Every inch a king, Lehr shuts out Cubs 4-0

by Slyde on Aug 5, 2009 10:15 PM EDT in Game Threads

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Justin Lehr. The 32-year old journeyman minor leaguer, in just his 2nd career big league start, shut out the first place Cubs on just 4 hits and 1 walk.

Key Plays

Brandon Phillips led off the 2nd inning with a single. That was followed by Scott Rolen's first hit as a Red, a two-run home run to deep left center. It was his 9th home run on the year.
The 2nd inning continued with Wladimir Balentien singling and then moving to second on Ryan Hanigan's walk. Lehr attempted to lay down a sacrifice bunt, but it turned into much more as Cubs pitcher Rich Harden threw the ball away, allowing Balentien to score and Hanigan to go to third. Alex Gonzalez walked to load the bases with 2 outs, but Joey Votto struck out to kill the rally.
The Cubs had runners on 1st and 2nd with 2 outs in the 4th after Derrek Lee and Milton Bradley both singled, but Lehr struck out Alfonso Soriano looking to snuff out the threat.
Of the Cubs remaining two hits, Harden doubled with two outs in the fifth but didn't move and Soriano singled in the 7th, but was picked off by Lehr.
The Reds tacked on one last run in the bottom of the seventh as Willy Taveras led off with a single and then HAVOC'd his way around the bases, stealing 2nd and 3rd and scoring on Gonzalez's sacrifice fly.
Despite being over 100 pitches, and being set to face the middle of the Cubs order, Lehr came out to pitch the 9th inning and put the Cubs hitters down 1-2-3.

via www.fangraphs.com

Other Notes

The win tonight ended the Reds 8-game losing streak. It is only the 2nd win in the last 16 games for the Reds and it bookends a home stand where the Reds won the first game and then lost 8 in a row before winning the last game.
Lehr is only the 3rd Reds pitcher in the last 56 years to throw a complete game shutout in one of his first two big league starts. The others both happened back in 1970 - Wayne Simpson (4/9/70) and Milt Wilcox (9/9/70). Clay Buccholz was the last starter to do it for any team (9/1/07), but his was a no-hitter.
Taveras' 2 SB leave him needing only 77 more in the last 55 games of the season to reach 100. It was the 3rd time this season he's stolen multiple bases in a game.
Rolen's home run was also his 9th all time at Great American Ball Park. He now has 19 RBI in 28 career games at GABP.
The off day tomorrow means the Reds will go 2 days in a row without a loss for the first time since ~~July 1st and 2nd~~ the All Star Break.

Final - 8.5.2009	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago Cubs	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	1
Cincinnati Reds	0	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	X	4	5	0
WP: Justin Lehr (1 - 0) LP: Rich Harden (7 - 7)

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Comments

A few notes..

1) 2 days without a loss definitely means the baby is free.

Nice to see that Rolen’s smaller than average brain can still hit the ball.

Great caption.

Rolen’s home run was also his 9th all time at Great American Ball Park. He now has 19 RBI in 28 career games at GABP.

Should be good, eh? With Rolen, I feel like we finally have a legitimate, good veteran on the team. Not to say we haven’t had vets before, but I like rolen.

by jsl413 on Aug 5, 2009 10:22 PM EDT reply actions

I feel the same way

when they made the deal i was excited to have an experienced bat/ glove in the club house.

by AQUABOOGIE on Aug 5, 2009 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Nope

Two days without a loss is not the same as a two-game winning streak.

What, don’t you think Homer can take Lincecum?

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Aug 5, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions

I think Homer can take Lincecum

and we have Scottie 2 Hottie at 3B now. How could we lose?

by Red_Poodle on Aug 6, 2009 1:22 AM EDT up reply actions

by the way

the headline is strictly for RedsMasochist

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Aug 5, 2009 10:26 PM EDT reply actions

Well done sir.

"My brain is almost the size of normal human being," he said. "Almost. Real pleased with that." -Scott Rolen

by RedsMasochist on Aug 5, 2009 10:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I was at the game, and it's some of teh most fun I've had

Justin Lehr was so impressive. I actually missed the Rolen homerun getting ice cream! I think it caused the homerun, though, so maybe it was for the best.

