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The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game
Once again, Mat Latos was a dominant, overpowering force for the Reds. Latos went 6.2 IP today, and he struck out 9 Rangers in the process while yielding just 3 runs, only 2 of which were earned. He was either an Engel Beltre helmet earflap (or a different split second decision) away from perhaps being more impressive, but regardless, he was a pleasure to watch against the potent Rangers' lineup. Latos now has 109 strikeouts in 110 IP, which is good for the second highest K/9 of his career (and his highest as a Red). Despite the loss, it appears he's pitching at his best right now, which is convenient since the Reds' offense has been swinging Nerf bats.
Honorable mentions are due to Joey Votto and Jay Bruce, who were both 2 for 3 on the day (with Votto adding a walk).
Key Plays
- In the Top of the 1st, the Reds didn't score.
- In the Top of the 2nd, the Reds didn't score.
- In the Top of the 3rd, the Reds didn't score.
- In the Top of the 4th, the Reds didn't score.
- In the Top of the 5th, the Reds didn't score. In the Bottom of the 5th, Engel Beltre reached on a bunt single, and Leonys Martin doubled to put runners on 2B and 3B with nobody out. After Ian Kinsler struck out, Elvis Andrus then sacrificed right back to Latos, who attempted to come home to get the lead runner, but instead hit him with the throw. Both Beltre and Martin scored. Reds trailed, 2-0.
- In the Top of the 6th, the Reds didn't score.
- In the Top of the 7th, the Reds didn't score.
- In the Bottom of the 7th, Latos was brought back out, but looked gassed from the start of the inning. Martin led off with a single and promptly stole second, and after Kinsler fouled out, Andrus and Nelson Cruz both singled, the latter of which scored Martin. Latos got Adrian Beltre, and Manny Parra was brought in to get the last out. Reds trailed, 3-0.
- In the Top of the 8th, OH MY GRAVY THE REDS SCORED! Zack Cozart walked on four pitchers from Tanner Scheppers, Joey Votto hit a sharp single the other way, and Brandon Phillips looped one softly to right-center to load the bases. After Scheppers started off 2-0 to Jay Bruce, Ron Washington had seen enough and summoned LHP Neil Cotts to finish the PA against Bruce, who hit a deep sac fly to score Cozart and move the other guys up a base. Chris Heisey hit for Xavier Paul, and hit another sac fly that scored Votto and moved BP to 3B. Todd Frazier hit a soft liner to CF to end the inning, though, BUT RUNS! Reds trailed, 3-2.
- In the Top of the 9th, the Reds didn't score. Reds lose, 3-2.
FanGraph That's Just About What I Expected From This Game
<iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2013-06-30&team=Rangers&dh=0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" height="450" width = "450" style="border:1px solid black;"></iframe><br /><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2013-06-30&team=Rangers&dh=0&season=2013">FanGraphs</a></span>
Other Notes
- Is it bad that I don't feel bad since the Reds actually scored while losing? I think that's probably bad.
- The Reds entered the day with a team SLG of .396, good for just 7th in the NL. A drop of .004 would put them at 11th in the NL (and 19th in all of baseball), and after another game without a single extra base hit, they may well make that drop. I don't feel like mathing right now, or I'd have that for you exactly.
- The Reds wrapped up their 8 game road trip with a 2-6 mark after scoring just 21 runs during that stretch. They'll attempt to right the ship tomorrow night at 7:00 PM ET in GABP as they open a 4 game series against the San Francisco Giants. Bronson Arroyo will take the mound opposite Michael Kickham. I hope it's not too late to get the bats going again.