Loading ...Hey, the last couple of batters of last night’s game were pretty fun, huh? The rest of the game was frustrating, but one swing from Junior erased all that.
Edinson Volquez is on the mound tonight after his first stumble of the season in his last outing. If he is back on his game, the Reds stand a very good chance of assuring that the Reds win this series tonight.
Discuss it here….
Hope I’m not stealing Y-City Jim’s job, but here’s the line-up:
Jerry Hairston Jr. ss
Adam Dunn lf
Ken Griffey Jr. rf
Brandon Phillips 2b
Joey Votto 1b
Edwin Encarnacion 3b
Jay Bruce cf
David Ross c
Edinson Volquez p
I hate to see a lineup without Keppinger. Too bad he can’t learn to be a catcher.
I hope Keepinger is not hurt. I kind of like that line up except for Phillips at 4th.
Is that really Jerry Hairston? Or someone else in disguise?
That’s actually a distinct possbility that I hadn’t thought of. I just looked at his career stats for the first time. How strange.
Gameday said injury delay, what happened?
Kevin, thanks for posting the line-up. I had to go to a meeting.
Pitchers’ battle so far. Too bad Votto couldn’t score on the Ross double.
What kind of swing was that by Dunn? Did he even have his eyes open?
I heard George said that Freel was running. I thought the hamstring was torn completely off.
Announcers are saying that Hairston could be the key to the CF spot and offense in future (per Dusty Baker). Good grief, he’ll be hitting at .240 by the end of the season. Let’s hope we don’t have another man-crush at the level of Sorrey Outterson
Dumpy has a penchant for be obsessed with mediocre center fielders. Get a clue, Junior is the key to the CF spot in the future.
I mean…
Thanks for that one, ump!
More great base running
Yep, there went the tie run…no doubt dumpy baker in charge of that…what a fool
As much as I love BP’s energy and enthusiasm for the game, I’m not sure if the upside of his baserunning agresssion (like the time he stole 2nd and 3rd in one go) is worth all the times he throws away his hits.
Home plate ump needs glasses
Stop freaking out, Voltron
Dusty Baker needs to get in that umps face for both that tag and the strike out zone! Play this game under protest, this is crap!!!!
This is horse****.
awful call
I don’t believe a team can play under protest of an umpire’s ‘judgement’ calls. Can only file a protest when you think the umps have made an incorrect rule interpretation.
Edwin must have called him a cocksucker.
Game over, Mike Lincoln
I hate it when a game is decided by the umps instead of the players. What could Edwin have said that quickly to get tossed? There’s nothing worse than an ump that has an authority complex.
Can the official scorer put that as an unearned run? “Unearned run due to umpire being a cock sucker, E-C3.”
I turned it off when the ball sailed over Bruce’s head. What happened? How was there a play at the plate with the guy who was on third to start the at-bat?
Tag notwithstanding, dude was WAY out of the basepath anyway.
That is the worst call I can remember, on top of several bad calls on the K zone. I AM ALL FOR INSTANT REPLAY NOW!!!
Whoever that was posing as Mike Lincoln did a pretty good job getting out of the inning there!
Yeah, that was a horrible call at third. Still, it’d be nice if the Reds would try getting a hit versus these stupid Pirates. This is getting ridiculous.
Do they review plays with umpires so they can get better at their job? That one is perfect to show to the people that decide on whether or not to use instant replay in MLB.
The comeback starts here and now!!!
Does Encarnacion speak English well enough for an umpire to understand what he said?
I just realized he was way out of the baseline.
I’m so sick of George Grande saying “Jerry Harriston”, I could scream.
Okay, I finally saw the replay. Bad call, but it evens out the bad call when Mientkiewicz should have been safe at home earlier.
Actually, I’m just sick of George Grande generally. For everything. He is awful.
Reds need to get mad about something and take frustrations out on a baseball. One thing I admire about Red Sox & Yankees is they play with passion and emotion.
The Reds must have made the home plate and third base umpires mad before the game started. The umpires’ calls have been pathetic so far.
I don’t think it matters that he was out of the baseline. Runners are allowed to round the bases. He didn’t go any further out of the baseline to avoid the tag. But he was tagged.
