Volquez Great, So Is Winning

By:  Cooper Ledford

Edinson Volquez was making his long-awaited return to the Bigs today, and was doing such in front of a SELL OUT CROWD, and was going against the Colorado Rockies.  Volquez did not disappoint a sole in this one, as he was just cruising along, as were the Reds as they pick up win #51, and are 10 games over .500, as they win 8-1.  Unfortunately, St. Louis beat the Dodgers 2-0, so the Reds don't get any extra ground, but they are still THE FIRST PLACE CINCINNATI REDS, still sounds good, as they are still a half game ahead of the Cardinals in the NL Central.  Here are all the scoring plays.

In the first inning, after a double legged out by Dexter Fowler, and a sac bunt, Carlos Gonzalez hit an RBI single to plate the Rox center fielder, and it was 1-0 with the Rockies on top (not just of the mountain) in the 1st inning. 

Yuck, so Edinson Volquez already gave up a run, not gonna do good today huh?...not so.  But, back to the scoring plays.

In the 2nd inning, with Cairo on, Drew Stubbs hit a 2-run jack to left field, the Reds had a 2-1 lead.  That is all it would take, but for the heck of it, the Reds would get more runs.  In the 3rd inning, Jonny Gomes hit a sac fly to plate Orlando Cabrera, it was 3-1.  Drew Stubbs was back at it on the 4th inning, as he hit a solo home run, this time to right field, his 2nd of the game, and it was 4-1 Cincinnati on top.  Same inning, after a walk to Hanigan, Volquez laid down a bunt, the ball was picked up by the catcher, Olivo, the throw went down to 2nd, the throw went to the outfield, Hanigan would go to 3rd, so runners were on the corners for Brandon Phillips.  Phillips would take advantage of the error, I'm talkin' 'bout a 3-run johnson!  7-1 was the score.  Then, 5th inning, Jonny G. gets involved in the home run parade, a solo home run, 8-1 was the score, and that is how she finished.

Even with the 2010 Reds Hall Of Fame Ceremony before the game, that was not the big story of the night in Cincinnati, as it belonged to Edinson Volquez's 2010 debut.  Volquez, as I said, did not disappoint a sole, as he goes 6 innings, gave up 1 ER, ONLY 3 hits, 2 walks, and fanned a career high, 9 batters.  Good job Edinson Volquez! 

So with this win, the Reds have already secured the series win, but will try and sweep the Rox with a win tomorrow.  Game time is at 1:10 PM ET and will be televised on FS Ohio and will be on, as always, 700 WLW.  Travis Wood will take the hill, and will face off against Aaron Cook.

Reds To Legit To...Lose, Rockies Can't Touch A Win.

By: Cooper Ledford

The Cincinnati Reds were playing their first home game of the month, Friday, as they were starting a 3 game series with the Colorado Rockies.  The Reds won this game with the final score of 3-2, as they end their 4 game losing streak.

The Reds got on the board in the 3rd inning when Orlando Cabrera grounded out to 1st, that would bring in Phillips from 3rd, the Reds grabbed a 1-0 lead.  Then, same inning, Jonny Gomes hit an RBI single to plate Votto, it was 2-0.  Then, in the 5th inning, Orlando Cabrera hit an RBI double to left, that would plate Phillips and it was 3-0 with the Reds on top.

The Rockies would get on the board in the 7th inning when Jason Giambi hit an RBI double, that would allow Carlos Gonzalez to score, it was 3-1.  Then, on the first pitch of the 8th, Miguel Olivo said it was "Hammer Time" and hit a solo home run, it was now a 1 run ball game.

Arroyo left the game in the 8th, after giving up a solo home run, a walk, and a single, so in came Arthur Rhodes.  He walked the first batter to load the bases, then he struck out the next two batters, and got out of a bases loaded jam.

Then, in the 9th inning, after getting the first two outs, Francisco Cordero walked Olivo, and Ian Stewart was at the plate, and he struck him out, and sent everyone home.  Well, after the post game concert by MC Hammer of course. 

Arroyo went 7.0 innings, gave up 5 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB, and had 4 strikeouts.  "He is clearly becoming THE Ace of this staff" said Thom Brennaman on FS Ohio's Reds Live Postgame Show, and I have to agree with him there. 

Tomorrow, the Reds will have their former Ace on the hill, Edinson Volquez, remember him?  Be sure to watch or attend that game, don't wanna miss him.  Game time is at 7:10 PM ET and will be on FS Ohio, along with 700 WLW.

Edinson Volquez To Pitch Saturday

By: Cooper Ledford

Today the Cincinnati Reds announced that starter and Former All-Star, Edinson Volquez willl return to the Big Club on Saturday as he will take on the Colorado Rockies. If Volquez looks like he did in the last 2 years, he should pitch well in the upcoming game. Here is a video I made on YouTube about Volquez's return.

