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.