9/2/12 - Reds at Astros

[Reds Fanatic]

Reds lineup:

Zack Cozart SS
Drew Stubbs CF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Jay Bruce RF
Todd Frazier 3B
Xavier Paul LF
Miguel Cairo 1B
Ryan Hanigan C
Bronson Arroyo P

[Reds Fanatic]

Astros lineup:

Jose Altuve 2B
Jimmy Paredes RF
Brett Wallace 1B
Jason Castro C
Matt Dominguez 3B
Fernando Martinez LF
Tyler Greene SS
Brian Bogusevic CF
Bud Norris P

[Kc61]

Is this the last game for the Reds before the return of Votto?

Hope so. It's been a good road trip despite yesterday's loss. But will be nice to have Votto back in there.

[cumberlandreds]

Arroyo looks at that lineup and just shakes his head. I guess none of the new guys are going to get a shot?
Fay is saying Votto is probably back tomorrow. TTFWIW

[oregonred]

Cairo with a 30 man roster. Lol

[Tom Servo]

Cairo with a 30 man roster. Lol
Hey, not just anybody can put up a .460 OPS.

[Brutus]

Cairo with a 30 man roster. Lol

Please tell me what first baseman the Reds acquired between Friday and today and tell me who you'd rather start at third in order to get Rolen a day off.

Thanks.

[RedsMan3203]

And, 2 quick outs.

Cozart flys out to center.
Stubbs stings one to SS.

[RedsMan3203]

Make that 3 quick outs..

Phillips towers one to 3rd.

6 pitch inning.

[Tadasimha]

Hacking away to start!

[Vottomatic]

Please tell me what first baseman the Reds acquired between Friday and today and tell me who you'd rather start at third in order to get Rolen a day off.

Thanks.

Coulda played H-Rod at 3B and Frazier at 1B.

[redsmetz]

Coulda played H-Rod at 3B and Frazier at 1B.

Do you realistically believe any club in a pennant race, even with the lead we have, would play a expanded roster rookie in a game like this? I sure wouldn't.

[Tadasimha]

Coulda played H-Rod at 3B and Frazier at 1B.


Do you realistically believe any club in a pennant race, even with the lead we have, would play a expanded roster rookie in a game like this? I sure wouldn't.

If they'd won last night, might not have been a bad idea. But, they didn't.

[RedsMan3203]

Quick inning for Arroyo.

Ground out to pitcher
Ground out to a well spotted Cozart (times 2)

[redsmetz]

If they'd won last night, might not have been a bad idea.

In that case, perhaps, but then again, Baker really likes youngsters to breath it all in before they jump into a game. It just doesn't strike me a s realistic.

[RedsMan3203]

Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrruce just missed it.... Flys out to RF against the wall.

[Vottomatic]

Do you realistically believe any club in a pennant race, even with the lead we have, would play a expanded roster rookie in a game like this? I sure wouldn't.

I wanna see the kids. And I don't want to see anymore of Cairo in the field.

[Tadasimha]

Dang - thought Bruce had hit it hard enough to clear the wall!

Norris has a blister that's already bothering him according to the Astros broadcast.

[RedsMan3203]

Toddfather K's on a check swing...

XPaul, lines a single to RF.

[RedsMan3203]

XPaul swipes 2nd base.... Think he was out if he catches the ball.

[Tadasimha]

XPaul swipes 2nd base.... Think he was out if he catches the ball.

No doubt - Paul got lucky

[RedsMan3203]

Miggy have'n a heck of an atbat here.... GOtta be pushing 10+ pitches.

[RedsMan3203]

Miggy lines out to the track.

0-0 thru 1.5

[WebScorpion]

XPaul swipes 2nd base.... Think he was out if he catches the ball.The Astros seem to have a couple of gaffes like this every game where they give you extra opportunities to beat them.

[Tadasimha]

Miggy have'n a heck of an atbat here.... GOtta be pushing 10+ pitches.

Made him work, that's for sure. A little to the left and that liner drops in.

[RedsMan3203]

Ball was hit well in RCF, but Stubbs tracks it down with ease....

[Tadasimha]

Looking like both Arroyo and Cozart brought their "A" games today.

[RedsMan3203]

Arroyo with a K
Conzart catches a liner running towards short LF.

