Jay Bruce Stands Out…Reds Win 6-4

The Reds went into Minute Maid Park with a 17-5 record against the Astros dating back to last season. Make it 18-5. The Reds trialed early after Hunter Pence shot a single into center field to bring in Angle Sanchez in the first. Pence continued his productivity all night, as he went 4 for 5 with 3 RBI and a 2 run homer, certainly the player of the game for Houston.

The Reds were able though to clinch the lead in the 4 th when Jay Bruce hit a deep sac fly to bring in the Reds first run, his first of 2 RBI. Catcher Ryan Hanigan later brought in Johnny Gomes and Miguel Cairo with a 2 out single to give the Reds a 3-1 lead. Cincinnati then regained a two run lead (Hunter Pence tagged and advanced home on an extremely shallow pop up to right in his own half of the 4th to bring Houston within a run) after Joey Votto hit a solo shot, his 24th homerun of the season, in the 5th.

The bullpen was able to hold down the fort, after Wood threw an impressive 6 innings. Logan Ondrusek, an early inning bullpen pitcher, picked up his first career win. And Francisco Cordero in his own exciting way (gave up a hit and a walk to bring up the winning run) was able to close out the 9th and the game.

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Both Jay Bruce (a native Texan) and Johnny Gomes were impressive and clutch. Something missing from the middle of the line up for the better half a month. Unfortunately for Reds starter Travis Wood, he was once again unable to pick up his first career win. Wood threw a 9 inning shutout against Philadelphia and only gave up 1 run against Colorado, but despite this, the Reds have failed to give the guy any run support, and he is stuck with his 0-1 record.

Astros Pitcher Bud Norris record falls to 2-7, and ERA is over 6 now. As mentioned before, Norris was able to keep the Reds cold offense down until the 4th, where 2 walks haunted in the end.

Tomorrow Reds ultimate nemeses Roy Oswalt (who is 23-2 lifetime against Cincinnati) takes the mound, unless he is traded beforehand (wishful thinking I’m sure). Reds may have to send out reserve Sam Lecure, due to Johnny Cueto battling the flu.

By Parker Perry
ProBaseball-fans.com Cincinnati Reds Correspondent

As always, you can email me at Parker.Perry17@gmail.com for comments or concerns…..Always a Reds Fan

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