Whatever, they're still chumps. Reds lose, 1-0.

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Johnny Cueto.  The Wrong Kicker to F**k Wit pitched 8 strong innings, allowing only six hits and one run.  Sadly, the Reds couldn't do any better than that against Chris Carpenter, and Cueto's Republic was saddled with the loss.  Honorable mentions go to Joey Votto, who had half of the Reds six hits, and Scott Rolen, who got his 2,000th career hit tonight.

Key Plays

• In the eighth inning, Colby Rasmus singled off of Johnny Cueto.  Yadier Molina bunted him to second, and Rasmus moved to third on Skip Schumaker's flyout.  Then pinch hitter Mark Hamilton singled on a grounder to Scott Rolen.  Rolen's throw nearly beat Hamilton, who slid into first like an idiot, but alas.  Cardinals win, 1-0.

via www.fangraphs.com

Other Notes

• Cueto didn't strike anyone out, but he did get some help from his defense.  The Reds turned three double plays, caught a runner stealing, and threw a runner out at the plate.
• The special Fourth of July hats did the Reds no favors.
• The Reds are now 12-18 in one run games.
• The last Red to reach 2,000 hits was Ken Griffey, Jr.  The last Red to reach 2,000 hits on Independence Day was Edd Roush.
• Jon Jay made two nice catches, including one on Edgar Renteria in the seventh inning when the Reds had two runners on base.  Dusty elected to let Johnny Cueto hit for himself, rather than bringing a bat off the bench.  Cueto grounded out.