Careful now. Tonight's starting pitcher's name is Clayton, which is a dangerous pitching name to run across. (Unless it's a Redleg.)
The Reds can get back into a tie for first if the Pirates lose to the Giants (4:05 EDT), which would set them up to reclaim sole possession on the last day before the All Star Break. It's an arbitrary achievement, but it's carries at least a little psychological weight. Also, if the players strike during the All Star Break, the Reds will claim a First Half Playoff berth.
Richard and Bailey are pretty evenly-matched as starters with adjusted ERAs around league average. Hopefully, one advantage Bailey can continue to exploit is his re-discovered ability to reach back and hit 96-97 on the gun, even late in the game. If there really is a quantum leap, for most hitters, from 94/95 to 96/97, then Bailey has picked up a new weapon.
And Homer Bailey likes weapons.
Lineups
REDS (45-38)
Zack Cozart (R) SS
Drew Stubbs (R) CF
Joey Votto (L) 1B
Brandon Phillips (R) 2B
Jay Bruce (L) RF
Todd Frazier (R) 3B
Chris Heisey (R) LF
Devin Mesoraco (R) C
Homer Bailey (R) P
PADRES (34-51)
Chris Denorfia (R) RF
Alexi Amarista (L) SS
Chase Headley (S) 3B
Carlos Quentin (R) LF
Yasmani Grandal (S) C
Yonder Alonso (L) 1B
Cameron Maybin (R) CF
Logan Forsythe (R) 2B
Clayton Richard (L) P
Bullpen notes:
- The Reds' pitching staff now leads the majors in ERA+ (123) and CGs (7). That doesn't give the bullpen a ton to do, but I'd expect/hope Simon and Chapman could both get some work in before the break.