Cincy Takes Game 1 From Atlanta

Mike Leake pitched 6 solid innings, giving up just 1 run,
helping the Reds beat the Braves 5-1, Friday.

By:  Coop


The Cincinnati Reds were coming off of a disappointing series in Philidelphia, where they lost the series 3-1.  Today they traveled to the state of Georgia to take on the Atlanta Braves.  The Reds have one of the best offenses in the league, while the Braves have one of the best pitching staffs in the league.  But today, the Reds had a good offense as they got 5 runs, and good starting pitching from Mike Leake.  They also had excellent work in the bullpen tonight, as well as good defense.  When you have good bats, good pitching, and good defense, that means a win.  The Reds got it, 5-1.  Here is how.


In the 2nd inning, Freddy Lew (Fred Lewis) hit an RBI double to center, Scott Rolen would score, it was 1-0 Cincinnati.  


2 innings later (the 4th inning), Paul Janish hit a sac bunt, he was out at 1st, but Lewis was able to score from 3rd, and the Reds had a 2-0 lead.


Then in the 5th inning the hottest player in the NL, Jay Bruce, hit an RBI single to plate Phillips, and the Redlegs were up 3-0.  Oh, and by hottest I mean hitting-wise, not looks.


Atlanta would get on the board in the 6th when Dan Uggla hit a sac fly to bring in McCann, it was 3-1.


That would remain the score going into the 9th inning.  The Reds had the lead, but were looking for some insurance runs.  They received some.  Ramon Hernandez went yard to right field, it was a 2-run dinger, Ramon's 7th long one of the year, and the score was 5-1.


Francisco Cordero came in in the bottom of the 9th and sealed the deal with a scoreless inning, allowing Cincy to get the win over the Braves. 


Mike Leake got the win, as he pitched 6 innings of 7 hit, 1 run baseball.  He walked 3 and fanned 2, not too impressive of numbers there, but who really cares, he got the win and that's all that matters.  Leake now leads the team in wins, as he has 4 W's and 2 L's.


The Reds entered today in 3rd place, and 4 games behind St. Louis in the division.  The Brewers, who were 2.5 games back lost to the Giants, so the Reds gain ground there.  The Brewers are now 3 games back, while the Reds are 3.5 games back.  So we are well within striking distance of the Brewers and Cards.  We just need to get on a nice winning streak.


Tomorrow the Reds will play primetime baseball on national television, FOX will air the game.  Game time is set for 7:10 PM ET.  Should be a good one.