Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Homer Bailey. For the second straight day, the Reds got a complete game shutout from one of their young starters. In some ways, Bailey's start was more impressive than Cueto's last night. Bailey allowed more hits (4), but also threw fewer pitches (90, 73 for strikes) and never went to a 3-ball count on any batter. Honorable mention to Drew Stubbs.
Key Plays
- The Reds showed up to PNC Park
- In the top of the first Brandon Philips hit a 1 out double, followed by Joey Votto's team leading 8th homer of the year. 2-0 Reds.
- In the second Drew Stubbs led off with a single. The very next batter, Ryan Hanigan, shot a double to right. The speedy Stubbs came all the way around to score. 2 batters later Orlando Cabrera singled in Hanigan. 4-0 Reds. Talk of a sweep began.
- In the fourth, Drew Stubbs hit his 3rd homer of the year. 5-0 Reds. Giddiness over a sweep ensued.
- Bailey was cruising, at only 60 pitches through 6, 70 through 7, and 80 through 8. Cocky assuredness over a sweep commenced.
Other Notes:
- This was the first time Reds pitchers have thrown back-to-back complete game shutouts since Jose Rijo and Tom Browning did it in June of 1989. It's also the first time Reds pitchers accomplished the feat without allowing a walk since July of 1925. That's pretty cool.
- It was a well balanced attack, with each starter reaching base safely at least once. Jay Bruce was the only starter without a hit.
- 4 of the 8 regular starters (counting Hanigan) are OPSing over .800. I can't remember the last time that was true.
- The Reds are now 5th in the NL in runs scored.
- Joey Votto is now 10th in the NL in OPS and tied for 5th in home runs.