Reds Have Great 1st Half

By: Cooper Ledford

The Cincinnati Reds had a great 1st half of the 2010 season, could have had better, but if you were to tell me that we would be leading the NL Central, and be 8 games over .500 at the All-Star Break, I would be happy. The Reds will hope to continue to play good baseball and make a playoff run. Watch this video I made as the Reds will try to win it all.




Best Pitcher: Bronson Arroyo
Best Pos. Player: Joey Votto
Surprise Player: Jonny Gomes/Scott Rolen
Worst player: Drew Stubbs/Aaron Harang
Slumping player: Orlando Cabrera.

Travis Wood's Perfecto Falls Short, As Do Reds

By:  Cooper Ledford

First of all, sorry I have not made recaps for a while.  I was busy, then got to frustrated, way too frustrated, especially last night (sorry to remind you).  Anyways, in game 3 of the series, Travis Wood was on the hill for the Cincinnati Reds, and Roy Halladay was pitching for the Phils.

Travis Wood had a perfect game going until the 9th inning, as he gave up a double, then retired the next 3 batters and into extras we went. 

The Phillies won via walkoff single by Jimmy Rollins in the 11th inning, and the Phillies beat the Reds in extra innings for the 3rd strait games.

ARE THE REDS SLUMPING!  PLEASE NO!

Votto, Reds Take Game One

By:  Cooper Ledford

The Cincinnati Reds were on the road in Flushing, New York taking on the Mets.  The Reds had a tough task in front of them as the All-Star deserving player, Mike Pelfrey was on the hill for the Mets.  On the hill for Cincinnati was Travis Wood, making his 2nd MLB start, and looking for win #1.  Wood did not pick up the win, but the Reds did, 8-6 the final.  Here is all of the scoring plays.

To start things off, Joey Votto hit his 20th homer of the season, it was a solo home run, and after the top of the 1st inning, the Reds had a 1-0 lead.  But, it would not last.

In the bottom of the 1st, Jason Bay hit an RBI single to plate David Wright, and it was tied a 1.  But not for long.

In the 5th inning, with the bases loaded with nobody out, strike three was called with Rolen at the plate.  Rolen thought it hit him, so did all of the other umpires.  The call was changed to HBP, that brought in a run and Cincy had a 2-1 lead.  They still had more up their sleeves though.  Later on, Drew Stubbs hit a 2 RBI single to bring in Joey Votto and Orlando Cabrera, and it was 4-1.  Then, the Corkster, Corky Miller hit a 2 RBI single, that brought in Rolen and Stubbs, 6-1 was the score.  To finish off the 5th inning rally, Travis Wood hit an RBI TRIPLE, that brought in Miller, and Wood got his MLB RBI.

The Mets would answer back in their half of the 5th inning.  To start things off Angel Pagan hit a solo home run, it was 7-2.  Then, with a runner on 3rd, Ike Davis reached on an error by Wood, Wright would score from 3rd, and it was 7-3.  Wood would then be pulled from the game, which meant he could not win.  In came Jordan Smith.  The first batter he faced, Rod Barajas, hit an RBI single to plate Davis, and it was only a 3 run lead for the Reds.  The Mets would get their final 2 runs in the inning, and game, when Alex Cora hit a 2 RBI double, and the Reds 6 run lead, was now only a 1 run lead.

The Reds would pick up another run in the 6th inning when Joey Votto hit his 2nd home run of the game, and his 21st of the season.  That would put Votto in front of Pujols for the NL lead in home runs.  The Reds would hold off the Mets and end up winning 8-6.

Mike Pelfrey did not look like the normal Mike, as he gave up a season high 7 earned runs.

The winner was Jordan Smith, and Francisco Cordero got his 23rd save of the season, as he is now tied for the NL lead in saves.  The Reds are now 48-36, do the math and they are 12 games over .500.  St. Louis was off today, so with the win the Reds gain a half game, and are 2 games ahead of the Cards in 1st place.

Tomorrow Johan Santana will take on Aaron Harang.  Game times is at 7:10 PM ET and will be televised on FS Ohio.

Rolen, Phillips, & Rhodes Headed To Anaheim For 2010 All-Star Game

Three Cincinnati Reds were selected to this year's Major League Baseball All-Star game. Brandon Phillips, Arthur Rhodes, and Scott Rolen will all be representing the Reds in Anaheim for this year's All-Star game. Rhodes at age 40 will be going to his first all-star game as well as Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips. This will be Scott Rolen's 6th time being selected to the All-Star game. He made the All-Star team every year from 2002-2006 while with the St. Louis Cardinals. The only season with St. Louis he did not go to the All-Star game was in 2007, his final year with the Cardinals. There is a chance Joey Votto still makes the all-star team this year. Click Here to send Joey Votto to the 2010 All-Star game with the National League Final vote for the last roster spot on the National League All-Star team. The last time the Reds had this many players represent the organization at the All-Star game was in 2004 when Sean Casey, Barry Larkin, Danny Graves, and Ken Griffey Jr. were all selected.

