigan grounds out to SS.

One out.

[membengal]

Now Brantley and Thom B talking about what a great human being Albert Pujols is.

Gentlemen? That may be. And, I don't care. I don't want to hear it. I will be hating him for the upcoming weekend, if it is all the same to you both.

Janish singles to RF.

[membengal]

Owings rips one to the gap in deep left-center.

Janish scores easily.

Owings pushes it and tries to take third. Ruled...SAFE!

Triple for Owings.

4-3 Reds.

[Red in Chicago]

micah winded at third :p:

[membengal]

That pitch was on the outside...not even sure it was the corner, and Owings ripped it to deep left center. That's legit power, folks. No question about it.

Willy T up.

[membengal]

Wild pitch!

Owings scores!

Consider this Exhibit A on why having Owings as the 5th starter is swell...

5-3 Reds.

[Team Clark]

Hope the next couple hitters KNOW to take their time and give Micah some time.

[Team Clark]

Wow..Taveras a HR and a Walk.

[membengal]

Hope the Reds can lengthen this inning a bit and give him a breather. Owings is winded.

Willy T works a walk.

He was down 1-2 in the count, and worked a walk. Well done, Willy.

Hairston up.

[membengal]

Baseball karma coming around on the Reds to make up a bit for that abomination of bad luck in the top of the fourth...that, and Owings having Paul Bunyon power.

[membengal]

I think that is Owings' fourth extra base hit on the season.

[redsmetz]

Bunt hit for Hairston.

[membengal]

Jerry! Beautiful bunt! No chance for Hall, he eats it.

Single.

Runners at first and second. One out. Bruce up.

[BCubb2003]

Owings should be getting all the rest he needs.

[membengal]

Folks, I am happy to report that the Reds have chased Braden Looper from the game. Seth McClung coming in.

Break in the action.

[membengal]

I thought this line-up had a chance to do some good things tonight. Janish continues to get hits when he gets playing time. This is nice to see, coming on the heels of last night.

Would love to see Bruce put a charge into one here, and get the team some breathing room...

[membengal]

Rats.

Pop up foul to third for second out.

Rosales up.

[membengal]

Ramon H up, he's 2 for 2 on the night.

[fisch11]

Hopefully JJ Hardy will pitch the 9th now that Looper is chased.

[membengal]

2-2 count on Ramon H, he just missed a double down the line in RF, ball just foul.

He really does make nice use of the opposite field in his approach.

[membengal]

Fly ball to CF ends the inning.

5-3 Reds after four.

[nate]

Hopefully JJ Hardy will pitch the 9th now that Looper is chased.

Heh, good point!

[membengal]

Recap for Reds' 4th:

---Hanigan makes an out of some sort

---Janish singles to RF

---Owings triples to deep left center

---Wild Pitch scores Owings

---Willy T works a nice walk

---Hairston with an even nicer bunt single

---Bruce pops out

---Ramon H flies out

5-3 Reds.

[fisch11]

A double steal with Bruce up would have plated a run on Ramon's flyout. Woulda, coulda, shoulda.

[membengal]

No, Ramon's fly out was the third out of the inning. And Flash Gordon could not have scored on Bruce's pop out.

[membengal]

Jeff Brantley doing a "Jay Bruce bobblehead voice" is disturbing.

[membengal]

Rosales turns a soft liner into an adventure, stays with the short-hop, then throws a bullet to first, Ramon H with a ridiculously good stretch, and....OUT.

One down.

Counsell up, hitting in the 9th spot after double switching into the game.

[Red in Chicago]

How many references to attendance have Thom and Jeff put out there so far tonight? The front office must be very nervous.

[membengal]

Fly ball to CF for second out.

Weeks up.

[membengal]

I don't want to click away, since I am doing PBP, but anyone with access to the running box score, how many of the Brewers' runs were deemed earned?

[OnBaseMachine]

I don't want to click away, since I am doing PBP, but anyone with access to the running box score, how many of the Brewers' runs were deemed earned?

