Despite two high-scoring offenses playing in a bandbox, we were treated last night to a pitcher's duel. Low-scoring games ought to favor the Reds slightly at home, but the team continues to run into bad luck in when there's a one-run spread (10-15 record after last night). And the Reds continue to be afflicted by Corey Patterson. I'm sincerely glad he's had a resurgence, but I thought we were safe from him. Nail up another grievance on the Church of St. Interleagueaventure.
It's hard to call what Joey Votto is doing right now a "slump," but Jay Bruce is most certainly having a run of difficulty at the plate. On nights when neither are hitting - which are admittedly rare - it's going to be hard to score points in the form of runs. They are important players, why hasn't anyone REALIZED this yet?! This is certainly an argument for wringing out some more production from the rest of the lineup, especially if Stubbs and Phillips are put in the role of "RBI Men." The lower part of the order needs to get on base a few times and it's not going to come from any of the pitchers other than Mike Leake. It will come from the other guys that bat down there, whoever they may be. I didn't look it up. Javier Valentine?
Lineup after the jump.
Lineup:
Drew Stubbs CF
Brandon Phillips 2B
Joey Votto 1B
Jay Bruce RF
Scott Rolen 3B
Chris Heisey LF
Ramon Hernandez C
Paul Janish SS
Edinson Volquez RHP