Monday, August 29, 2011

Nationals Waste Reds' Time, Get Swept Reds 4-3

The Reds waited a while yesterday before holding the semi-annual dog/broom fight in the middle of the infield. The broom, as the Reds swept the series with the Nats, was deemed victorious.

The Reds took all of 13.5 innings to get the win yesterday, with Votto concluding things with a solo shot to left leading off the 14th. That was his second bomb of the day, giving him 26 for the year. He continues to pile up the power numbers. Bruce also went deep, intending to keep his hold on the team lead. He has 28. Alonso, however, allowed Votto to be the hero with a solo shot off Nats' closer Drew Storen in the bottom of the 9th. The game-tying bomb was necessary because Masset, and surprisingly, Chapman, favored extending the game with each giving up runs in the 8th and 9th. Dusty got tossed for the second time this year for yelling about Stubbs getting thrown out at second. That's the reason he wears those turf shoes, so he can quickly get from the dugout to the field and let the umpires know of his displeasure.

Leake picked up his 11th win of the year Saturday when the Reds won 6-3 on a bunch of singles. And, though the team again denied Willis his first win of the year, Cairo's one-hop of the wall in the 9th scored Stubbs with the winner. Of note, Willis was 3 for 3 and was hitting (prior to his pinch hitting at bat yesterday, where he struck out) .450. That's a pretty good swing for a thrower.

Reds welcome the Phillies in town this evening. I forget if they've quit trying yet or not. Probably not with the Braves hanging around somewhere in the vicinity. The Reds prefer to play team who have already given up - either due to a season of poor play or based upon a clinched playoff spot. The Reds are back to one game over .500 and only 13 back. No reason to give up hope yet, the Braves are only 25 games above even. Reds! Reds! Reds!

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