Janish and Stubbs Help Take 3 From Cubs

By:  Cooper Ledford

In the 4th and final game of the series between the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs, the Reds laughed off a win 14-3.  Mike Leake had a good game on the hill, but he was far from the star, or should I stay stars, of the game, that would be Paul Janish and Drew Stubbs.  Joey Votto got ejected in the 1st inning, so Paul Janish came on to replace him, and was later moved to 3rd base, and he went 4-4 and had 3 RBI including a home run.  As for Drew Stubbs, after not playing yesterday, he must of got better, because he hit not 1, not 2, but 3 home runs, and also did not strikeout at all.  Here is how all of the runs were scored.

In the bottom of the 2nd, Tyler Colvin hit a 2-run blast, and Chicago had a 2-0 lead. 

Then, in the 3rd inning, Drew Stubbs would put the Reds on the board with a solo home run, his 9th of the season.  Then, the Reds would take the lead in the 4th inning when Ramon Hernandez hit an 2 RBI triple, that would plate Cabrera and Janish and it was 3-2.  Then, in the top of the 6th inning, Paul Janish hit a 2-run homer, and it was 5-2.

Chicago would then get a run in the 6th when Tyler Colvin hit his 2nd home run of the game, it was a solo home run, and it was 5-3.

Cincinnati would answer back in the 7th inning, where they just piled on the runs, 8 of them, and all of them were scored with 2 outs!  The All-Star, Brandon Phillips started off the runs with a solo home run, 6-3 was the score.  Then, Paul Janish would hit an RBI single to plate Cabrera and it was 7-3.  9-3 was the score after Jonny Gomes went yard, a 2-run home run.  Then, the Corkster, Corky Miller hit his 1st homer of the season, it was a solo home run, and it was 10-3.  Then, Drew Stubbs would hit his 2nd homer of the game, a 3-run blast this time and Cincinnati had a 13-3 lead.  Then, in the 9th inning, Drew Stubbs would hit another home run, his 3rd of the day, and his 11th of the season, and it was 14-3 and the Reds take 3 out of 4 from the Baby Bears.

Mike Leake gets the win for the first time since June 5th, as he goes 6 innings, gave up 8 hits 3 ER, 1 BB, and had 5 strikeouts.

Congratulations to Scott Rolen, Brandon Phillips, and Arthur Rhodes on making the NL All-Star team.  Also, don't forget to go to reds.com and vote Votto into the All-Star game.  Also, to everyone reading this, Happy 4th of July. 

Tomorrow the Reds will head to New York City and take on the red-hot Mets.  It will be Aaron Harang vs. one of the best pitchers in all of baseball, a man who deserved to go to the All-Star game, Mike Pelfrey.  Game times is set for 7:10 PM ET and will be televised on FS Ohio.

Reds Pound Cubbies

By:  Cooper Ledford

Game two of the series looked as if it would be a low scoring game, and a pitcher's duel as it was Bronson Arroyo vs. Ryan Dempster, and for a while it was, until the 7th inning where the Reds plated 9 men, as the Reds ended up winning 12-0.  The Reds are now 11 games over .500 as they are 46-35 and sit currently 2 games ahead of St. Louis, and will watch to see if the Cards can beat the Brewers (Go Brewers!).  Here is how the Reds got all 12 of their runs.

In the 3rd inning, Brandon Phillips hit a solo home run, 369 feet to be exact, and Cincinnati took a 1-0 lead.

After tons of 1-2-3 innings for both teams, the score was 1-0 Reds going into the top of the 7th inning.

Leading off in the 7th was Jonny Gomes, he got walked, followed by a Bruce walk, Hernandez reached on an error, Stubbs was a strikeout victim, and then with the bases loaded and no 1 out was Bronson Arroyo, he looked at 4 picthes, he got walked and it was 2-0, and that was only the start.  Later on, Phillips walked to bring in a run, then a passed ball brought in a run, then Scott Rolen hit a 2 RBI single, as Arroyo and Phillips scored, and Cincinnati had a 6-0 lead, but they were not over.  Next batter, Jonny Gomes hit a 2 RBI double to bring in Votto and Rolen, then Hernandez would hit a 2 RBI double to bring in Gomes and Bruce, and Cincinnati had a 10-0 lead.  9 runs in the 7th inning!

Then, the Reds were STILL not done.  In the 8th inning, Joey Votto hit a 2-run home run, a 422 footer, and the Reds had a 12-0 lead over the Baby Bears, and that is how she finished.

