Hanigan's Blast Helps Reds Take Series From Rays

By:  Coop


The Reds were trying to win their 1st Interleague series of the year today against the Rays.  In order to do so they would have to beat a great pitcher in James Shields.  Shields had pitched back-to-back complete games, but today his streak ended.  Edinson Volquez was the better pitcher today, and Ryan Hanigan was the star of the game.  The Reds won it 4-3, here is how.


There was no score until the 4th.  With 2 on and 2 out, Ryan Hanigan came up to bat.  He delivered with a 3-run jack to left field, Hanny's 3rd homer of the season, it was 3-0 Reds.  That was Ryan's 1st home run since that 2-home run game back in early April against the Brewers.


Tampa Bay would get 2 runs in the 6th when Evan Longoria hit a 2 RBI double, Zobrist and Damon would score.  And oh yeah, Johnny Damon reached on a single.  What's so special about that?  Well he tied Ted Williams on the all-time hit list.  Congrats to Damon.


In the top of the 7th, Fred Lewis hit a 2-out double left, Jonny Gomes scored, the score was now 4-2.


B.J. Upton had not been a good hitter at home this year, and was 0-9 in the series, but in the Rays 7th, he went yard to left center.  His 12th long ball of the year, we were back to a 1-run game, 4-3.


That would remain the score going into the bottom of the 9th.  Francisco Cordero came in hoping to get save number 16.  He got Longoria to ground out for the 1st out.  Then gave up a single to Joyce, but then Kotchman grounded into a 6-3 game-endining double play.


So the Reds win the series against Tampa Bay, and now have a 6-10 record against AL teams this year.


Edinson Volquez pitched well, as he went 6.1 innings, gave up 3 earned runs, 4 hits, walked 3, and fanned 7. A nice outing for sure.  Edinson is now 5-3 this year.


If the Brewers lose today, the Reds will be only 2.5 games back.  Ryan Hanigan says "We're getting closer" and added that he thinks the Reds "are about to go on a run".  Let's hope he's right.


The Reds will enjoy an off day tomorrow, and then start a 3-game series with the in-state rivals, the Cleveland Indians.  The Reds will have to sweep just to tie for the Ohio Cup.  Game 1 will be on Thursday at 7:10 PM ET, you can catch the game on Fox Sports Ohio.

Arroyo Strong, Reds Win 2-1

Bronson Arroyo went 6 innings, giving up just 1 run in the
Reds win over the Dodgers, Friday.

By: Coop


The Cincinnati Reds had an off day yesterday, a much-needed off day.  That off day could have played into today's game.  Bronson Arroyo got an extra day of rest, and played well today.  Bronson gave up only 1 run, and got just enough run support to pick up the win.  2-1 is the final, here's how it all happened.


There was no score until the 4th, when Loney flied into a sacrifice double play, but Andre Either would come across to score, it was 1-0 Dodgers on top.


Then in the bottom of the 5th, the bases were loaded with 2 outs.  Scott Rolen stepped up to the plate and delivered.  He hit an RBI single to center, Stubbs and Votto would both score, and the Reds had a 2-1 lead.


Dodgers pitcher, Hiroki Kuroda, would finish that 5th inning, as well as the 6th.  His final line is 6 innings pitched, giving up 2 earned runs, on 6 hits, 4 walks, and 3 strikeouts.  He was hoping to get a no-decision in this one rather than a loss.  The only way he could get the no-decision is if the Cincy bullpen gave up at least 1 run.


But the bullpen was very strong.  Ondrusek came in to pitch in the 7th, got the job done.  As did Masset in the 8th.  As did Cordero in the 9th.  Cordero picks up save number 11, Arroyo picks up win number 4, and LA's Kuroda is the tough-luck loser, he is now 5-6 this season.


Let's talk about Bronson.  He got the win as I previously said.  He was very strong today, as he went 6 innings, gave up 1 run on 5 hits, 1 walk, and 2 strikeouts.  Very impressive outing for #61.


The Brewers and Cardinals are both winning right now, so if they both end up winning, the Reds will remain 3.5 games back in the Central.  If they both somehow lose, then they will be only 2.5 games back.  Sounds good.  


Tomorrow the Reds will play at 4:10 PM ET.  Johnny Cueto will take the hill for the Redlegs, while Clayton Kershaw will pitch for Los Angeles.  That game will be televised on FOX.  Yes FOX, not FS Ohio, but FOX. 

Reds Win Series, Cordero Picks Up #300

By:  Coop


The Cincinnati Reds were trying to win their first series since mid-May.  In order to do so they would need to beat Marcum the Milwaukee Brewers.  Well they were down early, but fought back and won the game, 4-3.  Jay Bruce and Joey Votto both played a big role in this game, but Francisco Cordero's 9th inning stands out because he picked up career save #300. Here is how the action took place.


In the 1st inning, the very first batter, Rickie Weeks, went yard.  That was the 2nd time this year Weeks has leadoff the game with a home run against the Reds.  Later on in the inning, Braun hit an RBI ground out, the score was 2-0.


That would remain the score until the 4th when the Brewers added a run thanks to a Betancourt RBI single to plate Hart, 3-0 Milwaukee.


So it looked as if the Reds were gonna lose the game, and series.  But the Reds did not give up. 


In the 7th inning, the best player in the MLB right now, Jay Bruce, went yard for the 17th time this year.  It was a 2-run jack to right, and it was a 1-run game.


Next inning, with a man on, Joey Votto hit one deep to center, it was gone and the Reds took a 4-3 lead.  


In the 9th inning, Dusty Baker sent in the closer, Francisco Cordero, in attempts to seal the deal and give the Reds the win.  To lead off the inning, he fanned Lucroy.  Next batter was Betancourt, he got him to ground out for a 1-3 put out.  Then came Counsell.  He struck him out!  The Reds win it, and Francisco Cordero gets his 300th career save.  Congratulations to him.


The Reds will get a much needed off day tomorrow, and will host the Dodgers on Friday.  Game time is set for 7:10 PM ET and it will be televised on FS Ohio.