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Reds finally decide to start their season, dismantle the Astros 10-4

By Brandon Kraeling

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Matt Maloney, of course.  Matty went 7 strong innings, giving up only 2 runs on 6 hits, and walked nobody.  He struck out 4, and probably could have gone another inning, since he was only at 93 pitches and had an 8-run lead, but Dusty yanked him in favor of unproven bullpenners.

Key Plays

  • Joey Votto struck early for the good guys, hitting his 23rd home run of the season to give the Reds a 1-0 lead. 
  • The Reds broke out in the 2nd for 5 runs in the 2nd, and ended up chasing former Red Brian Moehler (remember that?) out of the game in the 3rd, giving the Reds a 7-1 lead.
  • Jay Bruce's solo shot in the 5th and Wladimir Balentien's 2-run single in the 6th gave the Reds 10 runs, and free wings for Astros fans.
  • After Maloney left after the 7th, Pedro Viola gave up 2 runs in the 8th.  That was pretty much the game.

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via www.fangraphs.com


Other Notes

  • Matt Maloney put together another great start, and is now firmly in the conversation for the 5th starter spot next year.  If he keeps pitching like he did today, he's got my vote.  His ERA is 2.65 over his last 3 starts, and he put together his longest outing of the year this evening.  Also, he's only walked 1 batter in those 3 starts. 
  • The Reds 17 hits was the second highest total of the season, one less than the 18 they had in Arizona and it ties the 17 they had in Milwaukee.
  • 6 Reds players had multiple hits, including a 3-for-5 night from Juan Francisco, who filled in for Scott Rolen, who was a late scratch.  The other 5 were all names we should all start getting used to, in Drew Stubbs, Paul Janish, Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, and My Wladdy Balentien.  Speaking for myself, it feels pretty good to see all those guys performing well on the same night.
  • Jo-eh drove in 4 of the Reds 10 runs. 
  • All 9 of the Reds starters had at least one hit.
  • Jared Burton pitched a perfect 9th.  This is a good sign, I think.
  • Reds win their 5th game in a row, and 9 of the last 11.  Too bad the season doesn't start in September.
  • Rick Sweet was in uniform in the dugout as well.  You may remember him as the manager who took Louisville to the playoffs this year.

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