Today many of you will fire up a grill, grab something cold to drink, light some fireworks, and celebrate Independence Day. While your celebrating, why not take a stroll down memory lane with some of the greatest 4th of July moments in Reds history (since 1990). Why do these memories only go back twenty six years? Because I would like to do some of the things mentioned above, and Cincinnati has been playing baseball for a long time.
Listed below are five of the most memorable times that the Reds celebrated their independence from other baseball teams with a win. Happy 4th everyone!
"The Drew Stubbs Game"
July 4, 2010
Reds 14 - Cubs 3
This was a simpler time in life. The Reds were in first, the Cubs were in fourth, and Cincinnati had no reason to fear heading to Wrigley Field. Chicago took an early 2-0 lead on a two-run homer thanks to Tyler Colvin. However, from there on out, this one was all Reds. In the top of the third Drew Stubbs hit his first home run of the game. In the seventh, he hit his second. In the ninth, he hit his third. When this one was over Stubbs was 3-5 with three home runs and five RBI. Paul Janish replaced Joey Votto in the bottom of the first, and he did not disappoint with his bat. Janish went 4-4 with 3 RBI, 3 R, and a homer of his own. Corky Miller and Jonny Gomes also joined the long ball party.
When this one was all said and done, the Reds won by 11.
The Battle for Ohio on America's Birthday
July 4, 2004
Reds 5 - Indians 4
The Indians and Reds were both third in their divisions when they hooked up in 2004. Fans probably expected to see fireworks later that night. Little did they know, they were in store for some extra innings fireworks at GABP. Playing the role of hero on this holiday would be everyone's favorite Red, Tim Hummel.
Aaron Harang pitched five scoreless innings before Cleveland broke through in the 6th. Matt Lawton hit a solo homer to give Cleveland a 1-0 lead. The Indians added two more in the seventh on a Coco Crisp ground-rule double (John Riedling was pitching). When the Reds came to bat in the bottom of the 8th it was 4-1 Indians.
However, that's when Cincinnati started to experience a little 4th of July magic. Adam Dunn and Barry Larking singled to give the Reds runners on first and second with one out. Javier Valentin stepped to the plate and drove home Dunn with a double. Larkin came home on a Jacob Cruz groundout, Valentin scored when Jason LaRue reached on an error, and all of a sudden the game was tied heading into the 9th.
In the bottom of the 11th Ken Griffey Jr. started the inning with a single. After an Adam Dunn groundout moved Griffey to second, Indians pitcher Rick White intentionally walked Barry Larkin. White got Valentin to pop out to second, but Tim Hummel won the Battle for Ohio on America's Birthday with a single in to center.
Cincinnati Beats St. Louis, America Celebrates
July 4, 1998
Reds 5 - Cardinals 4
Nothing feels better than beating the Cardinals. But what about beating the Cardinals on a walk-off win? But what about beating the Cardinals on a walk-off win on the 4th of July? In 1998, fans at Cinergy Field got to experience all three.
The Cardinals got things going early in this one thanks to a two-run Brian Jordan homer off of Steve Parris. The Reds battled back when Pokey Resse and Willie Greene drove in runs in the second and third innings. It was all tied up heading in to the fourth.
In the fourth and fifth innings, the Cardinals and Reds traded runs. Tom Lampkin drove in Ray Lankford for the Cards, then Mike Frank drove in Pokey Reese for the Reds. Delino DeShields took the lead back for St. Louis with an RBI single, but Bret Boone tied the game up with an RBI single of his own. Things would stay knotted up until the 9th inning.
Rich Croushore was on the hill for the Cardinals, and he walked Barry Larkin to start the inning. Larkin proceeded to steal second, move to third on an Ed Taubensee bunt single (who was batting cleanup), and scored on a Brett Boone force out.
A hot dog, a beer, and a side of home runs
July 4, 1993
Reds 7 - Pirates 2
The Reds and Pirates both entered this game at least 13 1/2 games back in their divisions. This win was notable for the four home runs that the Reds hit on the day. Barry Larkin got the power surge going in the 3rd with a two-run homer off of Paul Wagner. A four-run sixth put the game away for good, and included solo home runs from Hal Morris and Joe Oliver. Reggie Sanders hit the final long ball of the day in the bottom of the eighth. The Reds went on to win 7-2. Tom Browning picked up the win, and Jerry Spradlin got the save.
Greg Swindell goes the distance
July 4, 1992
Reds 5 - Pirates 2
The Pittsburgh Pirates came to Three Rivers Stadium expecting this to be a day of celebration. Little did they know that Greg Swindell was about to cancel the party (not the 4th of July, but the Pirates winnings party). In a complete game Swindell gave up 5 hits, 2 runs, and struck out 4 on 112 pitches. The Reds put this one away courtesy of a three run sixth inning.
^ this guy was born to win a baseball game on the 4th of July.
Other 4th of July victories:
- July 4, 1997: Reds 4 - Astros 2
- July 4, 1996: Reds 2 - Cubs 1
- July 4, 1995: Reds 10 - Giants 6
- July 4, 1994: Reds 5 - Marlins 1
- July 4, 1991: Reds 10 - Braves 4