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There's a lot of similarities between these two pitchers. They both have 4 letter last names with double-o's in them. Both of their last names are words in the English language. And, well, that's about it.
Hamilton's own Aaron Cook will be making his fifth start in Cincinnati, where he is 2-0 with a 3.14 ERA. Now in his 9th season, all with the Rockies, Cook has put together a pretty good career, but he's having close to the worst season of his career so far. He's never been a big strikeout pitcher, but he's usually balanced that with some very good control. This year, that control has gone kaput, and he's walking nearly as many hitters as he's striking out. Given his reputation as a control pitcher, and the fact that it is an afternoon game on a Sunday, I expect the Reds to employ their patented one-pitch at bat strategy.
That's a shame for Travis Wood, who has pitched marvelously in his 3 starts so far, but has nary a win to show for it. Coming off of his masterful one-hit, near-perfect performance before the All-Star break, there's probably some expectations from fans to see something special again today. All I want is for him to continue the 6+ IP, 2 runs or less streak that we've got going from the starting rotation right now. If he can do that, we'll be in good shape.
It's gonna be another hot one out there today. I've seen forecasts as high as 94. Lucky for me (and my 8.5 month pregnant wife), I get to go to an outdoor retirement party. Should be a hoot!
Go Reds!