I don’t know what will happen next game, but this one felt really good.

by Red_Poodle on Aug 5, 2009 10:30 PM EDT reply actions

Any goofy fans around you?

by ol Pete on Aug 5, 2009 11:56 PM EDT up reply actions

not too many goofy fans. There was one Cubs guy, but he was sedate enough

his best quote of the night, after BP’s gold love catch, was “right side of the infield is tough tonight!” It was—Votto and BP weren’t letting anything through.

by Red_Poodle on Aug 6, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

I attended this whole series and last night was a huge turnaround from the 1st two games. There were actually more reds fans than cubs, and the reds looked like a totally different ball club last night. Some of the defensive plays were SO impressive. I was proud of our team last night. Hopefully we can get it done in SAN FRAN. and ST. LOUIS

by needlesoap on Aug 6, 2009 9:29 AM EDT up reply actions

yeah, they were really putting in an effort last night

I think if it’s obvious the pitcher is battling, and not out-matched and the pitcher sees the defense strong, it creates a nice bit of positive momentum

by Red_Poodle on Aug 6, 2009 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions

The reds went 3 days without a loss over the ASB

by thevole on Aug 5, 2009 10:31 PM EDT reply actions

ah, good point

I’m a fool

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Aug 5, 2009 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions

regardless, it's equally depressing.

At least tonight was nice.

by thevole on Aug 5, 2009 10:38 PM EDT up reply actions

That was, actually, enjoyable.

Though Wlad was 1-for-4, he hit the ball hard on two other occasions (deep flyout to the wall in right and a stinger down the line at third). I can see what the Reds saw in him and he was definitely worth what Cincy traded away. I’m hoping this turns out as well as I think it could.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on Aug 5, 2009 10:31 PM EDT reply actions

I am impressed by his defense too

Obviously his bat is what determines his value at a corner, but still he plays a mean OF

by Dave from Louisville on Aug 5, 2009 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions

... wow

I forgot what winning was like… What an odd feeling.

People Don't Kill People. Burning Couches Kill People.

by crolfer on Aug 5, 2009 10:50 PM EDT reply actions

watching baseball tonight

and I realize how much better liriano was before the elbow surgery, I know he didn’t have the same procedure as EV but it makes you wonder.

My dogs farts fucking stink bad

by Dave from Louisville on Aug 5, 2009 10:53 PM EDT reply actions

rijo was better before his surgery too

Bloop

by justin007000 on Aug 5, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Here's hoping

Josh Johnson



     IP      ERA     WHIP

06  157    3.10       1.29

07  15.2   7.47       2.42 =TJ Surgery=

08   87.1  3.61       1.35

09  148    2.98       1.10

by Red Menace on Aug 6, 2009 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm going to take no notice of the fact that I didn't watch this game and they won

However, if any of you get a chance to see Los Campesinos! in concert, I highly recommend it. Especially on this current tour, since the female vocalist is apparently leaving the band to go back to school in Wales.

I am normally a strong adherent of the Stuff White People Like tenet of standing still at concerts, but I was bopping all around like a muh’uhfucker tonight. And I got a chuckle out of the cute girl next to me when only the guitarist came out first. “Solo show tonight,” I quipped. “El Campesino.”

And yes, I was at least a decade older than everyone else in attendance.

by Brendanukkah on Aug 5, 2009 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

awesome...

i’m seeing them saturday at lollapalooza. it will be my second show of theirs. i told you to bring your dancing shoes… :)

by GrooveLeg on Aug 5, 2009 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions

And yes, I was at least a decade older than everyone else in attendance.

I know what that’s like … but then I go buy a beer and flaunt it.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on Aug 5, 2009 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Good plan

Never heard these guys, I’ll have to check them out

Isn't there a slanket somewhere you should be filling with your farts?

by nycredsfan on Aug 5, 2009 11:06 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

second'd

People Don't Kill People. Burning Couches Kill People.

by crolfer on Aug 5, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

hmm, they're coming to town on the 12th

and I wouldn’t have known if you didn’t post this. I really like them, so I’m going to go and find out where the high school girls hang out.

by Cy Schourek on Aug 5, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Yus!

