Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Edgar Renteria. Sure, he only had one hit, but it was a home run. And sure, he hit it into the left field seats which are just a shade past third base, but it was a grand slam. And sure, Homer Bailey pitched great, but it was against the shitty Astros. The Reds needed some runs, and Edgar was the one to provide them. A grand slam! Salute! Honorable mentions go to Homer Bailey (8 innings, 1 run) and Chris Heisey (a double, a run, and the only Red with multiple hits).
Key Plays
- Really only the fifth inning. Chris Heisey started things off with a double off of Wandy Rodriguez, and Ramon Hernandez followed it up with a ground rule double chaser. Heisey scored. Todd Frazier grounded out (anyone else wish he was a catcher and we could call him Toddie Hinson? No? Moving on.), but Rodriguez walked Homer Bailey and Drew Stubbs, loading the bases. Then Renteria took advantage of Houston's stupidly designed stadium and poked a hit into the Crawford Boxes. Reds lead, 5-0.
- In the bottom of the inning, Homer Bailey walked Jimmy Paredes, then gave up a single to Carlos Corporan. Jason Michaels popped out, but Paredes scored on a single by Luis Durango. That name seems much more West Texas, but what can you do? Reds win, 5-1.
Other Notes
- Wandy Rodriguez now has 947 strikeouts, more than any other Astro lefthander.
- It was pointed out that Aroldis Chapman has allowed no hits over his last 9 2/3 innings. He has also struck out 15 over that span.
- Renteria has nine career grand slams.