Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Miguel Cairo.  It was nice to see both Joey Votto and Jay Bruce break out of their minislumps and have big games, but Star of the Game honors go to Mr. Cairo.  His two run blast was the difference maker in this taut game.  Honorable mentions to those other two though, and especially to Bronson Arroyo for conquering his Canadian Boogyman.  He went eight strong innings, allowing only one run, five hits, and a walk.  If there wasn't such a hitter's bias around here, he'd probably have won JNMHSotG.

Key Plays

• Bronson Arroyo and Carlos Villanueva engaged in a classic pitching duel, which was a surprise given that Cincinnati and Toronto are two of the best hitting clubs in baseball.  It's an even bigger surprise given that Bronson rarely sees the third inning against the Blue Jays.  But it happened, and each pitcher gave up a single home run as the sole demerit on their sheet.  Arroyo just happened to have the foresight to give his up leading off an inning.  The inning in question was the fifth inning, and Aaron Hill homered out to left field.  Blue Jays lead, 1-0.
• In the bottom of the sixth, Joey Votto hit a one out single.  After Jay Bruce popped out in foul territory, Miguel Cairo - who was batting fifth for a reason only Dusty knows, but it worked - also homered to left field.  Reds win, 2-1.

via www.fangraphs.com

Other Notes

• This was Carlos Villanueva's first loss since Aug. 17, 2009.  He had made 84 appearances without a loss.
• Cairo's and Hill's homers were both their third of the season.