Chicago's pitching was terrible, while the Reds pitchers did great.  Arroyo, Ondrusek, and Owings only gave up a total of 2 hits.  Arroyo gets the win, he is now 8-4, he went 6.0 innings, gave up 2 hits, 0 ER, 2 BB, and 3 strikeouts, and he only threw 89 pitches.  Logan Ondrusek threw two 1-2-3 innings, in the 7th and 8th, and Owings only gave up a walk in the 9th.

Tomorrow, the Reds have another great pitcher on the hill, being Johnny Cueto (8-2, 3.74 ERA) vs. Randy Wells (3-6, 4.96 ERA).  Game times is at 1:10 PM ET and will be televised on FS Ohio, as the Reds will try to secure winning the series.

Solid As Wood Debut, Reds Win In Extras.

By:  Cooper Ledford

The Cincinnati Reds were kicking off an 11 game road trip before the All-Star Break, their first stop was in the North side of Chicago as they were taking on the Cubs.  The lefty, Travis Wood was making his MLB debut, and he is great and will be a great pitcher this season -knock on Wood-.  Travis Wood looked stellar, but so did Carlos Silva.  However, the Reds got the better of the Cubs bullpen in the 10th inning as the Reds take game 1 of the 4 game series.  Here is all of the scoring plays.

The Reds got on the board in the 1st inning, after Joey Votto got a single, Scott Rolen hit an RBI triple, Byrd could not make the catch as it went into the ivy, Votto would score and Cincinnati took a 1-0 lead.  Then in the top of the 8th inning, Jonny Gomes hit an RBI single to left field, that would bring in Orlando Cabrera from third, and it was 2-0, but not for long.

In the bottom of the 8th, Travis Wood was working on a 2 hit shutout, but after walking the first two batters, Nick Masset came in to replace him.  At the plate was Tyler Colvin, and he would hit a double, that would bring in the two walked batters, and the Baby Bears tied the game up at 2. 

The Reds had a threat when the bases were loaded with 1 out, batting was Orlando Cabrera, and on a 3-2 pitch, he swung at a pitch that was way outside, that would have been ball 4, and a run, but instead it was a strike out.  Then, they were loaded with 2 outs for Joey Votto, on the 3-2 pitch, he struk out swinging at ball 4 in the dirt, the Reds could have got 2+ runs, but no.  It would not matter though.

In the top of the 10th, Drew Stubbs grounded into a force out at second, Jay Bruce was the man out, the Cubs were unable to turn the double play, and that would score Miguel Cairo, the Reds took a 3-2 lead and that is how she finished.

Travis Wood did great, he goes 7.0 innings, gave up 2 hits, 2 ER, 3 BB, and had 4 strikeouts.  However, he gets a ND and the winner is Jordan Smith.

Game two of the series is a pitching match up between Bronson Arryo and Ryan Dempster.  Game time is set for 2:20 PM ET...again.  The game will be televised on FS Ohio.

Reds Win, Despite Trailing 3-0

By:  Cooper Ledford

The Cincinnati Reds were hosting the Philadelphia Phillies in the final game of the three game series, and the final home game before the Reds go on an 11 game road trip before the All-Star Break.  The Reds had a tough task, as the former Cy Young Winner, Roy Halladay was on the hill for Philly.  However, the Reds did well against Mr. Perfect, and won 4-3, here's how.

The Phillies would get all three of their runs off of one swing, that was in the 4th inning when former Red, Dane Sardinha hit a three run blast to left field, and the Phils had a 3-0 lead, but that could not hold off the Battlin' Redlegs.

In the 6th inning, Joey Votto hit a line drive solo home run to right field, and the Reds were on the board 3-1.  Later on, in the 7th, Orlando Cabrera hit an RBI single to plate Ramon Hernandez and advance Brandon Phillips to 3rd, and that would make it a 2 run game.  Then, in the bottom of the 8th inning, with Jonny Gomes standing on 1st with nobody out, Jay Bruce stepped to the plate, and he crushed a home run to the sun deck in right field, and the Reds grabbed a 4-3 lead, and that would be how she finished.

So the Reds take 2-out-of-3 from the defending NL Champs, the Philadelphia Phillies, and will remain in 1st place, but the question is: Will they be tied for 1st, or 1 game ahead.  We will have to be scoreboard watching as St. Louis takes on Arizona.

Back to this game, Arthur Rhodes is the winner as he is now 3-2 and Halladay is the loser, he is 9-7.

Tomorrow, the Reds kick off a 4 game series with the team from the North Side of Chicago, as Travis Wood will make his MLB debut, but the Reds will have another tough task, being Carlos Silva.  Tomorrow's game is at 2:20 PM ET and will be on FS Ohio.

Comeback Falls Short, Reds Lose In 10

By:  Cooper Ledford

In the second game of the series, the Reds had Mike Leake on the hill, and for the Phillies, it was Joe Blanton.  The Reds needed to win this game, as tomorrow it is a pitching match up between Roy Halladay and Aaron Harang, and we all know who the better picther is between those two, and it is the one that plays in the NL East. 