The Reds have had some hits but they have run themselves out of innings on two occasions. It would be nice for the base running aggressiveness to work on to their benefit.
Dunn broke a bat. I thought he switched back to ash.
I’ve never seen so many broken bats as there have been this year.
These ball bats suck…I’d like to see one sticking out of Dumpy Bakers mouth rather than a toothpick.
Back-to-back walks… Let’s make ‘em pay Reds.
It sure would be sweet if lightning struck twice!!!
I always enjoyed watching Sweet Lou Pinella going crazy on an umpire. Sometimes I think that kind of thing fires a team up, would be nice to see Dusty do that but he’s to calm for that.
Bases loaded! COME ON GUYS!
Bases loaded with nobody out… Over/Under 1 run scored this inning?
Got to get some runs now…. I realize that was a BS call and all, but this is the freaking Pirates. Score some damn runs. If we don’t score more than 6 runs against this team we suck.
Bases loaded nobody out…….everyone make you prediction on how many runs we score this inning……..mine is 3. (optimist)
Josh Fogg shutting out the Pirates AAA team through 8ip, not sure if that’s good or bad as I don’t want him to be up in Cinci
Don’t ground into a doubleplay on the first pitch.
Don’t ground into a doubleplay on the first pitch.
Don’t ground into a doubleplay on the first pitch.
Be a smart hitter here, BP.
Forget Jobu! Do it yourself!
I’ll be the pessimist. BP pops out and then GIDP.
You can’t go out of the baseline to avoid a tag.
Hahah! The ump took one on the chin and looked like he was trying his hardest not to tear up
I say 2. BP will strike out, Votto will get a hit.
Take that ump, foul ball to the face!!!!
Phillips tried his hardest to hit into a double play, but the Pirates will have none of it!
I say 3, get Edinson off the hook.
Musical relievers for the Pirates.
Time to go to Big Jack City!!!
I believe in Votto.
Should have been a run there, no one covered home…
ewww…what a bad guesser I am.
Damn!
Kepp hit it hard enough.
Here’s a list of teams hitting worse than the Reds with RISP and 2 outs:
well, “Big Country” is on third, so he probably wouldn’t have made it.
Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.
Bases loaded, no outs, and they get one lousy run…against the freaking Pirates. I need a new team to root for.
Talk about base clogging, jeesh. At least now they are into the bull pen.
One stinking run. This team is hopeless.
that’s so terrible, bases loaded, no outs, 1 run. yuck.
Oh dear, Dusty at it again…2nd inning with Lincoln in a close game.
Here come the Pirates. I’ve got to think that if Jockety has any balls, he’ll take more control over this team by next year…hopefully by the 2nd half of this year.
2 on now, still no outs… The Reds would manage to score 0 runs here, can the Pirates do the same?
Time to bring Bray in Dumpy, he has been good but often gives up a hit or walk to the first batter he faces. Wonder if Dumpy pays attention to things like that?
Anyone listening to the radio call? Did St. Brandon of Phillippi get any criticism for his pathetic performance as a “run producer”? At least he “made contact,” of course.
You know who’s coming in after Bray, right? Dave Weathers.
Gameday showed two pitches in identical locations during that McLouth at-bat. One fastball was a called strike, the other fastball was called ball 4.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, BOO. UMP GO HOME.
That might well be the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen (non-Reds category)
huh? was Sanchez watching Dusty’s signs?
These two problematic umps look to be about 25 years old. When did they start hiring all these new umps?
Freddy Sanchez given the bunt sign on 0-2? Finally, a coaching staff dumb enough to rival our own!
Brantley & Thom did call out Phillips a little, more in the vein of, “The Reds had the bases loaded, no one out, Brandon Phillips at the plate…and they did absolutely nothing. Well, scored just 1 run.”
Remember everyone this IS the battle for the basement!!
How far Sanchez has fallen in so short a time. From batting champ, to injured, to striking out on a bunt attempt with two on and no out.
Good call mhopp. That really puts things into perspective.
Alright………SCORE SOME RUNS!!!!