Thru 2 - 0-0

[WebScorpion]

Ball was hit well in RCF, but Stubbs tracks it down with ease....Heisey would have struggled to get to that and Bruce would have surely been chasing it to the wall. I bet our pitchers don't mind his lack of hitting so much.

[RedsMan3203]

WSH/STL tied at 0 in the 3rd.
Brewers up 3-1 over Pitt in the 1st

[Vottomatic]

Heisey would have struggled to get to that and Bruce would have surely been chasing it to the wall. I bet our pitchers don't mind his lack of hitting so much.

I disagree. I think Stubbs is overrated in CF simply because people think he's fast.

He is slow to get a jump on balls hit in front of him.

[RedsMan3203]

Hannigan grounds out.
Arroyo flys out to center (Almost a blooper play with players running into each other)
Cozart walks.

[RedsMan3203]

Stubbs ends the inning with a foul out.

[Vottomatic]

Good ole Stubbs. Dusty continues to frustrate us with his presence in the lineup.

[WebScorpion]

I disagree. I think Stubbs is overrated in CF simply because people think he's fast.

He is slow to get a jump on balls hit in front of him.and Heisey is slow to get a jump in any direction and then just slow period for a CF. Stubbs is far from perfect, but he's an above average CF. Heisey is below average. I've seen Heisey dive and miss balls hit in front of him, turning a single into a triple. You just don't do that in CF.

[RedsMan3203]

Phillips with another "gem"

[Tadasimha]

Can we stop the "Stubbs is a good CF/Stubbs is a lousy CF" rehashed argument before it starts, please?

[WebScorpion]

Trivia question is 'Who was the last Reds' hitter, prior to Ryan Hanigan, to have more walks than strikeouts?'

[Kc61]

Can't watch today. Any PBP would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[RedsMan3203]

And... That was close. LOL

[Tadasimha]

Bogusevic battles for 12 pitches and then gets a double on a liner to left

[RedsMan3203]

And there is the 1st hit... Double down the LF Line.

[RedsMan3203]

Caught stealing at 3rd....

[Tadasimha]

GUNNED down!

[RedsMan3203]

Ground out to 2nd base.

End of 3 - 0-0

[WebScorpion]

Caught stealing at 3rd....another Astro freebie. :dunno: Not that it wasn't an excellent throw, catch , and tag, but it was silly to even risk it when the pitcher could bunt him over.

[RedsMan3203]

Phillips grounds out somewhere (I missed it, thinking 2nd)
Bruce K's

[RedsMan3203]

Brewers jump on Pitt with a 6-2 lead.

[WebScorpion]

Trivia question is 'Who was the last Reds' hitter, prior to Ryan Hanigan, to have more walks than strikeouts?'I think the answer is Barry Larkin - 2001...he did it every year from 1992 through 2001. :thumbup:

[RedsMan3203]

And another K.

After 3.5, 0-0

[RedsMan3203]

I think the answer is Barry Larkin - 2001...he did it every year from 1992 through 2001. :thumbup:

When in doubt, Barry Larkin is always a great guess.

[Tadasimha]

Promised the kids we would head over to the pool this afternoon - time to go swimming!

Hope to be back to a Reds win!

[WebScorpion]

Promised the kids we would head over to the pool this afternoon - time to go swimming!

Hope to be back to a Reds win!I'm going to have to do the same soon...but I can at least see the rest of the game on my Kindle @ the pool! I love technology! :thumbup:

[RedsMan3203]

Ground out to 1st (Pretty decent play by Miggy)
Pop up to Phillips.

2 down.

[BCubb2003]

BTW, Keppinger was the answer to the trivia question.

[RedsMan3203]

Cozart gobbles up another grounder up the middle...

End of 4, 0-0

[RedsMan3203]

Washington now up 1-0 over STL.

[Kc61]

thanks for the pbp.

[RedsMan3203]

XPaul K's.
Miggy beats the throw for an infield single. :lol:

[mth123]

XPaul K's.
Miggy beats the throw for an infield single. :lol:

Or at least going all out enabled him to capitalize on the slightly bad throw. If he's loafing, he's still out.

[RedsMan3203]

Hanigan flys out to RF.
Arroyo K's.

Inning over.

[RedsMan3203]

In the 5th, Washington 1, STL 0.
In the 3rd, Pitt 4, Brewers 6.