In the bottom of the first, after Brandon Phillips hit a leadoff triple, Orlando Cabrera grounded out to 2nd base, but that would bring in BP, and the Reds took a 1-0 lead, but it would not last.

In the 2nd inning, Mike Leake looked like an OK little leaguer, in MLB terms, that means he looked terrible.  After walking 2 batters, the catcher Brian Schneider hit a three-run home run, WALKS WILL HAUNT, it was 3-0 with the Phillies on top.  Then, in the 4th inning, Jason Valdez hit a three run home run, 6-1 was the score.

Then, in the 6th inning the Reds would get some runs.  Ramon Hernandez hit an RBI double, that would bring in Cairo and Heisey, 6-3 was the score.

Then, going into the bottom of the 9th the Reds were down by 3, and after Brad Lidge got the first two outs, Brandon Phillips got walked and Orlando Carbrera got a base hit, in stepped Joey Votto.  And guess what, he crushed it, I'M TALKIN' 'BOUT A 3-RUN JACK to center field just shy of the power stacks, and the Battlin' Redlegs tied it up at 6.  Holy Cow!  However, the tie game would not last.

In the top of the 10th Arthur Rhodes came on to picth, so an easy inning right?  Wrong.  After giving up a double , and a walk Raul Ibanez came up to the plate, he hit it off the wall in center field, Drew Stubbs ALMOST made the catch, but was unable to, Howard would score from second.  Just like that Arthur Rhodes's scoreless streak ended (whaaa!), which was 30 innings, but more importantly the Phillies took a 7-6 lead.  8-6 would be the score when Ben Francisco hit an RBI single to bring in Jayson Werth, 8-6 was the score with still no outs.  The Phiilies were still not done in the inning, runners were on the corners with no outs, and Jason Valdez laid down a saftey squeez, Raul Ibanez scored, 9-6 was the score.  In this inning, the Reds gave Philadelphia 4 extra outs, a missed catch by Laynce Nix, a missed catch by Drew Stubbs, a dropped throw home by Ramon Hernandez, and a missed catch on a double play oppertunity by Orlando Cabrera, and 3 out of the 4 extra outs meant runs.  Had Nix, Stubbs, and Hernandez all done their jobs, it would be a scorless inning, but that;s not the case as 3 runs came to the plate for the Phillies.

As for Mike Leake, he did pretty bad as he goes 6 innings, gave up 7 hits, 6 ER, 2 BB, and 4 strikeouts.  I should not say he did bad, but he gave up 2 3-run homer which were important.  Mike Leake has not looked all that good recently, hopefully he can get back on track and start pitching better. 

The Phillies starter, Joe Blanton did well for a "bad" pitcher, as he went 7.2 innings, gave up 8 hits, 3 ER, 2 BB, and 2 strikeouts.

The winner is J.C Romero and the loser is Arthur Rhodes.

Tomorrow's game will be televised on MLB Network, and it is Roy Halladay vs. Aaron Harang as I mentioned.  Game time is set for 12:25 PM ET.  If the Reds can win this game I will be shocked.

Benson Arrested. Another Bengal, Another Mug Shot

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Bengals running back Cedric Benson was arrested Tuesday and charged with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a bar employee in the face nearly a month ago.


Benson was booked into the Travis County jail where he later posted bail and was released, authorities said.

According to the Austin police arrest affidavit, Benson was at Annie's West bar in the Sixth Street entertainment district on May 30 when he got into an altercation with another patron that left him spitting blood from a cut lip. After staff intervened, witnesses told police Benson shoved a bar worker and was verbally abusive. After being asked to leave, Benson was escorted to the door.

Benson's attorney, Sam Bassett, said his client "looks forward to telling his side of the story at the appropriate time.''

"Though he does not entirely agree with the version of facts recited in the court filings,'' Bassett said, "he does not wish to make his comments public at this time.

"Mr. Benson has always been willing to cooperate with the Austin Police Department to tell his version of what happened so long as he could have a lawyer present. The Austin Police Department decided to go forward with obtaining a warrant without obtaining Mr. Benson's side of the story.''

Drafted in the first round by the Bears in 2005, Benson spent three mostly unproductive seasons with Chicago before being released in 2008. He signed as a free agent with the Bengals and led the team with a career-high 1,251 yards and six touchdowns in 2009.

Reds Win, Rolen Hits #300

By:  Cooper Ledford

The Cincinnati Reds were starting a three game series with the defending NL Champions, the Philadelphia Phillies, as it is the last home series before going on an 11 game road trip before the All-Star Game.  In game one of the series, the Reds won 7-3, as Johnny Cueto had a stellar night, as he picked up win #8, and Scott Rolen hit his 300th career home run, and also, the Lefty, Bill Bray made his first MLB appearance since 2008 after having Tommy John's surgery, here is how all of the runs were scored.

