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Reds finally decide to start their season, dismantle the Astros 10-4

You want a shot at the rotation next year?  You're going through this man. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

More photos » by Pat Sullivan - AP

You want a shot at the rotation next year? You're going through this man. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Matt Maloney, of course.  Matty went 7 strong innings, giving up only 2 runs on 6 hits, and walked nobody.  He struck out 4, and probably could have gone another inning, since he was only at 93 pitches and had an 8-run lead, but Dusty yanked him in favor of unproven bullpenners.

Key Plays

  • Joey Votto struck early for the good guys, hitting his 23rd home run of the season to give the Reds a 1-0 lead. 
  • The Reds broke out in the 2nd for 5 runs in the 2nd, and ended up chasing former Red Brian Moehler (remember that?) out of the game in the 3rd, giving the Reds a 7-1 lead.
  • Jay Bruce's solo shot in the 5th and Wladimir Balentien's 2-run single in the 6th gave the Reds 10 runs, and free wings for Astros fans.
  • After Maloney left after the 7th, Pedro Viola gave up 2 runs in the 8th.  That was pretty much the game.

290925118_reds_astros_143327890_lbig_medium

via www.fangraphs.com


Other Notes

  • Matt Maloney put together another great start, and is now firmly in the conversation for the 5th starter spot next year.  If he keeps pitching like he did today, he's got my vote.  His ERA is 2.65 over his last 3 starts, and he put together his longest outing of the year this evening.  Also, he's only walked 1 batter in those 3 starts. 
  • The Reds 17 hits was the second highest total of the season, one less than the 18 they had in Arizona and it ties the 17 they had in Milwaukee.
  • 6 Reds players had multiple hits, including a 3-for-5 night from Juan Francisco, who filled in for Scott Rolen, who was a late scratch.  The other 5 were all names we should all start getting used to, in Drew Stubbs, Paul Janish, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and My Wladdy Balentien.  Speaking for myself, it feels pretty good to see all those guys performing well on the same night.
  • Jo-eh drove in 4 of the Reds 10 runs. 
  • All 9 of the Reds starters had at least one hit.
  • Jared Burton pitched a perfect 9th.  This is a good sign, I think.
  • Reds win their 5th game in a row, and 9 of the last 11.  Too bad the season doesn't start in September.
  • Rick Sweet was in uniform in the dugout as well.  You may remember him as the manager who took Louisville to the playoffs this year.

0 recs  |  Comment 67 comments |

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Our backup pitchers have been quite a surprise this year

Bailey coming into his own… Wells, Lehr and Maloney pitching insanely well. This is kind of exciting.

Needless to say, this didn't work and everybody died.

by SullivanSmith on Sep 26, 2009 12:35 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

it definitely is

a lot better than a limp to the finish like the poor Pirates

by Red_Poodle on Sep 26, 2009 1:14 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Bailey is not a backup pitcher

I’d bet my left testicle he comes out of spring training next year as the #3 starter at worst.

/ashdustylovechild

"I'm going to become rich and famous after I invent a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet"

by jch24 on Sep 26, 2009 2:09 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

i think he meant this year's backups

since the reds opened the season with a rotation of Harang-Volquez-Cueto-Arroyo-Owings, and now they have a rotation of Arroyo-Cueto-Bailey-Maloney-Lehr-Wells. In that sense they are back up pitchers since they didn’t open the season in Cincinnati’s rotation.

The Reds need a new manager, one like Putin.

by justin007000 on Sep 26, 2009 2:19 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, but what am I going to do with your left testicle if you lose?

"And then there was the USAID guy in Kandahar who drove a giant pink Cadillac, which the locals set on fire one day. If you wanted to destroy something symbolic during a riot, you just could not do better than that. Good stuff." - Ghosts of Alexander

by Cy Schourek on Sep 26, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

yeah, but what am I going to do with your left testicle if you lose?

"And then there was the USAID guy in Kandahar who drove a giant pink Cadillac, which the locals set on fire one day. If you wanted to destroy something symbolic during a riot, you just could not do better than that. Good stuff." - Ghosts of Alexander

by Cy Schourek on Sep 26, 2009 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Get rid of that damned echo?

"I'm going to become rich and famous after I invent a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet"

by jch24 on Sep 26, 2009 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

So who did JD interview?

Maloney, Bruce, Votto? Maybe Francisco? It feels good to have so many people contributing to a solid win.

by Red_Poodle on Sep 26, 2009 1:15 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Bruce

"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 Sep 26, 2009 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thought they might go for Bruce

it’s been a while since he’s hit a homerun

by Red_Poodle on Sep 26, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

8-0 to 81, right?

All we need is a Jim Tressel Big 10 season in order to break the losing season streak.