F-ing love LC. "WE KID OURSELVES THERE’S FUTURE IN THE FUCKING, BUT THERE IS NO FUCKING FUTURE!’ Sorry. I’ll stop now. But, I saw them in Boston like 3 months ago. Drove forever from Cinci to get there. Totally worth it. They’re definitely a 20-somethings wet dream. So hip, it hurts.

"Taco fillings!"

by Lucky Pierre on Aug 6, 2009 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions

Wait a second...

I despise hipsters – am I going to hate myself if I go to this show?

He sits alone...Reds are not home.

by Gapper on Aug 6, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions

I'll look for your name in the news

You will likely burn the venue to the ground. The angst levels will be toxic. The snarkiness will destroy you. I’ll PayPal you 2 dollars for every pair of too-tight jeans or ironic t-shirt you find. I’m going for broke.

"Taco fillings!"

by Lucky Pierre on Aug 6, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

I also missed this win for music

and I can also heartily recommend the raucous Davila 666

Will you stop it with the vegetables

by Man Mountain on Aug 6, 2009 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions

lehr ftw!

shark week ftmfw!!!

by GrooveLeg on Aug 5, 2009 11:01 PM EDT reply actions

Suddenly, that famous Volquez-for-Hamilton deal has lost its luster

So sayeth Jonah Keri:

Plagued by a torn abdominal muscle through much of the summer, Hamilton’s ‘09 campaign looks like a track off Tony Batista’s greatest hits album. He’s hitting just .226/.277/.377 for the year, often looking completely lost at the plate. Before Monday’s two-hit performance, Hamilton had collected six hits in his last 53 at-bats, with no home runs and 14 strikeouts. With Texas trailing the Angels and Red Sox in their playoff chase, one can’t help imagine what might’ve happened if Hamilton were still bashing balls into the seats at Rangers Ballpark, instead of flailing weakly at breaking balls out of his reach.

Volquez wishes he could be so lucky. The Reds’ righty lasted nine starts before leaving his June 1 start with what was originally reported as a back injury. The diagnosis was soon changed to a numb, tingling sensation in his fingers. Then it was elbow tendinitis. Three weeks later, Volquez shut down his rehab when his elbow pain persisted. After some encouraging long-toss sessions, he pitched a simulated game last week, but didn’t make it through his scheduled 80 pitches. Finally, the news no one wanted to hear: Volquez needed Tommy John surgery. The procedure was completed on Monday, and the most optimistic timetables now call for Volquez’s return next summer.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Aug 5, 2009 11:09 PM EDT reply actions

woo danny herrera!

by GrooveLeg on Aug 5, 2009 11:12 PM EDT up reply actions

good point

I’d say we came out ahead, when you count little Danny Ray. At least for this year.

All Things Bubba: Because how can you not love a baseball player named Bubba?

by BubbaFan on Aug 6, 2009 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Makes you think...

If they would have caught the tendon issues when they thought it was a back issue…

by jsl413 on Aug 6, 2009 12:12 AM EDT up reply actions

Guess to get on sportscenter you have to

1) play the Cubs

2) have a guy throw a CG shutout in his 2nd career start

Isn't there a slanket somewhere you should be filling with your farts?

by nycredsfan on Aug 5, 2009 11:09 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

I was atleast two decades older than any RR's at the Burger Madness get together at Quatmans

After a very long drive I finally the place and was greeted warmly by a Scott Rolen Home Run. After several pitchers of so-called beer and about a 6 hour wait for overly done church festival burgers which I actually ate..it was time to watch BP get thrown at 3rd base. the Atmosphere at Squatman’s was lowbrow to say the least…the cuisine wanting and thepatrons…well I publish my pictures later.
It was great win tonight the only thing missing was Jonny Gomes…but hey

i personally do not reccomend Squanto’s

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
George Carlin

by Madville on Aug 5, 2009 11:16 PM EDT reply actions

by GrooveLeg on Aug 5, 2009 11:20 PM EDT up reply actions

a quick recap

*well done burger, meh

*pitchers of hudy delight, double meh

*trailer park side boobage hanging low, sweet chariot…..infinity meh

at least the Reds had one helluva game this evening. im surprised Mads didnt comment on his bowl of vegetable soup. all of us were way, way too scared to order Mock Turtle Soup.

