Big Innings Propels Cincinnati Over Milwaukee

The Reds before the 6th inning trailing by two after Ryan Braun doubled in Escobar and Chris Lucroy was able to single him in during the fourth. They came off a 4th and 5th inning that saw two base runners (1 caught stealing and the other stranded on both occasions). The Reds had been shutout a league leading 12 times, and this game reeked of 13. After the 6th inning, it was a different story.

The Reds lead off the 6th with the top of the order, who delivered. Brandon Phillips has found his swing and singled to right and stole second to begin things off. Orlando Cabrera walked which brought up Joey Votto with runner on first and second. A single by him scored Phillips and Cabrera went first to third. Johnny Gomes, who has been in a slump lately and really needs to get out of it for this team to be successful, took a right step as he came to the plate and doubled. The score was then 2-2 and backup Migul Cairo came to the plate. Cairo has been a huge player to this team so far, playing for Votto when his neck was hurt and giving Scott Rolen days off. He doubled down the left field line and picked up 2 RBI while doing so. The Reds where still not finished though after that, Cairo found himself at third after a single by Jay Bruce and was Squeezed in by Ryan Hanigan. 5 runs in the 6th, put the Reds up by 3.

Travis Wood, the rookie pitcher without a win despite going 9 innings of scoreless baseball against the Phillies, hit the mound for his 5th start of his career. He impressed many, striking out 5 straight before giving up two runs in the forth. Wood went back out for the 5th and only gave up a single but was taken out of the game after. It seemed a little strange and curious to take him out so soon, he was not hurt, getting hit hard and just had 82 pitches, but manager Dusty Baker felt that his bullpen could take it from there.

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The bullpen has not allowed a run in innings. Today Jordan Smith, Arthur Rhodes, Nick Masset, and Francisco Cordero combined for 4 inning of shut out baseball. For a team that everyone thought should try to trade for help, the young arms in the pen are getting it done. The Brewers had no chance, and finished with just two runs.

As if the 6th inning was not enough, Chris Heisey , Ryan Hanigan, and pitching pinch hitter Mike Leake all got on to start off the 8th. With the bases loaded Brandon Phillips was back at it as he crushed a 3-1 changeup to deep left field that actually hit the slide in Miller Park. The score was then 9-2 that quickly turned to 10-2 when Votto hit his 26th of the year (extending his league lead).

A few thoughts, what can you say about Brandon Phillips. He was horrible in the past week, but have now been getting on base and scoring runs. He talked to the Reds post game guys today and said that he feels that it is his fault when the Reds are not scoring, and says that he takes it personally. Phillips really wants to win, and one can only hope that he can keep it up.

Drew Stubbs, who has 4 strikeouts in the series was sat today. Baker called it a work day, and a break will help the rookie. A good call by Baker in my opinion.

The Reds are now in first place, and will have to wait for the Cardinals to play the Mets before knowing where they will stand at the end of the night.

The Reds will be going back to Cincinnati tonight and will face the visiting Atlanta Braves Friday night. Johnny Cueto (10-2) will face Kris Medlin (6-2). Start time 7:10 ET

By Parker Perry
MLBCenter.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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