And the Pirates pulled a Redleg special…strand two runners with no outs. (It’s a lot more fun when it happens to the other team.)
Lincoln is one to drive you to drinking.
Actually this team is one to drive you to drinking.
I think this is the Pirates’ 14th straight losing season, only the 8th for the Reds…lets look at the bright side
I think the Reds need to go touch the Ohio Cup for good luck and inspiration.
Maybe these game need to be played for the Ohio-Penn Cup. It could be made to look like a commode.
I know Lincoln’s numbers look bad, but I’ve been mostly fine with how he’s pitched this year.
Nasty pitch for J. Bruce.
WOW. A bad call by the homeplate umpire, who would have thought?!
These umps are just brutal
Obviously these umpires are Pirates fans
Get it started, Dave!
We have no bench.
Does anyone else hear the occasional clank-clank in the background of the TV feed? It’s driving me crazy!
Tying run at the plate…that’s something…until they put in Bako as the pinch hitter, that doesn’t necessarily inspire confidence
Wow, it’s not Sorry Outterson to bat?!?!?!
You can’t let the umps be a factor in a game… get hits and score runs and they aren’t a factor.
Sometimes I think Baker bets against the Reds every single day and then does everything in his power to make sure they lose… I think Senator Mitchell should look into that.
High strikes, outside strikes, I’m not sure how the Pirates have actually ever walked a Reds hitter tonight with the strike zone they’ve been given.
Grande trying to rationalize the decision to PH Bako vs a lefty. Implying that Hopper and Javy are being saved for next inning if Marte comes in. But who in the hell are they going to bat for? Griffey? Dunn?
This makes no sense.
Bako sounds a lot like debacle. His hitting is a debacle as well.
Thank you CeeKeR I have honestly thought that since the beginning of the season.
Would you prefer Bako vs. Grabow or Hopper vs. Yates?
Dusty chose Option #1.
Per Prospectus, Lincoln is the Reds second-most-effective reliever.
Predicting the Reds win tonight on a Norris Hopper grand slam HR.
I would have chose to see Yates as this would be another batter for him to see and another pitcher for the Pirates to use…I doubt Yates pitches more than an inning.
I don’t know if I could ever pick a option that involves Bako. He is pretty much overmatched by every pitcher in baseball including those retired from the game.
Bray’s in for his customary 2/3 of an inning.
Opponents bat .239 against Bill Bray. Exclude hits by the first batters he faces and it likely drops to below .200.
He got the first one tonight. He may be moving to a higher pitching plane.
I like Bray, but it seems like they’re afraid to have him pitch to more than three batters in a night.
I don’t think I’d ever pick an option that relies on any of our catchers (at least this year). They’ve all been brutally bad – maybe Arroyo should pinch hit instead.
Bautista a little upset with himself – yelling in Spanish after popping it up.
I would rather see Crappy at the plate than Bako. That should say volumes about PB’s total inability to hit a baseball.
What? No Hopper for Dunn?
I love the pitches per plate appearance stat. Probably the most undervalued stat in baseball.
Nice K Dunn
Did Dunn actually think Wagner would call a ball?
Dunn just stares at a bunch of strikes. What the heck? (Maybe he’s in on Dusty’s betting?)
Chug! Chug! I think I can make it to 2B! I think I can!
I would love if Griffey caught fire the second half of the season and finsihed with 30+ homer with .280 average. Of course who wouldn’t love that.
Tonight is no different then every other night. The Reds get guys on base, but can’t drive them in. Started in the first and the seventh was more of the same. Mind you, Zach Duke is something like 1-18 on the road the last two years.
St. Brandon killed that one.
What makes this struggle even worse is the Pirates are so bad.
BP say TAKE THAT!!!
That was freaking awesome!!!
Phillips with his 14th homerun, and it was clutch!
The only way the Reds can score is on a home run.
Norris Hopper grand slam, it has a nice ring to it.
My mother-in-law can’t stop talking about how good looking Votto is.
Thank goodness. Once again, a game that’s frustrating the whole way up until double & a big homerun in the late, late going.
3-all!