"I piss excellence"

by obc2 on Aug 5, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions

I think he did comment on it, in a way

"We, as for me all seasons you are affected peculiarly in the edge of my seat and are happy concerning the fact that the Adam Dunn fan has been mixed up exactly." - Reynard-san

by BK on Aug 5, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions

OK so the soup was ..................

I had no choice but to drop two baggies of oyster crackers (completely inappropriate conciment for vegetable soup btw) into the soup so that the 3 week old grease floating on top could be neutralized.

Tasted like rather spicy mushy cardboard.

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
George Carlin

by Madville on Aug 6, 2009 1:49 AM EDT up reply actions

i didnt watch this game...

I’m going to try this again Friday I believe.

How much longer til Dusty's gone?

by in_Votto_We_Trust on Aug 5, 2009 11:20 PM EDT reply actions

i am kinda disapointed the streak is over

but i am really happy for Justin Lehr. He may never see the light of a chartered flight again, but tonight he was a star.

Bloop

by justin007000 on Aug 5, 2009 11:24 PM EDT reply actions

Nah, there's a good chance he'll end up living near an airport

by Brendanukkah on Aug 5, 2009 11:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Here to bring him back to earth after tonight

I once defended the managerial styles of Jerry Narron after a Reds loss in a bar after a long night of drinking. I wish I could say that I don't remember doing that.

by chazerize on Aug 5, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions

12-6 yak!

by GrooveLeg on Aug 5, 2009 11:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Good work thine sweet princes of the west

Ye kings of Losantiville.

Votto is still awesome right?

by RijoSaboCaseyWKRP on Aug 5, 2009 11:35 PM EDT reply actions

he is still awesome

and will be until they stop making maple syrup in Canada—and that isn’t going to happen anytime soon!

by Red_Poodle on Aug 6, 2009 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Just wait for global warming.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Aug 6, 2009 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions

actually, I think the Canucks are terra-forming Ohio

just think, there is a Tim Hortons near Columbus and this has been one of the coldest summers on record! They willl be beneficent conquerors, though, so we don’t have much to fear ;)

by Red_Poodle on Aug 6, 2009 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions

Healthcare for all!!!

"It seems like we're not hitting because we're not getting hits." - Dusty being Dusty

by Slyde on Aug 6, 2009 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions

and, best of all

the Space channel. It’s so much better than SyFy (or wahtever they call it now)

by Red_Poodle on Aug 6, 2009 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions

the spice channel!

Made from 100% Recycled Awesome,

by 'tHan on Aug 6, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions

socialist....I mean sure a healthy socialist, but a socialist nonetheless

by timb116 on Aug 6, 2009 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions

There are Tim Hortons everywhere in Columbus.

Most are attached to a Wendy’s or Coldstone

I have robot insurance.

by 3 Fast 3 Furious on Aug 6, 2009 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions

That's because Dave Thomas done bought TH just before he died.

Thomas was also a pretty big hockey fan, which only adds leverage to Poodle’s theory.

Eighty-five percent of the f*ckin' world is working. The other fifteen percent come out here. A f*ckin' playground for the cocks*ckers.
-Lee Elia on Cubs fans

by Farneyismycopilot on Aug 7, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions

terraforming? Cana-forming, maybe.

Everybody's a jerk. You. Me. This jerk.

by andromache on Aug 6, 2009 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions

Hmm

Anyone know if Joey Votto uses a maple bat?

by Brendanukkah on Aug 6, 2009 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions

or maple syrup instead of pine tar?

by Red_Poodle on Aug 6, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Lehr has had a decent #5 level outing

and now tonight the game of his dreams.
The fucker throws strikes and isn’t afraid to get ahead of the hitter.
Is he great…well small sample size says he’s better right now than Owings…

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor.
George Carlin

by Madville on Aug 5, 2009 11:38 PM EDT reply actions

rumor is Lehr is on the Nasty Hook this evening

and tearing shit up. good on ya, mon.

"I piss excellence"

by obc2 on Aug 5, 2009 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions

by chazerize on Aug 5, 2009 11:44 PM EDT reply actions

Tombstone version, fyi

I once defended the managerial styles of Jerry Narron after a Reds loss in a bar after a long night of drinking. I wish I could say that I don't remember doing that.

by chazerize on Aug 5, 2009 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions