Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Jay Bruce. The man who delivered us our first division title in 15 years. Honorable mentions go to Ramon Hernandez, Joey Votto, Brandon Phillips, Orlando Cabrera, Scott Rolen, Jonny Gomes, Drew Stubbs, Ryan Hanigan, Chris Heisey, Miguel Cairo, Paul Janish, Laynce Nix, Corky Miller, Juan Francisco, Chris Dickerson, Chris Valaika, Yonder Alonso, Jim Edmonds, Willie Bloomquist, Drew Sutton, Bronson Arroyo, Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake, Travis Wood, Aaron Harang, Homer Bailey, Edinson Volquez, Micah Owings, Sam LeCure, Matt Maloney, Carlos Fisher, Logan Ondrusek, Jordan Smith, Danny Ray Herrera, Francisco Cordero, Mike Lincoln, Aroldis Chapman, Enerio del Rosario, Arthur Rhodes, Nick Masset, Russ Springer, Jared Burton, and Bill Bray.
Key Plays
- The Reds started off strongly, with Drew Stubbs working a walk from Wandy Rodriguez. Stubbs then stole second, and Rodriguez walked Orlando Cabrera. Joey Votto then hit into a double play, but Stubbs moved to third. Then Scott Rolen hit a grounder to third and Brett Wallace couldn't handle the throw from Chris Johnson. Stubbs scored to give the Reds a 1-0 lead.
- Chris Johnson atoned for that throw with a single off of Edinson Volquez to begin the second inning. Brett Wallace then did his part by hitting a sharp grounder. It looked like it might have been a double play ball, but Orlando Cabrera was shading towards second and couldn't get to it. The Astros then turned to the bunt. Angel Sanchez laid one down, but Volquez fielded it and threw out Johnson at third. Jason Castro singled to score Wallace and Sanchez went to third. Wandy Rodriguez then laid down a successful suicide squeeze, and Sanchez scored. Astros take the lead, 2-1.
- In the third inning, with a runner on first and one out, Carlos Lee smashed a ball to left field. Drew Stubbs raced back, put his hand against the wall, then leapt a foot above the fence and brought the ball back with him. Just an amazing catch.
- Wandy Rodriguez was dominant, striking out eight Reds, including four in a row at one point. Through the first five innings, he only allowed one hit, and an infield one that was probably an error at that. But in the sixth inning, Cabrera and Votto both singled. Scott Rolen walked, and the bases were loaded with no outs. Jonny Gomes then engaged in an epic ten pitch at-bat that sadly resulted in a pop out. Brandon Phillips stepped up and grounded a ball deep to the shortstop. It was a perfectly placed grounder, and a sprinting Rolen beat the throw to second. Cabrera came home and the game was tied. Jay Bruce then lined one directly to Jeff Keppinger who turned the inning ending double play. Game tied, 2-2.
- Drew Stubbs hit a two out drive in the seventh inning that banged less than a foot from the top of the wall.
- The Reds bullpen trio of Arthur Rhodes, Nick Masset, and Aroldis Chapman were masterful, retiring all nine batters they faced.
- In the bottom of the ninth, Jay Bruce swung at the first pitch he saw, and as the ball landed in the grass beyond the centerfield wall where not even Drew Stubbs could catch it, the dugout emptied to greet him at home plate - as NL Central Champions.
Other Notes
- Cincinnati has won 22 games in its final at-bat, including this on Jay Bruce's 22nd home run of the season. That's tied for his career high.
- This is the 13th time in their history the Reds will be going to the playoffs. Seems low, doesn't it?
- Dusty Baker has now led three NL teams to the playoffs, something only Bill McKechnie has done. Seven other managers have led three teams to the postseason, including former Reds skippers Davey Johnson and Lou Piniella.
- Brandon Phillips has apparently never had champagne before. Explains a bit. Drink up, my lad!
- The Astros have a winning record against every other NL Central team, but are 4-9 against the Reds.
- Jay Bruce hit a walkoff home run to send us to the playoffs. HOLY SHIT!