Break Time! Reds defeat Padres, 4-2.

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star(s) of the Game

A very solid collective effort from our Reds today, as every Reds starting position player (sans Rolen) picked up at least one hit. Brandon Phillips led the way with a 3 for 5 day, including an RBI single following a Votto intentional walk. BP's last game before having four days off from baseball was worthy of what we've come to expect from him, and it's sad that we won't be able to watch him on the All-Star stage.

Very honorable mentions are due to Jay Bruce, whose 2 run WeezFinder opened the scoring; Ryan Ludwick, whose solo Funk Pump followed right after; Joey Votto, who (in a very Votto fashion) went 1 for 3 with 2 BB; Johnny Cueto, who despite not being fully Cuetastic was effective for 5.2 IP; Zack Cozart, who was 2 for 5 with a 2B; and Sean Marshall, who tossed 1.2 innings of hitless late-inning relief. Hard to say that anyone (sans Rolen) would really be disappointed by their last game before the break. Good on ya, Reds.

Key Plays

• The game was scoreless until the 4th, but the Reds quickly changed that. Phillips led off (that phrase sounds great, doesn't it, Dusty?) with a single, and Jay Bruce Hova'd a Jason Marquis "fast" ball well out to right-centerfield. Two pitches later, Ryan Ludwick attempted to bust out a window on his former apartment with a smash to left. Reds lead, 3-0.
• Cueto got rattled a bit in the bottom of the 5th. Cameron Maybin doubled, Marquis was hit by a pitch, and Maybin came around to score on a Chris "the Norf" Denorfia grounder. Nothing to see here though, folks. Reds lead, 3-1.
• Cueto was a bit loose again in the 6th. After striking out future Pirate Carlos Quentin, he gave up singles to former RR heart throbs Yasmani Grandal and Yonder Alonso along with an additional one-bagger to Everth Cabrera. Grandal scored on a walk to Mark Kotsay, and Sam "Backdraft" LeCure was brought in to put out the fire. One pitch later, the job was done. Reds lead, 3-2.
• The Reds wasted no time in striking back. Zack "MVP/GG" Cozart led off with a double, and Drew Stubbs sac bunted him to third (!!!!). Votto was intentionally walked, but Phillips backed him up with a single that scored The Wizard. Sean Marshall and Aroldis Chapman would come on and keep the Padres in bay for the save. Reds win, 4-2!

via www.fangraphs.com

Other Notes

• Today's win means that the Reds completed their 11 game Weezt Coast trip with a 6-5 record. Considering they didn't have a chance to score 23 runs off of Tim Lincecum, that's not bad at all.
• There were 9 total HR hit in the 4 game series in Petco, 7 of which were by the Reds. Who says they're just a product of GABP?
• Most of the Reds will break for the Some-Stars game, while Votto, Bruce, and Chapman will be part of the festivities. BP and Cueto are planning on a Two-Star fishing trip to pass the time. Dusty approves.
• The break also means that I'll be taking a four day break from writing 1 AM EST recaps. You better make it funky, RR, or else!
• In honor of the Left Coast trip. Bring on the second half, MLB.