[WebScorpion]

BTW, Keppinger was the answer to the trivia question.Yeah, it looks like it's not as rare as I thought. A lot of Reds have done it since Larkin. Casey in '04, Hatteberg in '06, Hatteberg and Keppinger in '07, and Keppinger in '08. Hanigan's streak began the following year in '08.

[RedsMan3203]

Double to the wall in CRF.

[RedsMan3203]

Bouncer back to Arroyo who turns and fires to 3rd to nail the lead runner....

[mth123]

Arroyo is a really good defender.

[RedsMan3203]

Arroyo with a walk and followed up with a single to RF.

Bases Loaded, 1 out.

[mth123]

A Walk and a single and they are loaded with 1 out and Bogusevic up. Paul made a good play to hold the runner.

[RedsMan3203]

Fielders Choice, out at 2nd.

Houston scores.

[mth123]

Phillips bobbles a perfect DP ball and only gets the force. A run scores. 2 out.

[Vottomatic]

Geez. The whole team needs some extra defensive practice.

[Kc61]

Geez. The whole team needs some extra defensive practice.

and offensive practice?

[RedsMan3203]

Ground Out to 3rd.

After 5... Houston 1, Reds 0

[mth123]

Phillips is an amazing defender, so who am I to question, but I don't like how he goes down to a knee on a ball hit right at him.

[RollyInRaleigh]

The offense needs to show up.

[Vottomatic]

and offensive practice?

LOL. Yeah that too. And Dusty needs practice making out lineups.

[RedsMan3203]

Cozart beats out the grounder as the SS bobbles it....

[RollyInRaleigh]

Good place to bunt for a hit.

[5DOLLAR-BLEACHERBUM]

Good place to bunt for a hit.

It's an obvious place for a bunt period

[mth123]

Good place to bunt for a hit.

With this guy, that's just an auto out.

[RedsMan3203]

Good place to make contact.

[The Operator]

Are we all forgetting that nobody on this team can bunt?

[mth123]

Good place for a different hitter.

[RedsMan3203]

Stubbs with a base hit :)

[RollyInRaleigh]

Nobody tearing it up right now. Hit for Drew. Way to go!

[mth123]

Good place for a different hitter.

The Jinx worked. Good job Stubby.;)

[Vottomatic]

Good place to make contact.

:laugh:

That mde me chuckle.

[The Operator]

Bases loaded with no outs.

[RedsMan3203]

Phillips singles to CF, bases loaded. 0 outs.

They are making contact!

[mth123]

Good place for a Grand Slam.;)

[Vottomatic]

good place for Votto to be up hitting. :D

[Vottomatic]

Chris Dickerson having a good day for the Yankees.

[RedsMan3203]

Bruce works the count full after falling behind 0-2.

Strikes Out.

[RedsMan3203]

And, double play.

[The Operator]

Pathetic.

[klw]

Bruce works the count full after falling behind 0-2.

Strikes Out.

That will set up the inning ending DP perfectly.

[mth123]

Unreal. Glad Votto is back soon.

[klw]

Did they really hit into a DP? I was just being pessimistic.

[Vottomatic]

I long for the day we have guys who can hit with men on base.

[RedsfaninMT]

Pathetic to play like this against the Astros.

[RedsMan3203]

Brewers now up 9-4 and Wash is up 2-0.

[Brutus]

Pathetic to play like this against the Astros.

Norris is a good pitcher who has been lights out at home this year. This is the one game where it's at least understandable they'd be struggling.

[Kc61]

Harrell and Norris have excellent numbers at home. Reds will destroy them at home next weekend. It will not be pretty.

[mth123]

Altuve K's on a ball above his head.

[RedsMan3203]

MTH - You got this?? I really need to cook some dinner.... Haven't ate all day.

[The Operator]

Altuve K's on a ball above his head.In all fairness it would've been belt-high to most guys. :p

[mth123]

Paredes GO to Phillips. I'll do PBP for a while

[mth123]

FO To Stubbs.

[Kc61]

Thanks for the pbp. I've got the game on radio now. Thx.

[mth123]

Fearless prediction. Xavier Paul comes through this inning.

[mth123]

Norris out of there. Jose Valdez a RHP in.

[The Operator]

Brewers up 11-4 over Pitt now.

[The Operator]

XP gets a hit. 1 on, 0 out.