"And then there was the USAID guy in Kandahar who drove a giant pink Cadillac, which the locals set on fire one day. If you wanted to destroy something symbolic during a riot, you just could not do better than that. Good stuff." - Ghosts of Alexander

by Cy Schourek on Sep 26, 2009 1:23 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Another Reds sweep in Astrodome?

What a show. More of a case of bad Houston pitching than Reds bats all coming to life. Maloney had a good outing. Reds need at least a lefty starter on the mound. The other lefties (Herrera, Viola and Rhodes) can’t do it. El Nino had 3 hits! More hits than strikeouts now. Despite behind by a bunch, you can see veterans like Berkman, Lee, Matsui, still performing and didn’t quit. Dusty, you need to instil that winning attitude in the players. You cannot let up. There is nothing wrong with keep winning till the end of the season. When the Astros are down, you just have to make sure that they continue to be down.

by Richard L on Sep 26, 2009 1:43 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

i am loving this winning

but a high draft pick woulda been nice too.

The Reds need a new manager, one like Putin.

by justin007000 on Sep 26, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

**boot to the ass**

"I'm going to become rich and famous after I invent a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet"

by jch24 on Sep 26, 2009 2:13 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hey, Kids!

Long-time lurker, first-time poster. Just want to take the time to curse whoever quoted Billy Joel in the game thread. That damn song’s been in my head for hours! A curse on you!

by poojols on Sep 26, 2009 2:40 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Billy Joel can blow me

Jay Bruce will become a major league baseball STAR, starting in April, 2010.....

by Madville on Sep 26, 2009 6:10 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

better than my

"Some times you get lucky; some times you get Willy Taveras." - Teh Fay

by joshuar9476 on Sep 26, 2009 7:24 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

.... "more than a feeling" by Boston from the other night? (damn enter key)

"Some times you get lucky; some times you get Willy Taveras." - Teh Fay

by joshuar9476 on Sep 26, 2009 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

WTH, dude...

I’d just gotten rid of that.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 26, 2009 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hi, hello, & welcome

That would be me, if you want to curse me you’re going to have to take a number. :)

"I'm going to become rich and famous after I invent a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet"

by jch24 on Sep 26, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I researched it and the next number is down to #737

Jay Bruce will become a major league baseball STAR, starting in April, 2010.....

by Madville on Sep 26, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Dedicated research there, Mads.

That’s why we appreciate you here. All your hard work.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 26, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

This team is better than the "experts" think.........

I know they’ve beaten up on the lowly Pirates and Astros……..BUT……

What I’m impressed with this season is the fact that they have so many potential “additional” starters in Bailey, Lehr, and Maloney. Those 3 have gained TONS of learning experience at the end of this season, and it shows in how much they have progressed. As bad as Houston is……….they have some serious offense on that team………to shut them down is definitely a positive. And they’ve seen Maloney before.

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again. In 1989……..the Reds had a ton of injuries and the minor league system was fleeced for all it was worth. I remember Luis Quinones getting used at about every position. We all know what happened in 1990……..WORLD SERIES TITLE. I’m not predicting the same result, but I am lauding the experience that guys like Rosales, Janish, Dickerson, Francisco, Stubbs, and others have gained during the injury ridden season of others. The major league experience they’ve gained is invaluable.

If the projected starters can play 90% of the games next year, the remaining 10% will be covered by experienced backups, based on this season.

Our bullpen is solid. Our starting rotation is better than most experts think, and our backup starters will be more experienced based on this season.

I’m not picking this team to win the World Series next year, but I do think they will be more than better prepared to contend.

by Dude Rock on Sep 26, 2009 4:22 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

yes you are ... deep down inside you really are ...

"Some times you get lucky; some times you get Willy Taveras." - Teh Fay

by joshuar9476 on Sep 26, 2009 7:26 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Old Yeller

What a lame fucking POS movie…if you ask me it there would have been reason for pathos if little Timmy (or whatever his name was) has contracted hydrophobia and had to be shot by his skaggy Mother.

Jay Bruce will become a major league baseball STAR, starting in April, 2010.....

by Madville on Sep 26, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

milwaukee beat the phils last night ...

come on philly, help us out here

"Some times you get lucky; some times you get Willy Taveras." - Teh Fay

by joshuar9476 on Sep 26, 2009 9:05 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

The race for 3rd continues!!

The low BB rate for Maloney is a good sign. If he can keep the homers under control, he could be really solid. He doesn’t need to K that many with the defense that’s behind him.

I'mma let you finish, but....

by nycredsfan on Sep 26, 2009 9:39 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions   0 recs

He's been keeping hte ball in 'down' zone the lst two games as well

Jay Bruce will become a major league baseball STAR, starting in April, 2010.....

by Madville on Sep 26, 2009 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Free wins for everyone!