In the bottom of the 4th inning, Scott Rolen hit a 2-run homer, to give the Reds a 2-0 lead, and as I mentioned, it was his 300th home run of his career, congratulations to him.  Later on, in the bottom of the 6th, Joey Votto hit an RBI single to right field to bring in Johnny Cueto, it was 3-0 Redlegs on top.  Same inning, Scott Rolen hit a sac fly to center field, that would plate Brandon Phillips, and the Reds had a 4-0 lead.

The Phillies would get on the board when Raul Ibanez hit an RBI single after a triple off of the center field wall by Ryan Howard, it was 4-1, good guys still on top.

Cincinnati would then get two runs in the bottom of the 7th, the first run was plated when Ramon Hernandez hit his 8th two-bagger of the season, it scored Drew Stubbs, it was 5-1.  The second run of the inning was off of the bat of Orlando Cabrera, as he hit an RBI single to plate Hernandez, 6-1 was the score.  Then, in the 8th inning the Reds would pick up one more insurance run in the 8th inning, when Chris Heisey hit a sac fly to bring around Jay Bruce, it was 7-1.

Then, in the top of the 9th inning, Bill Bray took over on the hill for the first time in the MLB since 2008, after having surgery on his left arm, as I told you, and after months of rehab, he is back in the big club.  After getting the first two outs, he gave up a base hit to Jayson Werth, then Raul Ibanez made him pay as he hit a 2-run jack to right field, 7-3 was the score, but Bill Bray was able to strikeout Dane Sardinha to end the game, and the Reds hold on to 1st place in the NL Central irregardless of what St. Louis does, and they improve their record to 43-34.

Johnny Cueto got the win, as he is now 8-2, tonight he went 8 innings, gave up 6 hits, 1 ER, and believe it or not, no strikeouts, but it does not matter, as he makes another great start. Kyle Kendrick is the loser as he is now 4-3 and goes 6.1 innings, gave up 8 hits, 5 ER, no walks, and had 4 strikeouts.

Tomorrow the Reds will try and at least win the series, as it is Mike Leake (5-1, 2.92) on the hill vs. Joe Blanton (3-5, 6.53 ERA).  This is a game the Reds need to win, because in the final game of the series, Mr. Perfect, Roy Halladay will be facing off TBA for the Reds.  The pitcher is TBA because Sam LeCure was sent down to AAA Louisville. Anyways, back to game 2, the game is at 7:10 PM ET and will be televised on FS Ohio.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SCOTT ROLEN ON HITTING HOME RUN #300, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO BILL BRAY ON RETURNING TO THE MLB!

Commandos Are The 2010 CIFL Champions!

By:  Cooper Ledford and Jeff Geiser

The Cincinnati Commandos were trying to cap off a great season, as they were trying to bring championship #2 to the city of Cincinnati in 2010, but they had a tough task: beat the Wisconsin Wolfpack in the Title Game.  Wisconsin gave the Commandos their only loss of the season, coming the last week of the season, but this time, the Commandos were able to hold off the 'Pack and capture the CIFL as they won 54-40.  This is the first professional football championship that Cincinnati has had, come on Bengals, make the 2nd, next season.

Back to the Commandos game, they might say that defense wins championships, but not in this game, it was all offense.  However, the Commandos defense tied the record for most interceptions in a CIFL Title game, with three.  

Ben Mauk, Cincinnati's QB,  went 18-29 passing with 195 yards, 4 touchdowns and no interceptions, he easily capture the 2010 CIFL Title Game MVP Award.

Both teams scored on their first drives, but on the Commandos second drive, the ball was spotted on the 1 yard line, and it was 4th and goal, Cincy chose to go for it, but the Wolfpack's front 4 was able to stop Greg Moore.

Cincinnati's defense would take their anger out on Wisconsin when their was a fumble on 1st and 10 from the Wolfpacks goal line, it was recovered in the endzone by Cornett, it was 14-7 with the Commandos on top.

It appeared the Commandos were going to pull away in the second quarter when WR Brandon Boehm snatched the football out of the air between two defenders for a touchdown, increasing Cincinnati’s lead to 20-7.


But Wisconsin quarterback Matt Schabert had other plans. He led the Wolfpack to a six play, 45-yard scoring drive just before halftime, capping it off with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Lewis as time expired and putting Wisconsin right back in the game, with Cincinnati leading 20-14 at halftime.

The third quarter started off on a frenetic pace, with both teams putting together scoring drives in each of its first two possessions, highlighted by RB Ray Jackson’s 48-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

Mauk threw two touchdown passes in the third period: a 27-yard laser to WR Robert Redd on a fly pattern and a 29-yard strike to Boehm to give Cincinnati a 40-26 lead heading into the fourth.