[Vottomatic]

Fearless prediction. Cingrani to be called up. (check out ORG topics) ;)

[mth123]

Paul singles through the hole from the shift.

[mth123]

Why such a shift on Xavier Paul? He's not Willie McCovey.

[The Operator]

Why such a shift on Xavier Paul? He's not Willie McCovey.Was thinking the same thing. There's no rule that you have to put the shift on all left-handed batters.

[mth123]

Cairo flies out.

[Kc61]

Strasburg is out in the Cards game. Burnett in for DC. Two out, one on for Cards in seventh.

[mth123]

Hanigan flies to the track in RF. 2 outs.

[mth123]

H-Rod (who should have started at 3B) PH for Arroyo.

[Vottomatic]

H-Rod (who should have started at 3B) PH for Arroyo.

I can take it but are you mocking me or agreeing with me?

[Kc61]

HRod sighting.

[mth123]

I can take it but are you mocking me or agreeing with me?

Agreeing.

[mth123]

H-Rod K's.

[Chip R]

H-Rod fits right in.

[Kc61]

As I said Strasburg is out.

As I didn't say, Cards tie Nats.

Today is not shaping up as a good day.

[redsfaninbsg]

Paging Votto, Joey

[toledodan]

1 run in 16 innings vs the worst team in baseball is just sad.

[Kc61]

I'm sure everybody is thrilled to see HRod hit. It's very heartwarming.

But aren't Rolen, Ludwick, and Heisey on the bench?

Are we trying to win, or is it spring training again?

[Brutus]

Rodriguez had a .597 OPS in Louisville and people are suggesting he should have started?

[RedsMan3203]

Rodriguez had a .597 OPS in Louisville and people are suggesting he should have started?

I think they were tryin to say, its still better than Cario's.

[cincrazy]

Sorry, a guy that OPSes .597 in AAA isn't a better option than Cairo. The Astros threw good pitching at us this weekend. It happens. Besides, we're still coming back to win this game anyways.

[Brutus]

I think they were tryin to say, its still better than Cario's.

Cairo also has a .188 BABIP. His OPS would come up with more opportunities. Not saying Cairo should be getting a lot of time, but neither should a guy hitting under .600 in AAA.

I'd trust Cairo a heck of a lot more than a 22-year old with a sub-.600 OPS in Louisville.

[The Operator]

Arredondo is really not that great.

[Vottomatic]

Heisey would have had that.

[Blitz Dorsey]

Stubbs is the most-overrated defensive player EVER. Anyone else see him give up on that ball because he's afraid of the wall? Typical.

[RedsMan3203]

Heisey would have had that.

Griffey JR in his prime would have had that... Anyone else... doubtful.

[Brutus]

It's unfortunate that the Reds appear to be on their way to losing two of three to Houston. Really unfortunate.

[BCubb2003]

Stubbs was worried about the windmill feature in that goofy outfield.

[RollyInRaleigh]

That ain't on Stubbs, haters. That was right where the hill meets the wall. Ridiculous.

[The Operator]

Nice play by Hanigan.

I just can't believe the offense can't score against Houston. Worst pitching in baseball mowing us down.

[cincrazy]

LOL at anyone that thinks that ball was catchable.

[mth123]

Rodriguez had a .597 OPS in Louisville and people are suggesting he should have started?

Unproven kid. Prefer him to a vet who has proven he's done. If Rolen and Votto aren't available at the corner, H-Rod > Cairo.

[The Operator]

Arredondo is awful.

He should NOT be used in a close game.

[redhawkfish]

LOL at anyone that thinks that ball was catchable.

I don't think that one was catchable either!

[cincrazy]

4-2 road trip. Just to keep things in perspective.

[Kc61]

Rodriguez had a .597 OPS in Louisville and people are suggesting he should have started?


I think they were tryin to say, its still better than Cario's.


Arredondo is awful.

He should NOT be used in a close game.

Arredondo is a bit like Adam Dunn. Strikeouts. Walks. Homers.

[The Operator]

Sadly I'd say this one's over. The offense probably doesn't have four runs in them. Not against this dominant staff. :thumbdown:

[BCubb2003]

The Astros should just avoid third base altogether.

[Brutus]

Unproven kid. Prefer him to a vet who has proven he's done. If Rolen and Votto aren't available at the corner, H-Rod > Cairo.