Votto was out almost before Phillips got around the bases. Way to make the pitcher work Votto…
I would love if any Reds caught fire.
God, I’m glad I’m not a Pirates fan.
My MLB.com feed is lagging a little behind RN. I refreshed and got the good news, just in time to see it for myself. BP! GO REDS!!!
YCity-Hate to break it to you but the Pirates have been better than the Reds all year.
Are you related to David Ross? Your constant bashing of Bako gets old. Bako is who he is and has actually performed better than expected. Ross is no Johnny Bench.
Despite the umpire issues we have a tie ball game.
re Y-City Jim: …especially Patterson… Oh that’s not what you meant…
Keppinger always has a loud out.
Kepp’s hits must pick up momentum because that is the second time an infielder has almost been knocked down.
Wouldn’t it be sweet if CoCo was the winning pitcher for the second night in a row?
@Chris #130: Frankly, I’m surprised that Votto hasn’t gotten more attention for that – and I’m secure enough to note that he’s a damn good-looking man.
He should get something going like Grady Sizemore and his “Grady’s Ladies”. Votto’s Hos doesn’t really work, though.
I’m so sorry for that. I apologize.
That was nice.
Votto with an aggresive fielding approach to nail the lead runner. 1 down now…
DA, I had asked my wife about him, and she was non-plussed. Same with Denorfia, who I believe some people were intrigued by. Maybe she just knows there’s no upside in slobbering over a Red.
Fish is a barrel.
Pirate announcers talking about what Dusty Baker is thinking… Clearly they don’t realize that Dusty DOESN’T think.
(and for the record, was Wilson safe at 2nd there?)
Phantom tag by Hairston. Wilson was safe!
Wow. The Pirates have looked really stupid with their game decisions.
Grant Balfour (remember him) just got his first-career save for the Devil Rays tonight. Struck out the side in the ninth and was throwing 96.
Wilson was most definitely safe at second.
I think what may make Votto less attractive to the ladies is that he likes to talk to the voices in his head. It seems to me that during every at bat, he looks up and talks to himself as if there are voices in his head telling him something.
When I took my ex-girlfriend to a Reds game at Wrigley last season, Lohse started and she said he was good looking. I was so pissed.
Maybe Farney lives in Votto’s head while Freel isn’t playing?
Bruce on… How about a sac bunt screwed up twice, and then a walk off homer!
Denorfia? Really? Don’t see that one at all. But I can see that in Votto. It’s that square jaw.
Farney hanging out with Votto?
I think Red Hot Mama was all over Denorfia.
David Ross is not clutch!
Actually, Ross is one of the few Reds that can bunt.
I hope that’s true. I miss Farney since Freel’s always injured.
I had an ex-girlfriend get hit on by Ryan Vogelsong (former Pirate) when she sat near the bullpen in S.D.
Bunt bunt buntitty bunt.
Ross actually gets a good bunt down… That’s the first one of those I remember a Reds player getting down in a long time.
Great bunt.
My wife likes Jared Burton.
Correction on Balfour, second save.
Reds 3-2 since my son was born. Looking for 4-2…
I would go with Hopper, the contact hitter here.
Like I said, Ross can bunt.
So this is what Baker was saving LLM for, I guess.
Ross is good at that.
Bruce worried about getting picked off, I think. Very conservative out at 2b.
Hey, congratulations Chris!
Seriously, why have Valentin bat from the right side? He’s only a “switch” hitter because he doesn’t mind facing left or right in a batting box. He’s no right-handed hitter, that’s for sure.
Deno gets bonus points for the mullet/handle bar mustache combo.
http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/team/player.jsp?player_id=456121
Thanks, DA. When my wife gets back downstairs I’m going to point out that the Cubs are 1-4 over the same timespan. Kid shouldn’t root for a loser.
Nooooo!!! Come on Hairston, don’t disappoint us. We can only hope the guy posing as Hairston comes out to bat, not the real Hairston.
Are you kidding me, Welsh? Pitch around Jerry Harriston to get to Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr? That’s a great idea.
Ugh…and the Reds strand another runner in scoring position. On to extras.
Valentin is one guy that I would like to see go. He can only do one thing, PH, and he has not even been very good at that this year. The Reds have to have the worst bench in baseball.