Two runs were ruled earned. They can't assume the DP. The shutout is probably still intact if they turn that DP.

[membengal]

Owings Ks Weeks.

Owings has had a REALLY good night on the bump.

5-3 Reds middle of 5.

[fisch11]

No, Ramon's fly out was the third out of the inning. And Flash Gordon could not have scored on Bruce's pop out.

So true. Good thing I don't operate the scoreboard with my math! :D

[Strikes Out Looking]

I don't want to click away, since I am doing PBP, but anyone with access to the running box score, how many of the Brewers' runs were deemed earned?

2

[membengal]

Two runs were ruled earned. They can't assume the DP. The shutout is probably still intact if they turn that DP.

Right, I know the DP can't be assumed. Was just curious if they were able to avoid all three being earned.

[nate]

I don't want to click away, since I am doing PBP, but anyone with access to the running box score, how many of the Brewers' runs were deemed earned?

Looks like 2.

[fisch11]

Owings Ks Weeks.

Owings has had a REALLY good night on the bump.

5-3 Reds middle of 5.

He is really keeping the ball down in the zone nicely.

[membengal]

Brewers 5th inning recap:

---Kendall with a ground ball/short-hop liner to 3b that turned into an adventure but eventually an out. Kendall is slow.

---Counsell flies out to CF.

---Weeks Ks.

5-3 Reds.

[membengal]

Crowd shots of what are presumably singles. I still find it weird that the Reds are facilitating hook-ups. But, hey, whatever sells a ticket...

Nix to lead off for the Reds in the 5th.

[membengal]

Nix doing what Nix does.

Which is double.

Lead off double.

Nix at 2nd, no outs.

Dickerson best get comfy on the bench...

[fisch11]

Nix is a doubles machine. Gotta start this guy 2-3 games a week.

[membengal]

Rosales up, shows bunt, takes a ball.

[TRF]

from the 2009 postgame updates thread...


Funny, I see this as the rebound game. Reds 5-3.

I am a prophet. I'll be ok if it ends up 11-3 though :)

[membengal]

Nix should start against all RHers, in my opinion.

Rosales gets the bunt down.

Nix at third.

Hanigan up with one out.

[membengal]

Now, Nix, frankly, is the kind of guy that the Cardinals have been so successful at finding and using to great effect...

[membengal]

Hanigan flies to CF, deep enough to get the runner home.

Good execution, fellas.

6-3 Reds.

Janish up with two down.

[membengal]

Janish up, two for two on the night with a double and a single.

[membengal]

Janish lines to RF, ball is caught.

After 5, Reds up 6-3.

[membengal]

Recap of Reds' half of the 5th:

---Nix lead off double to the wall in LF (oppo)

---Rosales bunts him to third

---Hanigan sac fly to CF

---Janish lines out to RF

6-3 Reds.

[membengal]

Brantley is giggling again.

[OnBaseMachine]

Hart/Braun/Fielder due up. I'd have someone ready in the pen just in case.

[membengal]

Hart flies to CF to start the Brewers' 6th.

One out. Braun up.

[membengal]

Hart/Braun/Fielder due up. I'd have someone ready in the pen just in case.

Owings really has been all over it tonite, OBM. The 4th was a series of horrible bad luck events.

[fisch11]

Hanigan flies to CF, deep enough to get the runner home.

Good execution, fellas.

6-3 Reds.

Janish up with two down.

A rare get 'em on, get 'em over, get 'em in.

[WVRedsFan]

Anyone notice? With Ramon at cleanup and Nix in the lineup, how different this is going. No black Holes at 4th 6th and even 9th in the batting order, Hairston, Dickerson, and Gonzo (I know he's out) should sit awhile.

[Big Klu]

Now, Nix, frankly, is the kind of guy that the Cardinals have been so successful at finding and using to great effect...