Where's this proof you speak of? Just last year Cairo had a very respectable .742 OPS.

Ever think that a .188 BABIP might have something to do with his OPS this year? If it were anyone else, people would be screaming about how unlucky someone is with a .188 BABIP.

I don't consider that proof of anything. Guys that are still putting the ball in play regularly haven't "proven he's done."

[Blitz Dorsey]

AHH-REEE-DOHN-DOH as Thom calls him is simply not a good pitcher. Thank goodness we traded Juan Francisco for JJ Hoover. Now the little matter of actually using JJ Hoover (who is clearly better than Arredondo).

[The Operator]

4-2 road trip. Just to keep things in perspective.Losing a series to Houston is unacceptable though. Especially not being able to score runs against their awful pitching.

[Kc61]

Nats retake the lead 3-2 over Cards, still up in the 7th.

[Kc61]

Now 4-2 Nats over Cards.

[The Operator]

Ondrusek warming up. Dusty's apparently throwing in the towel, lol.

[cincrazy]

Losing a series to Houston is unacceptable though. Especially not being able to score runs against their awful pitching.

It's not "unacceptable." It's baseball. Sometimes these things happen. Are we all of a sudden a bad team? Five months thrown out the window because of one series? We have a 8.5 game lead. I don't like losing this series. But it's not the end of the world.

[mth123]

Where's this proof you speak of? Just last year Cairo had a very respectable .742 OPS.

Ever think that a .188 BABIP might have something to do with his OPS this year? If it were anyone else, people would be screaming about how unlucky someone is with a .188 BABIP.

I don't consider that proof of anything. Guys that are still putting the ball in play regularly haven't "proven he's done."

I guess I think the opposite. He has a .188 BABIP because he doesn't make good contact anymore. Guy is 38 and has a career OPS of .675. He's not a good defender anymore and does whatever damage he does do against LHP. If we're going to throw a corner IF spot away for the day, I'd rather see a kid who swings from the left side against a RH starting pitcher.

[Caveat Emperor]

It's not "unacceptable." It's baseball. Sometimes these things happen. Are we all of a sudden a bad team? Five months thrown out the window because of one series? We have a 8.5 game lead. I don't like losing this series. But it's not the end of the world.

This Astros team would struggle to post a winning record in AAA. This is a pathetic showing for a team that has designs on a deep playoff run.

Also, why the heck is Dusty Baker pinch hitting with some scrub rookie in a 1-0 game with a runner on? I'm a big Baker supporter, but these roster-expansion callups have no business seeing action in any close games. Period. You have real major leaguers on your roster to handle situations like this.

[Brutus]

I guess I think the opposite. He has a .188 BABIP because he doesn't make good contact anymore. Guy is 38 and has a career OPS of .675. He's not a good defender anymore and does whatever damage he does do against LHP. If we're going to throw a corner IF spot away for the day, I'd rather see a kid who swings from the left side against a RH starting pitcher.

His xBABIP is .320. His actual BABIP is .188. "Good contact" has little to do with it. He's not stinging the ball, so perhaps his BABIP would be expected to be slightly lower (though his xBABIP suggests otherwise), but he's still a hundred points lower than what he probably should be.

[The Operator]

It's not "unacceptable." It's baseball. Sometimes these things happen. Are we all of a sudden a bad team? Five months thrown out the window because of one series? We have a 8.5 game lead. I don't like losing this series. But it's not the end of the world.No, they aren't a bad team. But you can't drop a series to the Astros, they are a team you have to get fat on.

[Caveat Emperor]

No, they aren't a bad team. But you can't drop a series to the Astros, they are a team you have to get fat on.

If you can't score runs on Bud Norris, you don't have a prayer in games against guys like Cain, Gonzalez and Kershaw.

[cincrazy]

No, they aren't a bad team. But you can't drop a series to the Astros, they are a team you have to get fat on.

In 2000, the New York Yankees bombed in September, including getting swept in a 3 game series in Tampa when the Rays were every bit as bad as these Astros. I'm not saying this series isn't disappointing. Just trying to add a little bit of perspective here. It doesn't really matter that much.

[cincrazy]

If you can't score runs on Bud Norris, you don't have a prayer in games against guys like Cain, Gonzalez and Kershaw.

Really? Because we've already crushed Cain this year.