Ahh, the game of baseclogging.
I guess my gameday feed in Argentina is waaay behind. I’m going to bed.
Hou and Stl both currently losing. Cubs just getting underway.
Pirates 8-3 in extra inning games and riding a 6 game winning streak in extras. Guess they’re due to lose one!
That’s pretty cool Chris. I also have a new addition. My son was born this past Thursday, so so the Reds are 3-2.
We are watching the game together, but he keeps dosing off.
For everyone else without new babies, and I am sure Chris will back this up. Everything you have heard and an infant and sleep deprevation is absolutely true.
Guess who’s got the most extra-inning wins in the majors (by far)
Pirates are 8-3 in extra innings.
or it means they have a good bullpen.
Way to freaking jinx us DA
So…primed for another unlikely comeback. Right?
It may take the Hopper grand slam to win this one.
Dunn gets on. Griffey does it again!
WE can hope!
Lights….Camera….Action!
They even put their same guy in for closer, Matt Capps.
So Dunn’s on 2nd…this is eerie.
A hush fell over the stadium.
Why is Thompson pinch running? Has he ever slid in a professional game? I don’t like it. Too much injury risk.
Should have put Thompson in to run at 2nd
OH MAN!!!
My little 4 year old jumped up yelling “Get outta here” when Griffey just hit.
Is Junior finally starting to put hit the ball hard?
My fault I thought Brantley said Thompson was pinch running.
Phillips with the aggressive baserunning…but he drives in the run so it’s ok with me.
Tie Game!
Goddang Phillips is stupid.
Yes, Brandon! No, Brandon!
Pirates with a very lucky throw to nab BP.
Awesomeness!
He’s getting positively Freelesque.
I am pretty confident that the phrase “Matt Crapps” is being typed all over Pittsburgh blogs.
BP definitely has the talent…but he lacks the “Baseball IQ” by a long shot
Capps probably doesn’t like the Reds much huh?
BTW, Dunn SMOKED that ball. Jeepers.
It all sets the stage for the Hopper grand slam next inning.
I thought it was good running by phillips. Great play by the SS. That was a tough play. The SS was playing in the ground ball. He ran it down all the way near the line and threw a strike right on the bag.
I like BP’s aggressiveness. IF he doesn’t go there, then he will be trying to steal.
Look at the bright side, Dunn would have also scored and now Crappy P. is in the line up! (sarcasm included)
Oh no. David Weathers.
Leadoff double! Here we go…
What? Phillips has made some amazingly smart baserunning plays while with the Reds. Just because the Red Sox scouted well and knew that he might try to steal two bases on The Shift…
Patterson drops the ball in the outfield. (Dunn could have done that).
Weathers gives up a hit too – and in the dugout Dusty is saying “c’mon cover the spread Pirates, cover the spread.”
Well, it’s up to Stormy so I guess I’ll go to bed now.
Jeez. Weathers? No learning curve.
Time to get rid of David Weathers!
Weathers is ridiculous
WOW. We might have the world’s worst outfield (defensively) in right now.
(and why is Weathes in this game?)
Put it on a freakin tee!!
3 straight hits. A homerun and the Pirates will have the cycle off of Weathers.
agree why not Burton, even if he doesn’t have his best stuff. Good night
If Griffey make that play it saves a run.
Weathers’ ERA for July = Infinity!
I step out of the room for 30 seconds and Weathers has already blown it? Jesus.
Fay says teams are looking at him at Affeldt. I’d take bats – even maple bats.
I hope those scouts looking at Weathers are not here tonight or we are stuck.
Why did Burton come out, again? He’s gone more than 1 inning more than 10 times this season and is on 2 days rest.
F Weathers.
It’s going to take Hopper’s slam to win this one tonight.
If teams are interested in Weathers, trade him NOW before they come to their senses! Take anything!
what a effing stiff.
Weathers got an out, stop the presses.
Was that hit-and-run? How else did the runner get down to 2B so quickly on that hard hit ball?
Which is worse for a pitcher:
Being Boo’d or having the crowd sarcastically clap when you finally record an out?