A buddy of mine is a big Cardinals fan, and he says the same thing. He says that Nix is exactly the kind of player that Walt would bring into St. Louis to great success. He says that Nix could be Cincinnati's version of Ryan Ludwick.

[membengal]

This entire Jim Day is single and ensuing discussion is NOT good fun. There's a ballgame going on, FSN. IT's why we have all tuned in. Stop showing Jim Day.

[membengal]

A buddy of mine is a big Cardinals fan, and he says the same thing. He says that Nix is exactly the kind of player that Walt would bring into St. Louis to great success. He says that Nix could be Cincinnati's version of Ryan Ludwick.

ayup. I mused that back in the off-season. He profiles as the kind of forgotten once-a-prospect yaneverknow guy that St. Louis has made a living off of.

[membengal]

Braun singles to CF.

They are still at it, with Jim Day, and a woman who has now joined him.

Thom B and FSN are not really covering themselves in glory with this.

Fielder up.

[membengal]

Ack. Grounder past Ramon H down the RF line. Not sure if Votto would have made that play.

Bruce hustles to it, holds Fielder to first and a single.

Braun to 3b.

One out.

Cameron up.

[fisch11]

Anyone notice? With Ramon at cleanup and Nix in the lineup, how different this is going. No black Holes at 4th 6th and even 9th in the batting order, Hairston, Dickerson, and Gonzo (I know he's out) should sit awhile.

I would love to see this lineup for a couple games but it will never happen:
Taveras
Phillips
Votto
Hernandez
Bruce
Nix
Janish
Rosales

[OnBaseMachine]

Please pull him before it's too late.

[membengal]

Reds bullpen is up and warming.

Cameron grounds to 2b on the first pitch he sees. Runner scores, and Fielder moves up to 2b.

6-4 game. Two outs, one on second.

Burton warming in the pen.

[membengal]

Please pull him before it's too late.

They are NOT smoking him, OBM.

[Big Klu]

It would be nice if Micah could finish the inning so that he could lead off the bottom of the inning.

[membengal]

Now they are.

Hardy doubles to the wall in LF.

6-5 game.

[membengal]

Chris Duffy, lefty, pinch-hitting for pitcher's spot.

[Falls City Beer]

Hardy is a beast.

[OnBaseMachine]

So frustrating. The offense has a great night finally and the pitching/defense go out and stink it up. I would've pulled Owings after Fielder singled.

[cincrazy]

So frustrating. The offense has a great night finally and the pitching/defense go out and stink it up. I would've pulled Owings after Fielder singled.

Owings has been fine, IMO. He's done nothing wrong for the most part, so I wouldn't lay the blame at the foot of the pitcher. Mostly it has been bad luck, with a bit of bad defense sprinkled in.

[membengal]

It'll be okay, OBM. They're still up.

Owings is def gassed though.

Duffy flies out to CF.

Owings gets out of it.

6-5 middle of 6.

[Big Klu]

Whew.

Now Owings can lead off the bottom of the inning, and Dusty can go to the bullpen in the seventh.

[membengal]

Owings has been fine, IMO. He's done nothing wrong for the most part, so I wouldn't lay the blame at the foot of the pitcher. Mostly it has been bad luck, with a bit of bad defense sprinkled in.

What cincrazy said.

OBM, Owings has NOT "stunk it up". Please, the hyperbole is not helpful, and doesn't match the game that has unfolded.

[fisch11]

I'd like to see Micah take out some frustration on his last AB. Kinda nice to be able to leave the pitcher in to hit before he leaves the game.

[membengal]

Brewers' 6th recap:

---Hart flies out or grounds out, can't remember, but he went for an out

---Braun singles up the middle

---Fielder singles down the line in RF, runners at 1st and 3rd

---Cameron grounds out to 2b, runner scores, Fielder to 2nd.

---Hardy doubles, Fielder scores.

---Duffy pinch hits and flies out.

6-5 Reds lead.

[membengal]

Owings stays on to bat for himself, as he should, to start the Reds' 6th.

