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This is probably Volquez's second to last start of the season (he should start next on Sunday). He needs 3 more strikeouts to become only the 9th Reds pitcher to top 200 Ks for the season. He also needs only 8 walks to become the first Reds pitcher to walk 100 batters in a season since Mario Soto walked 104 in 1985. In fact, only two Reds pitchers since 1965 have walked 100 batters in a season - Soto in '85 and Bruce Berenyi in 1983. Volquez's first season in Cincinnati has definitely been unique.
If you haven't noticed, the Reds have already topped last season's win total. They've also clinched 5th place in the NL Central for the 5th time in the last 8 years.
The Astros are still technically alive in the Wild Card chase, but realistically they would have to win out and hope for a miracle. A loss tonight and a win by the Mets drops their elimination number to one. I'd say the Reds should do their part to make this happen, but they are 2-10 against the Astros this season and 6-21 over the last two seasons combined. Maybe if they'd stop pitching to Lance Berkman things would change...