[The Operator]

If you can't score runs on Bud Norris, you don't have a prayer in games against guys like Cain, Gonzalez and Kershaw.
Exactly.This doesn't make me feel great about the offense. Thank God Joey is coming back soon.

[Caveat Emperor]

In 2000, the New York Yankees bombed in September, including getting swept in a 3 game series in Tampa when the Rays were every bit as bad as these Astros. I'm not saying this series isn't disappointing. Just trying to add a little bit of perspective here. It doesn't really matter that much.

It does if you want to avoid a 2 game trip to the west coast to open the first round of the playoffs.

You have any faith that any Reds team (even this one) will win both those games -- against top pitching in ballparks that don't give up the home run ball easily? Because I don't.

[cincrazy]

It does if you want to avoid a 2 game trip to the west coast to open the first round of the playoffs.

You have any faith that any Reds team (even this one) will win both those games -- against top pitching in ballparks that don't give up the home run ball easily? Because I don't.

I do. So I guess we can agree to disagree. Our record isn't a fluke. People give this team no respect.

[Kc61]

Cards strike back. Nats reliever Mattheus getting ahead then giving up hits. 4-3 Nats.

[Brutus]

If you can't score runs on Bud Norris, you don't have a prayer in games against guys like Cain, Gonzalez and Kershaw.

Bud Norris has a 3.68 ERA at home in his career and 2.09 this year.

[The Operator]

In 2000, the New York Yankees bombed in September, including getting swept in a 3 game series in Tampa when the Rays were every bit as bad as these Astros. I'm not saying this series isn't disappointing. Just trying to add a little bit of perspective here. It doesn't really matter that much.But it could, that's the thing. Yes they have a huge lead but we all saw last year what kind of a run the Cardinals are capable of going on. I want as much distance between us and the Cardinals as possible, and the Astros are a team you need to beat. It's not the end of the world, but it's not good, and I hope they aren't taking it lightly. There's still a lot of baseball left.

[The Operator]

BRRUUUUUUUCE

[RollyInRaleigh]

It's not "unacceptable." It's baseball. Sometimes these things happen. Are we all of a sudden a bad team? Five months thrown out the window because of one series? We have a 8.5 game lead. I don't like losing this series. But it's not the end of the world.

Someone that understands the nature of the game.

[The Operator]

Holy Crap

[redsfaninbsg]

You guys have little faith

[mth123]

His xBABIP is .320. His actual BABIP is .188. "Good contact" has little to do with it. He's not stinging the ball, so perhaps his BABIP would be expected to be slightly lower (though his xBABIP suggests otherwise), but he's still a hundred points lower than what he probably should be.

.654 OPS against RHP for his career. .440 this year. BABIP or no, at 38 with pretty much no defensive value, he doesn't get a sniff against a RHP.

IMO, a question mark is preferable to a guy who is known to be poor. If we're throwing spots away with a Sunday Special, I'd rather see the LH kids play against a RHP. If not H-Rod, then Didi.

Wow, Bruce. Woo Hoo.

[Caveat Emperor]

I do. So I guess we can agree to disagree. Our record isn't a fluke. People give this team no respect.

The record is what the record is, but the team's warts have shown the last few weeks regarding ability to string together base hits to score runs. They desperately need Joey Votto back to be the guy who can get on base and drive in runs without hitting a home run.

[BCubb2003]

Everything we just said about this team is now wrong.

[nate]

Jay Bruce is strong.

And Earl Weaver is sated.

[cincrazy]

The record is what the record is, but the team's warts have shown the last few weeks regarding ability to string together base hits to score runs. They desperately need Joey Votto back to be the guy who can get on base and drive in runs without hitting a home run.

I agree. Look, this team's warts are what they are. They aren't going away. But everyone in the NL has warts.

[Brutus]

.654 OPS against RHP for his career. .440 this year. BABIP or no, at 38 with pretty much no defensive value, he doesn't get a sniff against a RHP.

IMO, a question mark is preferable to a guy who is known to be poor. If we're throwing spots away with a Sunday Special, I'd rather see the LH kids play against a RHP. If not H-Rod, then Didi.

Wow, Bruce. Woo Hoo.

Fine, I never said he was a great hitter (nor have I had anything to say about his defense). But he's still a better hitter right now than Henry Rodriguez is.

