Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Bronson Arroyo. It was a great day for pretty much all the Reds today, and none more than the Speedwagon. Bronson pitched a complete game, the third Reds pitcher in five games to do so, giving up only two runs and scattering seven hits and three walks. He also hit a bases loaded single to drive in two runs. Honorable mention goes to Scott Rolen.
Key Plays
- The first inning gave us an inkling that it would be a good day for the Reds. Jon Jay doubled with one out for the Cardinals, and then came a key decision. Rather than pitching to Albert Pujols, Arroyo intentionally walked him, and got Matt Holliday to ground into a double play. Then in the Reds half of the inning, Orlando Cabrera led off with a double, and Scott Rolen hit an opposite field home run. Reds lead, 2-0.
- Bronson got another double play to end an inning when two men were aboard in the second inning. This time, the goat was Brad Penny, bunting into a nicely turned 3-6-4 DP.
- Three straight singles from Brandon Phillips, Joey Votto, and Scott Rolen opened the third inning, with Phillips scoring on Rolen's hit. Jay Bruce then struck out, but Jonny Gomes hit a deep fly that allowed Votto to score. Drew Stubbs doubled to put runners on second and third, but Ryan Hanigan grounded out. Reds lead, 4-0.
- With rain falling in the third inning, it seemed like Bronson might suffer a lapse in concentration and let the Cardinals back into the game. Skip Schumaker singled, Jason LaRue walked, and Brad Penny singled to load the bases with no outs. Tyler Greene hit a slow roller to shortstop, and beat out the relay throw from Brandon Phillips when Penny went hard into second base to break up the double play. Schumaker scored. Colby Rasmus hit a chopper to first and a hard charging Joey Votto threw home to catch LaRue in a rundown. Finally, Arroyo got Jon Jay looking on a called third strike, which sure seemed like a generous call from home plate umpire Joe West who likely wanted to get out of the rain. Reds lead, 4-1.
- Despite the rain, the Reds came back out for the bottom of the fifth inning, and effectively put the game to bed. With one out, Jay Bruce singled and moved to third on Jonny Gomes's double. After Drew Stubbs struck out, Penny intentionally walked Ryan Hanigan, only to see Bronson Arroyo hit a bases loaded single that brought in Bruce and Gomes. Hanigan went from first to third, as the Reds are so good at doing, and then scored on Orlando Cabrera's single. Reds lead, 7-1.
- Jason LaRue homered in the seventh inning. Reds win, 7-2.
Other Notes
- This is the first time since July 31, 2009 that the Cardinals have not been in first place.
- The Reds haven't committed an error in the past eleven games, the best defensive streak since 1997. They have the highest fielding percentage in the NL.
- This is the first time Brad Penny has lost at GABP.
- Bronson Arroyo has two hits this season, both off Penny.
- Yovani Gallardo will be pitching for the Brewers tomorrow instead of Tuesday.
- Every Reds starter, including the pitcher, had a hit, except for Ryan Hanigan.
- The Reds did not use their bench or their bullpen at all. Probably just to spite Tony LaRussa.
- The Cincinnati Reds are now first place in the NL Central.