[membengal]

Owings pops out to start the 7th.

Willy T up.

[membengal]

Apparently reports are that Bob Melvin is being fired in Arizona. 12-17 record.

[membengal]

Reds are in Arizona to start the road trip next week.

Willy T flies out to CF.

Hairston up.

DeFelice pitching for Milwaukee now.

[membengal]

JHJ grounds out to 3b.

6-5 Reds after six.

[membengal]

Reds' 6th inning re-cap:

---Owings pops out

---Taveras flies out

---Hairston grounds out

[membengal]

I would guess Burton for the 7th.

This will be a Rhodes night, given Fielder at some point in the 8th.

[membengal]

Nope, not Burton.

Masset.

[membengal]

Kendall, Counsell, Weeks here in the Milwaukee 7th.

[Strikes Out Looking]

Apparently reports are that Bob Melvin is being fired in Arizona. 12-17 record.

And to prove that I grew up in Cincy, "there will be no Melvins on your job."

[Doc. Scott]

If Masset doesn't start missing more bats (or at least bettering his control) he's not going to have a low ERA for long.

(typed right before he whiffs the hard-to-whiff Kendall)

[membengal]

Apparently loosy goosy def of check swings tonite...

no matter, Masset shakes it off and Ks Kendall on the next pitch anyway.

Man, Masset has been a revelation out of the pen this season so far.

[membengal]

If Masset doesn't start missing more bats (or at least bettering his control) he's not going to have a low ERA for long.

7 Ks in 11 innings, now 8 Ks in 11 1/3 isn't bad, Doc. He's also only allowed four hits.

[Doc. Scott]

7 Ks in 11 innings, now 8 Ks in 11 1/3 isn't bad, Doc. He's also only allowed four hits.

So with the seven BBs in those innings, part of the point stands. Plus I figure (haven't checked, taking a leap) that Masset's BABIP is pretty fortunate to date.

(typed just as he walks #8)

[membengal]

Unfortunately, Masset walks Counsell.

On a down note, that is his 8th walk in 11 1/3 innings...

One on, one out.

Weeks up.

Then bad trouble, with Hart, Braun and Fielder...

[Gallen5862]

Great Job for Owings tonight. He leaves with the lead and gave the bullpen some rest tonight.

[membengal]

He def needs to cut down the walks, no argument from me on that, Doc.

[Doc. Scott]

He def needs to cut down the walks, no argument from me on that, Doc.

Or strike out Rob Dibble-type levels. I'll take either.

[membengal]

Weeks Ks on a horrible pitch in the dirt.

If that was one of our hitters in this situation, we would have had a collective meltdown.

Two outs, Hart up, Counsell still at first.

[fisch11]

What the heck was Weeks swinging at?!

[membengal]

Actually, Counsell awarded second on the strike three pitch which got away from Hanigan.

2-0 count on Hart. Runner on second. One run game.

[membengal]

Nix runs down a flare into LF.

He can play some defense folks.

Masset fought through it. Good for him.

6-5 Reds middle of 7.

[fisch11]

Great jump by Nix to track down that looping liner. Hand it over to Arthur quickly!

[membengal]

Recap of Brewers' 7th:

---Kendall Ks

---Counsell walks

---Weeks Ks (pitch might have gone 57 feet, not sure what he was swinging at on the full count pitch...), Counsell awarded second on the strike three which got away from Hanigan

---Hart flies out to short left center, nice running catch by Nix

6-5 Reds lead.

[membengal]

Or strike out Rob Dibble-type levels. I'll take either.

Word.

I am guessing cutting down on his BBs is the more likely path to success. Still, I have been pleasantly surprised by what Masset has been able to get done this year.

Mitch Stetter, lefty, on the mound for Milwaukee.

Bruce leading off for the Reds.

[membengal]

Bruce grounds out to 1b.

One out.

3-1 pitch, Bruce really should have taken his walk. I agree with Brantley, he got himself out there.

