Dontrelle Mom the babysitter's dead. Reds lose, 3-2.

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Dontrelle Willis.  He pitched eight innings and struck out ten.  That's pretty darn good.  Yeah, sure, he gave up three runs, but that's not too many.  Especially considering he also hit a run-scoring triple to get one of them back.  This guy must have kicked a midget to have such bad luck.  Honorable mentions go to Ramon Hernandez (three hits) and Edgar Renteria (for keeping his OPS above .730).

Key Plays

• The Reds loaded the bases but didn't score in the first inning.  This was the third time in four games the Reds have done that.
• They did score in the second, though.  Ramon Hernandez led off with a single, and one out later, Dontrelle Willis hit a triple.  Hernandez huffed and puffed home, and Willis coolly displayed some more power.  Reds lead, 1-0.
• Dexter Fowler, who I kind of want on my team, hit a one out single in the fourth inning, and then Troy Tulowitzki ("Troy Story 3" to his friends) hit a home run.  I'd take him on my team, too.  Rockies lead, 2-1.
• In the bottom of the fourth, Todd Frazier struck out, but made it to first base on Esmil Rogers's wild pitch.  Dave Sappelt hit a single one out later, and then Edgar Renteria lined a ball back to the pitcher.  Rogers knocked it down and threw to second, getting the force out of Sappelt.  Troy Tulowitzki could have thrown to first to double up Renteria, but was distracted by Todd Frazier aggressively rounding third.  Tulo threw to third, and the throw home was in time, but Chris Iannetta couldn't tag Frazier before he touched the plate.  Game tied, 2-2.
• Willis was in a jam in the fifth inning.  Ty Wigginton hit a leadoff single and Chris Iannetta worked a one out walk.  Esmil Rogers then laid down a great bunt, and all the runners were safe.  Eric Young hit a grounder to third, and Frazier came home with it to nail Wigginton.  But then Dexter Fowler singled softly to center, and Iannetta scored.  Rockies win, 3-2.

via www.fangraphs.com

Other Notes

• Esmil Rogers is a converted shortstop.  Jerry Gil is insanely jealous.
• The Reds, as is their wont, went 0-9 with runners in scoring position.
• Willis is batting .400 and has the longest active hitting streak on the team at six games.
• His ten strikeouts were the most for a Cincinnati pitcher this season as well.
• Holy shit!  I don't pay attention to baseball these days, so I missed the part about Rockies pitcher Juan Nicasio breaking a bone in his neck from being hit by a batted ball.  Best of luck in your recovery, Mr. Nicasio.
• Halfway through this series, the Rockies have already hit five home runs.