Reds Get First Win of Season...Walkoff Style.

By: Cooper Ledford

The Cincinnati Reds were hosting the St. Louis Cardinals in the third game of the season.  The Cardinals lead the series 2-0, but Cincinnati was trying to avoid the sweep.  To do so, Bronson Arroyo had to pitch good in his first start, and the Reds needed to avoid making mistakes that resulted in runs.  The Reds were able to do so as they won 2-1.

The game was scorless until the bottom of the fifth, when Bronson Arroyo hit an RBI single that scored the catcher, Ryan Hanigan to give the Reds their first lead of the season.  The Cards would then tie it up when Matt Holliday hit a solo home run to left field.  

There would be no score until the bottom of the ninth, when Motte was pitching, the batter, Jonny Gomes, who did not reach base at all yesterday.  It was 2-2 to Gomes, the pitch was a 87 mph fastball in the strike zone, high and out, and Goms hit a walkoff homer, his first of the season, to give Cincinnati their first victory of 2010.

Arroyo got a ND, dispite doing great, he pitcher eight innings, only gave up four hits, and one run.  He had six strikeouts and three walks.  The Cards starter, Brad Penny gave up one run on six hits four strikeouts, and two walks.  The winner is Cordero, who only pitched one inning, which was a three-up-and-three-down inning.  The loser is Jason Motte, who pitched only to Gomes, which would be the only batter he could face, since he hit a walkoff home run.

Also, Albert Pujols was hitless in three AB's, but walked once.

Be sure to check out highlights and a video recap of the series at the SWO Sports Highlight Center. 

Next, the Reds will host their hated rivals, the Chicago Cubs.  Homer Bailey will be on the hill for the Reds to start the series off, as Carlos Silva will throw for Saint Louis.   The first game is at 7:10 PM ET, followed by two 1:10 games.  All three games will be televised on FS Ohio.