Wisconsin simply would not give up without a fight. After Schabert and Mauk exchanged touchdown passes to make the score 47-33, Wolfpack WR Brandon Wogoman, who broke the CIFL title game record with 14 receptions, returned the ensuing kickoff all the way down to the Cincinnati 5-yard line.

With Wisconsin on the brink of pulling to within one score, DE James Frazier came up with the play of the game when he swiped the football out of Schabert’s hand and Wilson recovered with 7:03 left in the game.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CINCINNATI COMMANDOS ON A GREAT 1ST SEASON.

This will not be the Commandos final season, as some thought it would be a one-and-done deal, but no way, the Commandos will pursue another CIFL Title in 2011.  The Commandos will try and get more publicity, and get better media relations, as they could be on a better radio station, and perhaps even TV.  The Commandos are also trying to get more fans to come to the games (at the Cincinnati Gardens) and might get new logos.

Reds Push Winning Streak To 5 Games

By:  Cooper Ledford

In the 2nd game of the series, the Reds were trying to win their 5th game in-a-row, and that they did.  After a poor outing by starter, Sam LeCure, the Reds got the bats going, and the bullpen did their job, giving the Reds their 42nd win of the season, as they are now atop the NL Central with a half game lead over St. Louis.  Here is how the scoring took place.

In the top of the 1st, Carlos Santana hit an RBI double, that plated Choo, it was 1-0 with the Northern Team on top. 

In the bottom of the 1st, the Reds would tie it up when Scott Rolen hit an RBI single to plate Orlando Cabrera, 1-1 was the score.

The Tribe would take their lead back in the 4th inning when Anderson Hernandez hit a ground-rule double, that plated Jhonny Peralta and brother of Laynce Nix, Jason Nix, it was 3-1 Indians.

The Reds would make it a one run game in the 5th when Micah Owings hit an RBI single to plate Drew Stubbs, it was 3-2.  Same inning, the Reds would tie it up when Joey Votto grounded out to 1st, but that would bring Cabrera home 3-3 was the score.

Cincinnati was able to take the lead in the 6th when Laynce Nix hit an RBI single to plate Jay Bruce, it was 4-3.  But, that was not all Cincy would get in the 6th, infact they would get two more runs.  One run was scored when Cairo hit a sac fly, Nix scored, it was 5-3.  The last run of the inning was plated when "The Speeder" Brandon Phillips hit an RBI single, Stubbs scored, and it was 6-3.

Cleveland would get a run in the top of the 9th when the former Reds, Austin Kearns hit an RBI single, Trevor Crowe scored, it was 6-4.  But, Coco Cordero was able to get out of a two-on, two-out jam, and the Reds win.

The winner is Danny Herrara got the win after going a PERFECT 0.1 inning (ha ha).  Sam LeCure strugled today, as he went just 3 1/3 innings, gave up 6 hits, 3 ER, 4 BB, and 2 K's.

The Reds capture the Ohio Cup (I'd rather the USA capture the World Cup, say you're sorry Ghana!) and will try to sweep the Indians tomorrow, as it is the final game of Interleague play for the Reds.  The game will be at 1:10 PM ET and will be televised on FS Ohio.

Reds Pound Tribe

The Cincinnati Reds were trying to push their winning streak to 4 games, as they were facing the Cleveland Indians.  The Reds were able to pick up a win, 10-3.  Here is how.

In the 2nd inning, Drew Stubbs hit a 2-run home run, to give the Reds an early 2-0 lead.  Then, in the bottom of the 3rd, the Reds would get 3 runs.  The first was plated when Scott Rolen walked with the bases loaded, the next 2 were from sac flys by Jonny Gomes and Jay Bruce, the Reds had a 5-0 lead. 

The Indians would get on the board in the top of the 5th when Carlos Santana hit a 2-run homer, it was 5-2.

The Reds would answer back with a big 5th inning, as they got 4 runs.  The first run was off the bat of Scott Rolen, as he hit a solo home run, his 16th long ball of the season, it was 6-2.  8-2 would be the score after Drew Stubbs hit an RBI single which plated Gomes and Bruce.  Then, to finish things off, Ramon Hernandez hit an RBI single to plate Stubbs, it was 9-2.

The Indians would get another run in the 6th when Peralta hit a solo homer, it was 9-3.

In the 7th inning, Laynce Nix hit an RBI single to plate Bruce, 10-3 was the score, and that is how she finished.

Reds Make Gary Matthews Jr. Signing Official

The Cincinnati Reds and free agent OF Gary Matthews Jr. agreed to a minor league contract and he will report to AAA Louisville immediately. He was cut by the New York Mets in mid-June after batting just .190 and only 1 RBI. This move provides the Bats with some outfield depth and can give the Reds some veteran experience if called upon later in the season. In 2006, he joined his father Gary Matthews Jr. as the 11th father-son duo to play in an MLB All-Star game. Gary Matthews Jr. is a career .257 hitter with 108 home runs, 484 RBI's, and and 95 stolen bases in 4103 career at-bats over the course of 11 seasons.