I think the being sarcastically cheered would be worse.
You know I’d love to see Weathers gone but I’m afraid that would mean the return of the Java man and I don’t think I could go through that again.
now the nibbling starts
Yes, hit and run.
Where’s Majew?
someone break Weathers’ legs
Hard hit, routine ball to SS and it is a bang bang play at 1b.
Burton clearly didn’t have it tonight so I don’t have a problem with taking him out. Weathers is awful. He just throws slop up at the plate. Terrible play by Griffey. He should have played it off the hop and the run doesn’t score.
Nice of Dusty to take Weathers out now that he’s gotten two outs…that way he can hear the boos and KNOW they are all directed at him.
We need a couple of Tonya Harding’s thugs to show up at GABP.
On Phillips running last inning that was absolutely the right play. GREAT play by Jack Wilson.
Weathers 1.98 ERA in June.
Dusty Baker should write a book on managing. The title could be “Managing Baseball on Crack.”
So Capps can get the win now. Proof that wins mean nothing (at least in regards to relievers)
It’s Norris Time!!! Set the table up for him, boys!!!
Pirates finally make that third out. Reds have Keppinger, Bruce, and Ross due up. (and we can’t take Ross out)
Here comes that Norris Hopper slam…
Do the Reds have any more comebacks in them tonight?
Pirates have Sanchez on the mound for the save… Brilliant move. They must know the Reds problem with no name pitchers.
Even though a three-run job would suffice.
The Pirates’ pitcher is built like he’s Valentin’s cousin. Just sayin’
1 out.
Be a hero Ross!
Maybe since there are a thousand ball players named Sanchez means he really isn’t a no-name pitcher.
Ross is really starting to hit the ball hard…tough luck tonight..
McLouth may not be able to get out of bed in the morning. It sure looked like he wrenched his back.
Do you believe in miracles?
A double could tie it!
I would IBB Hairston to get to Patterson.
2 on, 2 outs. C’mon Hairston
Unfortunately, I would too Chris.
Is Patterson on deck?
He PR for Dunn in the 10th.
Patterson up.
Game over!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSS Pitch hit Bronson!!!
One run game, but we have to depend on Patterson. I’m not optimistic.
Hairston does a nice job getting a hit, 1 run in…still need at least 1 more!
If Patterson gets a hit, he’ll start tomorrow. Or worse, versus the Nats when I’m there!
Patterson just take every pitch
Please don’t swing at the first pitch Corey
Let Bronson play the outfield if needed too.
I’d give CP the pitcher treatment. Tell him to stand there and pray for 4 balls!
The bat should not leave your shoulder Corey
Don’t swing, Patterson! Maybe you’ll walk!
I was just going to say (type) that Slatts… 2-0 count now, Patterson better be taking the next two pitches anyhow
Come on walk
Give him credit, he was taking all the way at 2-0. He knows his limits!
Good point about the outfield..didn’t think about that..just hate patterson
Just swung at ball 3
Patterson swings at ball 3…then flies out. I hate him.
Routine fly ball! Game over!
This was a winnable game.
Crap. Weathers sucked, but Griffey’s misplay in RF turned a one run inning into a two run inning. GD this team.
What do you know another flyout for Corey Patterson!
Yep, was there ever any doubt. Way to go Corey. You’re the worst.
They should have had Hopper attempt a steal of home. Better odds!
Chris Welsh “The Reds are looking in the mirror when they play the Pirates.” God, does that hurt or what.
#213 above I wrote: “Look at the bright side, Dunn would have also scored and now Crappy P. is in the line up! (sarcasm included)”
Back to the cellar.
I can’t believe they let Patterson swing before he had 2 strikes. He probably would have walked.
Chalk that one up to Weathers.
mhopp-PR Patterson at the time was the right play. You are great at revisionist history.
Third base umpire had something to do with the loss and also bases loaded nobody out scoring only one run and Hairston at third with nobody out in the first and not drivig him in. Face it folks, this team just stinks. Anybody else concerned about Volquez? He might be getting a little tired. Any thought of skipping him one start?
How is Corey Patterson still on this team?