clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

An error here, a missed opportunity there, and before you know it you're talking real losses. Nationals 4, Reds 2.

By Gray
This was one of 99 pitches Harang threw in only four innings. At least it didn't look like he was laboring or anything.
This was one of 99 pitches Harang threw in only four innings. At least it didn't look like he was laboring or anything.

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Roger Bernadina.  Sure, he went 1 for 3 with a walk and an RBI single, but most importantly he kept the Reds from taking the lead with a very nice catch of an Owings liner down the right field line.

 

Definitely not the Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Jonny Gomes.  Sigh.

 

Key Plays

  • Brandon Phillips singled in the first, then stole second and advanced to third as the throw ended up in the outfield.  But then Votto struck out, Rolen walked, and Bruce grounded out.  No score.

  • In the second, Drew Stubbs singled and stole second, then scored on a lucky single by Ramon Hernandez.  Reds lead, 1-0.
  • The Nationals got that run back in the bottom of the inning when Ian Desmond singled, Livan Hernandez walked, and Cristian Guzman singled to score the run.  Tied at 1.
  • The Nationals strung three singles together to score another run and take the lead in the third.  By this point Aaron Harang had thrown a ton of pitches.  He somehow only gave up one hit (and no runs!) in the fourth, his last inning.
  • In the fifth, Orlando Cabrera singled, advanced to second, and scored on a Brandon Phillips single.  The Nationals announcers are still bitter about that balk.  Tied at 2.
  • The Reds might have threatened in the sixth but blew it.  Jay Bruce led off with a walk, and after a Gomes flyout he was caught stealing by a mile.  Drew Stubbs then walked and Ramon Hernandez singled.  Micah Owings came to bat with runners on first and second, two outs.  He hit one hard down the right field line, but it was erased by a very nice Roger Bernadina catch to end any threat.  Still tied...
  • The Nationals loaded up the bases with a single and two walks off of Owings in the sixth.  He did get a groundout and a popout in there, but was pulled for Daniel Ray Herrera with two outs.  DRH then got Adam Dunn to ground out on the first pitch he threw him to end the threat.  Still tied at 2.
  • Enerio del Rosario came in to pitch the seventh, and promptly gave up a Josh Willingham single.  Roger Bernadina lofted a fly ball to left center.  Jonny Gomes and Drew Stubbs both ran for it.  Gomes kept going for it.  The ball popped out of Gomes's glove.  Runners ended up on first and second with no outs.  Somehow, it was credited as a Stubbs error.
  • Not for long, though, since an Ian Desmond single soon followed.  On the next play, Will Nieves bunted and del Rosario fielded.  He went to throw to third but nobody was covering; thankfully he didn't throw, but did get it to first in time for an out.
  • Another run scored when pinch hitter Willie Harris hit a sacrifice fly to Stubbs.  Stubbs's throw bounced off of the pitcher's mound and was sent to third, where Scott Rolen tagged Ian Desmond out.  Desmond was then tossed for arguing the play.  This at least made the Nationals announcers forget about the balk.  Regardless, the Nationals led 4-2.
  • The Reds couldn't muster anything else against the Nationals bullpen and the score remained 4-2.

Final - 6.4.2010 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R
Cincinnati Reds 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2
Washington Nationals 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 X 4

Complete Coverage >

Other Notes

  • The Reds collected 12 hits and four walks but only managed to score two runs.  Sigh.
  • On the other hand, Harang got pretty lucky too.  He gave up eight hits and walked one in four innings, but somehow only gave up two runs.
  • With the Cardinals win tonight, the Reds are no longer in first place.  You know, until tomorrow.

More From Red Reporter