Ramon H up.

[membengal]

Ramon H hit with a pitch. His third time on base tonite.

Nix up against the lefty.

Nix has had a really nice game...

One out, one on.

[membengal]

Against all logic and reason, the second Brewers pitcher on the night chases Ramon H back to first...

[fisch11]

Stetter has some kinda freaky delivery. Throws the ball from 1st base.

[membengal]

Brantley helpfully intones that


you just don't want to give up the lead.

Yathink, Jeff?

Nix flies to RF. Two outs. Rosales up.

[fisch11]

Although Nix flies out, he still put in a quality AB against a tough lefty. I can't remember the last time I saw him look terrible at the plate.

[membengal]

Rosales flies to CF.

End of inning.

Reds up 6-5 after seven.

[VR]

good ab by Nix though.

He reminds me of Josh Hamilton. In looks and plate approach. The latter being very cool.

[Redhook]

I'm not sure what it is about Nix, but I really like him a lot. He just looks like he knows what he's doing up there. I wish he'd start a lot more so he either proves he belongs or doesn't.

[fisch11]

Brantley helpfully intones that



Yathink, Jeff?

Nix flies to RF. Two outs. Rosales up.

Reminds me of when John Madden so succinctly explained that nothing counts after the whistle is blown.

[membengal]

Reds' 7th inning recap:

---Bruce grounds out to 1b

---Ramon H hit by pitch

---Nix flies to RF (on a full count pitch, and he just missed crushing it, decent effort against the lefty)

---Rosales flies to CF

6-5 Reds.

[Redhook]

He reminds me of Josh Hamilton. In looks and plate approach. The latter being very cool.

I said that a month ago. It's amazing how similar they look at the plate. I love both of their batting stances. They look like they're going to crush the ball.

[fisch11]

The Kiss Cam on Singles Night.....hmmm.

[membengal]

Masset still in for the Reds here in the 8th.

Braun/Fielder/Cameron

Huge part of the game, obviously. Milwaukee has done all their damage tonite through this part of the order.

[membengal]

Masset Ks Braun on three pitches.

That was ridiculously good pitching, frankly.

One out.

[membengal]

Good job from Masset, to state the obvious. 1 1/3 scoreless innings, 3 Ks, 1 BB, no hits.

Rhodes being brought on to deal with Fielder.

Weathers also warming.

One out, none on.

[fisch11]

Nice K on Braun from Masset. He has looked pretty good lately. At least we got somebody productive from the Griffey trade.

[redsfaninbsg]

How great would it be if Masset could develop into a force late in games?

[VR]

Owings looked very very good tonight, especially for the #5. Had hitters off balance a lot w/ his stuff, defense and seeing eye hits hurt him.
Very encouraging stuff.

[membengal]

2-0 count on Fielder.

[AmarilloRed]

Massett is making me look bad. I really thought he should be traded after his rough start in spring training.

[membengal]

Fielder walks.

[fisch11]

How great would it be if Masset could develop into a force late in games?

No doubt. But would he also still handle long relief duties?

[membengal]

Dusty staying with Rhodes against Cameron.

One on, one out.

[fisch11]

What?! Where was that pitch?!

[membengal]

Cameron hitting only .208 against lefties.

Not sure why that wasn't a called strike three.

[membengal]

Doesn't matter.

Rhodes gets Cameron swinging.

Big K.

Two outs, one on.

[fisch11]

Cameron has some weird splits. .208 vs. lefties and .368 vs. righties. Before that K.

[membengal]

Rhodes still on against Hardy. Hardy hitting .091 against lefties...

[membengal]

0-2 count, Hardy has fouled off the last two pitches.

[fisch11]

Hardy as well .091 vs. lefties and .246 vs. righties.

[VR]

Rhodes has already earned his salary this year. Crazy effective.

[membengal]

Hardy is 5 for 15 against Weathers in his career.

Rhodes Ks Hardy!

6-5 Reds middle of 8.