The great thing about being a mod is that now I can just correct typos instead of being limited to making fun of them in the comments.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Sep 26, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions   0 recs

Mods suck

"I'm going to become rich and famous after I invent a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet"

by jch24 on Sep 26, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

more mods = more original content!

"Plain and simple, I wake up in the morning and piss excellence"

by obc2 on Sep 26, 2009 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

is your ONE wish more original content?

"I'm going to become rich and famous after I invent a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet"

by jch24 on Sep 26, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you broke his heart

The Reds need a new manager, one like Putin.

by justin007000 on Sep 26, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

5 comments ftw!

Made from 100% Recycled Awesome,

by 'tHan on Sep 26, 2009 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

We win 10-4

And you still have to throw in a line bashing Dusty. Incredible.

by npb1985 on Sep 26, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

I didn't read it as a bash

but more of an observation with flavor. Got to have flavor in your recap

by Red_Poodle on Sep 26, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Do you think if the Reds won 95 games next year,

we’d still hate Dusty as much as we do now?

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 26, 2009 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I would

I would detest dusty if the Reds became the first undefeated team in the history of MLB.

by Dawg Pound on Sep 28, 2009 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It wasn't meant that way at all

Nothing wrong with him pulling Maloney after 7 innings, especially when it’s in favor of giving innings to guys like Viola and Burton who can help us next year. Lighten up, we won!

"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 Sep 26, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Plus

Maloney isn’t far removed from that nasty blister. I don’t mind seeing him pitch a bit less than he would if the games actually mattered.

Let me write out a formal proof for you.

by Gray on Sep 26, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

bashing dusty is what we do best ...

… well, that and burger tours, taunting milwaukee fans, and voting “boobs” in every poll.

"Some times you get lucky; some times you get Willy Taveras." - Teh Fay

by joshuar9476 on Sep 26, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Just checked the Reds' website.

It has a story from MLB.com writer Michael Murphy talking about how well Masset’s done after we picked him up from Milwaukee for David Weathers.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 26, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

ok, so I read the story

and the writer has it right, but the blurb has it wrong.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 26, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yep

On the front page:

Going for their sixth straight win tonight on MLB.TV at 7:05 ET, the Reds can turn to Nick Masset, acquired from Milwaukee in August, if they need late-inning relief vs. the Astros.

And in the game preview:

The Reds knew Nick Masset had lights-out stuff, and the way he’s adapted to a bullpen role has them feeling good about trading David Weathers for the young right-hander.

Way to go, MLB.com

"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 Sep 26, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Griffey and Weathers DO look a lot alike

and have similar career statistics and everything. Honest mistake.

"And then there was the USAID guy in Kandahar who drove a giant pink Cadillac, which the locals set on fire one day. If you wanted to destroy something symbolic during a riot, you just could not do better than that. Good stuff." - Ghosts of Alexander

by Cy Schourek on Sep 26, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

July '07, August '08

same diff…

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 26, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you mean july '08

august ’09?

The Reds need a new manager, one like Putin.

by justin007000 on Sep 26, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

as he said

same diff…

"And then there was the USAID guy in Kandahar who drove a giant pink Cadillac, which the locals set on fire one day. If you wanted to destroy something symbolic during a riot, you just could not do better than that. Good stuff." - Ghosts of Alexander

by Cy Schourek on Sep 26, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Learn to Spell- Diffie

Jay Bruce will become a major league baseball STAR, starting in April, 2010.....

by Madville on Sep 26, 2009 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

I often can't remember what year it is.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 26, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

It's 2009 right now.

But earlier, I guess I thought it was 2008.

"If it wasn't this, it'd be something else."

by ZJiff30 on Sep 26, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

you might have early onset dementia

The Reds need a new manager, one like Putin.

by justin007000 on Sep 26, 2009 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why does Fox think I would want to watch Red Sox - Yankees instead of Giants - Cubs?

"I'm going to become rich and famous after I invent a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet"

by jch24 on Sep 26, 2009 5:40 PM EDT reply actions   0 recs

because they are a bunch of cocksuckin assholes

The Reds need a new manager, one like Putin.

by justin007000 on Sep 26, 2009 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

rec'd

I’m so tired of watching the Yankees and Red Sox. I could possibly appreciate one or both of those teams if they weren’t shoved down my damned throat at all times.

"I'm going to become rich and famous after I invent a device that allows you to stab people in the face over the internet"

by jch24 on Sep 26, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

Hmm

Looking at it in that light, I can see why my wife refrains from frequent BJs these days.

by Dawg Pound on Sep 28, 2009 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions   0 recs

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