The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Edinson Volquez - 8 IP, H, BB, 6 K, 0 R, 106 pitches. This is close to the best start we've ever seen from Volquez. It's the first time he's ever completed 8 innings in a start. The closest he came was last September against the Astros when he pitched 7.1 innings
Key Plays
- Not a whole lot from the Astros on offense. They had 3 base runners all night, and only Miguel Tejada in the first inning touched 2nd base. That's dominance right there.
- The Reds got on the board in the 5th after Laynce Nix hit a triple and was singled in by Adam Rosales.
- Joey Votto led off the sixth with a lazy fly ball to left-center field. Carlos Lee and Michael Bourn suddenly regretted skipping the communication seminar that the Astros put on during Spring Training as they ran into each other, causing Lee to drop the ball with Votto ending up on second base. Nix continued the party with a singled that scored Votto, putting the Reds up 2-0.
- The Reds loaded up the bases with a Jay Bruce single and walks to Ramon Hernandez and Laynce Nix. Rosales got the job done with a fly ball to right field, scoring Bruce and tacking on the final run of the game.
- Francisco Cordero was perfect in the ninth inning, helped out by a strong defensive play at third base by Rosales.
Other Notes
- Edinson Volquez was outstanding. There really is nothing more to say. He is the pitcher we've been waiting for so far this season.
- Rosales had a good game, but we shouldn't overlook the quality performance by Laynce Nix. His 2 hits in 3 ABs with a triple, RBI single, and a walk were critical for the Reds tonight. I'm a Chris Dickerson fan, but I want to see Laynce Nix out there every game against righties until he cools off a bit.
- Francisco Cordero came in and slammed the door shut. I guess it's a lot easier to pitch with a 3-run lead than in a tie ballgame. Must be the whole save situation thing.
- The Reds finish the month of April (off day on Thursday) with an 11-10 record. It's not a dream month, but 5 more months like that and they've got a pretty good season. Still gonna need some more offense for that to happen, I believe.