Kentucky Makes History With Five First Round Picks

The University of Kentucky made history with John Wall being the first former UK player to be the #1 overall pick in an NBA Draft and had five players chosen in the first round which is the most every in one round for a single draft in NBA history. Should do marvelous things for UK in recruiting seeing how quick players can get to the NBA when they come to UK. Here's where everyone from the SWO Sports area who got drafted.

Kentucky Wildcats
John Wall, 1st overall drafted by the Washington Wizards
DeMarcus Cousins, 5th overall drafted by the Sacramento Kings
Patrick Patterson, 14th overall drafted by the Houston Rockets
Eric Bledsoe, 18th overall drafted by Oklahoma City Thunder, traded to the Los Angeles Clippers
Daniel Orton, 29th overall drafted by the Orlando Magic
* All Kentucky Players Drafted In The 1st Round

Ohio State Buckeyes
Evan Turner, #2 overall, drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

Xavier Musketeers
Jordan Crawford, #27 overall drafted by the New Jersey Nets, traded to the Atlanta Hawks

Cincinnati Bearcats

Lance Stephenson, 2nd round #40 overall, drafted by the Indiana Pacers

Reds Update Around The Ball Club

For the first time in his minor league career, Aroldis Chapman pitched out of the bullpen for the Louisville Bats today. The organization decided to see how he would fare out of the bullpen since Edinson Volquez had a rehab start. He pitched two innings and allowed one run, two hits and one walk with three strikeouts. Walt Jocketty, Reds GM said that this is something "We may look at" referring to using Chapman out of the bullpen. Chapman has appeared in 14 games this season for the Bats,(13 starts) and has a record of 5-5 and a 4.12 ERA. He has given up 62 hits and 41 walks while recording 79 strike outs. He is usually limited to a 100 pitch count per game which usually lasts him about 5 innings. Aroldis has struggled with consistency and command so far this season. Advice Edinson Volquez has given Chapman while rehabbing in Louisville was “I told him to be aggressive with a hitter, use the fastball, he can do whatever he wants.”


Edinson Volquez pitched 5 innings and allowed just one run and no walks with one strikeout for the Bats in his rehab start today. He threw first pitch strikes to 9 of the 19 Toledo Mud Hens batters he faced and reached as high as 98 mph on the radar gun. Overall in two starts with Class A Lynchburg and one with Louisville, Volquez has allowed just one run and no walks over 13 innings. When Reds manager Dusty Baker was asked about Volquez and asked if he was eager for his return, he said, "If you get eager, then you'll have a tendency to rush him back out of need," Baker said. "We pay attention. We monitor him. Sure, we'd like to have him back tomorrow. He has to be right when he comes back. And when he comes back, we don't want him to have to leave again." "We just want him to feel no unnecessary soreness, just normal stuff," Baker said. "It'll be nice to have him back -- not just pitching, but to have him here. He's good for your team." Here's what Edinson Volquez had to say, “I feel great right now over there on the mound,” he said. “My arm is ready to go.” Volquez last pitched for the Reds on June 1, 2009. He underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in August. The Reds plan to give Volquez three more rehab starts in AAA Louisville and a return is not set but is possible he could return just after the all-star break as long as he has no unnecessary soreness.


The Reds will push back Mike Leake's next start from Sunday to Tuesday when the Philadelphia Phillies come to town. "We just did it this morning," Reds manager Dusty Baker said Wednesday of the change. "We knew we were going to do that with him. We made a promise to ourselves."  The upcoming pitchers for the Cleveland series will be Aaron Harang starting Friday, Sam LeCure on Saturday and Bronson Arroyo on Sunday. Johnny Cueto will start the series opener on Monday vs the Phillies. Mike Leake's following start will be on the 4th of July vs the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The Reds aim to keep the rookie pitcher at around 170 innings pitched on the year since he has not pitched much beyond that amount of innings before in his college career and he has no minor league baseball experience after making the jump straight from college to the MLB. Reds GM Walt Jocketty said that number of innings they want to limit Leake to is not set in stone as of yet.


Ryan Hannigan will begin a rehab assignment in AAA Louisville on Thursday where he is expected to be there from a week to 10 days. "He's on a program to DH a couple of games and catch a game," Reds general manager Walt Jocketty said. "We've patterned it like that."  Hanigan has been on the DL since May 29 with a broken left thumb. He has been able to hit for several days, but still has pain while trying to catch. He caught Johnny Cueto's side bullpen session this week and warmed up Reds relievers in yesterday's game vs the A's.