Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Jonny Gomes. The Human Honey Badger went 3-4 with three runs scored and a homer. While some of our other offensive luminaries have dimmed after the All-Star Break, it's imperative for Gomes to go on one of his incredible hot streaks. Honorable mentions go to Drew Stubbs, Miguel Cairo, and Johnny Cueto.
Key Plays
- The Reds got on the board early in this game. Jonny Gomes singled off of J.D. Martin to begin the second inning, and Jay Bruce and Miguel Cairo drew walks that loaded the bases with no outs. Drew Stubbs then hit a double to drive in Gomes and Bruce. Ryan Hanigan walked, loading the bases again, and Johnny Cueto singled, bringing home Cairo and Stubbs. Reds lead, 4-0.
- Johnny Cueto got into a spot of bother in the third inning. He gave up a leadoff walk to Willie Harris, and Ian Desmond singled, sending Harris from first to third. J.D. Martin sacrificed Desmond into scoring position, and Nyjer Morgan hit a ball to right center that was deep enough to score Harris. Christian Guzman then singled and Desmond scored to bring the Nats within two. Reds lead, 4-2.
- There was a brief rain delay, but the Reds didn't get rolling again until the sixth inning. Jonny Gomes homered, and then Miguel Cairo of all people crushed one into the second deck. Reds lead, 6-2.
- In the eighth inning, Gomes singled off of Doug Slaten with one out, and moved to second on Jay Bruce's groundout. Miguel Batista came in to face Cairo, but our Miguel proved to be greater than their Miguel and hit an RBI single. Reds win, 7-2.
Other Notes
- J.D. Martin had only issued five walks in seven games this season, but walked three in one inning.
- Johnny Cueto's two RBI doubled his career total.
- Joey Votto did not reach base via hit, error, or walk today. Days like this are very rare. Plus he made an error and seemingly swung at every first pitch (though in actuality he saw 11 pitches over four at-bats).
- The Reds had ten hits in the game. Gomes, Stubbs, and Cairo accounted for eight of them.