[Kc61]

Cards out in the 8th. 4-3 Nats headed to the bottom of the inning.

I'm using a computer and radio feeds today, not able to get the TV feeds.

But it's pretty exciting listening to Reds game and following the Nats-Cards on gameday.

[RedsMan3203]

Brrrrrrrrrrrrruce really got that one.

[WebScorpion]

BRUUUUUUCE!!! One pitch, one swing, TIE BALL GAME!! :jump:

[The Operator]

Everything we just said about this team is now wrong.Eh, not exactly. They still have to score another run. and then hold the lead. And it still took a homer to do it.

It's encouraging, but I'm glad #19 is coming back soon. He'll be a huge shot in the arm.

[cincrazy]

Eh, not exactly. They still have to score another run. and then hold the lead. And it still took a homer to do it.

It's encouraging, but I'm glad #19 is coming back soon. He'll be a huge shot in the arm.

I don't think Votto will be 100% though. We can't expect him to be the knight in shining armor because he may not be physically capable of being all of what he can be.

[Caveat Emperor]

As an aside, is anyone else kinda pissed off that we're being robbed (due to pitching change and pinch hitter) of a Xavier v. Xavier matchup?

[Kc61]

As was pointed out in the threads previewing these series, Harrell and Norris are very good pitchers in Houston. It's not that surprising that these last two games have been tough.

But the Reds need to use their best relievers now and get this one. Pittsburgh is losing and the Cards are down one run bottom eight.

So this is could be an opportunity for the Reds.

[Caveat Emperor]

As was pointed out in the threads previewing these series, Harrell and Norris are very good pitchers in Houston. It's not that surprising that these last two games have been tough.

But the Reds need to use their best relievers now and get this one. Pittsburgh is losing and the Cards are down one run bottom eight.

So this is could be an opportunity for the Reds.

And, equally as important IMO, Washington is winning.

[mth123]

Heisey with a PH double to give the Reds the lead.

[cincrazy]

Ummmm I like this team. That is all.

[RedsMan3203]

And, just like that... 5 runs have scored and still only 1 out.

[mth123]

I knew Cairo could hit those RHPs.;)

[Brutus]

Heisey AND Cairo in the same inning? Nonsense.

[Caveat Emperor]

Houston remembered they were an absolute embarrassment of a major league franchise.

[Kc61]

According to my radio feed, the Reds are going crazy with offense now.

Why didn't they do it earlier? Don't they care about my blood pressure?

[kbrake]

And, equally as important IMO, Washington is winning.

You do not want the Reds to have home field throughout the playoffs?

[The Operator]

This is no longer unacceptable. :P

[mth123]

Heisey AND Cairo in the same inning? Nonsense.

Off the only pitcher in the Astros pen who is major league worthy to boot.:beerme:

[The Operator]

You do not want the Reds to have home field throughout the playoffs?
Actually the 1 seed starts on the road for some stupid reason. Plus them winning means St.L losing.

[cincrazy]

Actually the 1 seed starts on the road for some stupid reason. Plus them winning means St.L losing.

The 2 seed starts on the road also, just for those that may not know that. I didn't know that until last week.

[Kc61]

Brewers leading Pirates 12-8 but it's still the sixth inning so anything can happen.

Ninth in DC, 4-3 Nats in a nailbiter. Clippard pitching.

[The Operator]

The 2 seed starts on the road also, just for those that may not know that. I didn't know that until last week.Why are they doing that? It punishes team for finishing with good records. Leave it to Selig to do something stupid like that.

[cincrazy]

I think I need to tune in to the Pirates and Brewers feces tossing-fest after this game is over.

[nate]

Would Navarro be better if he got some neck tats?

[mth123]

The Division series used to be a best of 5 with two on the road followed by three at home. A good team should be able to play .500 on the road and win 2 of 3 at home. I don't see it as the big issue its made out to be.

I think the team with 2 at home and having to sweep to have a decent chance is in a much worse situation.

[toledodan]

The Division series used to be a best of 5 with two on the road followed by three at home. A good team should be able to play .500 on the road and win 2 of 3 at home. I don't see it as the big issue its made out to be.



i agree. it will be interesting to see how dusty sets up the rotation. we have a few guys better suited for the road.

[Kc61]

Two outs for the Cards in the ninth.

