Bats bop Bulls 5-2 to even series at 1
Chris Valaika, Chris Heisey, Todd Frazier, and Danny Dorn each had two hits to pace the offense, while Ben Jukich, Enerio Del Rosario, and Logan Ondrusek held the Bulls to six hits. Game 3 is tonight in Louisville, with some RRs expected to be in attendance. Sam LeCure (10-8, 4.46 ERA) starts for the Bats against southpaw Jason Cromer (7-3, 2.25).
Trent's Preview of Reds at Cubs, 9.11-9.13
Time to close the book on a forgettable visit to Colorado and finish the road trip in the Friendly Confines. I didn't realize all three contests are day games. Lehr, Cueto and Bailey will face off against Hardin, Wells, and Lilly. Trent reports that Owings flew out to Chicago and will work out with the team before today's game. Not much from the other local writers with the get away day yesterday.
Redleg Nation | Some Numbers for Marty Brennaman
As has been said plenty around here, the run-scoring problem is not performance with RISP. It's the lack of baserunners. Many of the small-ball numbers (sacrifice rate, GIDP rate, number of strikeouts, and even "productive outs") actually favor the Reds.
Dunn's 36th paces Nationals over Phillies
With 22 games remaining, Adam Dunn is (again) on pace for just over 40 HRs. Plus ça change ..... The Nationals nearly blew a six-run ninth inning lead after a Matt Stairs grand slam, but with one out and runners on the corners, Ron Villone coaxed a GIDP out of Ryan Howard. A lesser player would've struck out there, but Howard is an RBI man.
New Protective Helmets to be Mandatory for Arizona Fall League
You may have seen the large, special-looking batting helmet David Wright has been wearing. With Rolen and Owings recently taking beanings to the head, I'm all in favor giving the players some extra protection. Starting next year the helmet will be mandatory in the minors.
Can a Ballclub’s Record Justify Its Beer Prices?
Our boy Justin (from Basement Dwellers, formerly JustinAZ) went and got himself published in the Wall Street Journal. Well, Lah-tee-da! Justin does not mention, however, that in addition to selling suds at reasonable prices Citizens Bank Park also serves Yuengling, which is not available in other parks as far as I know.
Definitely a debut Reposter.