Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
On a night when it felt like nobody really wanted to win the game, I don't think anybody wanted to be JNMHSotG either. I'll have to give it to Angel Sanchez, who took advantage of a bases loaded, no out situation against Aroldis Chapman. He singled to score two runs and give Chapman his first loss in the majors. So it goes.
Honorable mentions go to Jonny Gomes, who hit a three run HR off of Wandy Rodriguez, and Joey Votto, who had a solid offensive performance. In 5 PAs he had a walk, a single, and a double. Oh, and Drew Stubbs, who went 1 for 2 with two walks (!). And I guess I should mention Hunter Pence, too, who put his Tralfamadorian abilities to good use in the outfield.
Key Plays
- Johnny Cueto didn't get off to the best start. He allowed two singles, hit Carlos Lee with a pitch, and gave up a sacrifice fly to put the Astros up 1-0.
- Johnny Cueto ran into some trouble in the second, but probably would have made it out of the inning if not for Drew Stubbs bobbling the ball in center. This allowed Wandy Rodriguez to score. Astros lead, 2-0.
- Rodriguez walked six batters in six innings, but didn't allow a hit until Votto doubled to lead off the sixth. Scott Rolen walked next, then Gomes hit one out. Reds 3, Astros 2.
- The Astros got one back in the bottom of the inning when Lee hit a solo HR. Tied at 3.
- The Reds had a decent chance to score with two outs in the seventh when Joey Votto singled, stole second, and went to third on a passed ball. Scott Rolen smoked one to right center that was, unfortunately, caught.
- Chapman got into a mess in the bottom of the inning, but I missed seeing it all. End result: two runs score. Astros lead 5-3.
- The Reds came within a few feet of taking the lead in the eighth. After a Gomes K and a Ramon Hernandez lineout, Drew Stubbs walked. Jay Bruce hit a pinch hit single to move him to third. The Children's Crusade continued when Yonder Alonso pinch hit. He hit one to right field that was caught several feet in front of the wall. So it goes.
- The Reds were retired in order in the ninth. Astros win, 5-3 . . . as Hunter Pence knew they would.
Other Notes
- Jay Bruce sat in favor of fan favorite Willie Bloomquist, who struck out three times in three plate appearances. Hunter Pence is not the only one among us who could have predicted that.
- The Reds defense looked pretty shaky; the Astros, on the other hand, made two impressive catches in the outfield gaps. So it goes.