[Kc61]

Cards lost. Lost 3 of 4 in DC.

[toledodan]

Cards lost. Lost 3 of 4 in DC.

sounds like us

[George Foster]

Who is pitching?

[Tom Servo]

Who is pitching?
Broxton

[toledodan]

Who is pitching?

big broxton

[George Foster]

big broxton

Good...the mlb.com said we had not made a pitching change..i was flipping out

[RedsfaninMT]

Who is pitching?

No, he's on first. Broxton is pitching.

[toledodan]

Good...the mlb.com said we had not made a pitching change..i was flipping out

never trust mlb.com lol

[WebScorpion]

Cards lost. Lost 3 of 4 in DC.Magic number drops to 20...I don't think our season ending series with them will be very meaningful to us. ;)

[George Foster]

Play by play?... I'm camping?

[toledodan]

Magic number drops to 20...I don't think our season ending series with them will be very meaningful to us. ;)

that is a good thing

[cincrazy]

Play by play?... I'm camping?

Broxton got a flyout to left, a strikeout of Altuve, and now has a 2-2 count (sorry, lost track of who's batting currently).

[BCubb2003]

Magic number drops to 20...I don't think our season ending series with them will be very meaningful to us. ;)

But just as enjoyable.

[WebScorpion]

But just as enjoyable.Maybe more so, if we can eliminate them from the wild card. ;)

[toledodan]

Maybe more so, if we can eliminate them from the wild card. ;)

very good point

[Tom Servo]

nice job Brox!

[cincrazy]

Strike 3 looking on the corner. Scott Moore was the batter. Inning over. Broxton looked nasty.

[Brutus]

Pair of Ks for Broxton to end the inning.

[George Foster]

very good point

Perfect motivation.... top of 9 th yet?

[RedsfaninMT]

No, he's on first. Broxton is pitching.

I thought my comment might at least warrant a groan?

[WebScorpion]

Broxton got a flyout to left, a strikeout of Altuve, and now has a 2-2 count (sorry, lost track of who's batting currently).
Scott Moore, pinch hitting for Brandon Backe. and he struck him out. :thumbup:

[George Foster]

I thought my comment might at least warrant a groan?
I doubt this crowd knows who Abbott and Costello did for a living

[cincrazy]

Scott Moore, pinch hitting for Brandon Backe. and he struck him out. :thumbup:

Holy crap, Brandon Backe is still around? Only in Houston lol.

[BCubb2003]

I doubt this crowd knows who Abbott and Costello did for a living

They never had a rightfielder. What was up with that?

[Tom Servo]

Stubbs gonna Stubbs.

[redsmetz]

I thought my comment might at least warrant a groan?

I did smile.

[Brutus]

Welcome back, Drew.

[WebScorpion]

Holy crap, Brandon Backe is still around? Only in Houston lol.lol Yeah, it was Brandon Barnes... sorry. :explode:

[WVRedsFan]

Two black holes at the top of the lineup K against a pitcher with a 5.80+ ERA.

[Gizmo]

Stubbs gonna Stubbs.

Is he more reliable than Dunn?

[cincrazy]

Hopefully Heisey's big double and Stubbs' continuing flailing at the plate give Heisey a start tomorrow.

[WVRedsFan]

Rod strikes out the side? Wow.

[redsmetz]

He dropped a decent curve in there on Brandon.

[George Foster]

How we continue to win with black hole at the top of the line up is amazing

[cincrazy]

Rod strikes out the side? Wow.

Did you see that guy's stuff? Pretty nasty.

[Brutus]

Oakland is up 5-0 again today. Billy Beane must have made a pact with the devil.

[WVRedsFan]

Did you see that guy's stuff? Pretty nasty.

Yep. Looked good today.

[redsmetz]

Did you see that guy's stuff? Pretty nasty.

I agree

[cincrazy]

Yep. Looked good today.

I was surprised. His numbers are horrible, but dude was throwing 96 with a sick curve.

[WebScorpion]

Did you see that guy's stuff? Pretty nasty.I wonder if they'd take Ondrusek straight up for him? :ughmamoru:

[Tom Servo]

filthy

[cincrazy]

I wonder if they'd take Ondrusek straight up for him? :ughmamoru:

This would be their reaction... :barf:

[cincrazy]

This game thread got a lot more quiet after the Reds took a lead.