Simon Says Reds Win, 2-1

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

This is a no-brainer. Alfredo Simon was plucked from the bullpen and pressed into duty as a starter due to Mat Latos's injury and he rose to the occasion admirably. He pitched seven innings, allowing one run on four hits, one walk, and one hit batsman while recording six strikeouts. He also contributed to the offense with his second career hit and scored a run.

Honorable mentions go to Ryan Ludwick for his two hit, one RBI day, and Manny Parra for his two perfect relief innings to end the game, which included a three pitch strikeout of David Wright.

Key Plays

• In the bottom of the second, Ike Davis defeated the Reds' defensive shift for a double down the left field line. Juan Lagares singled to drive Davis in for the Mets' only run of the afternoon. Mets lead 1-0.
• One inning later, Simon walked pitcher Jonathon Niese and Eric Young Jr followed up with a double, leading to runners on second and third with one out. Simon then struck out Daniel Murphy and David Wright to end the inning and the threat.
• In the top of the sixth, Simon led off with a base hit, and Chris Heisey advanced him to second with a base hit of his own. Brandon Phillips then singled straight up the middle to load the bases with no outs. Simon scored on Joey Votto's sacrifice fly to tie the game at one run apiece. Ludwick then singled to drive in Heisey and give the Reds the lead at 2-1.
• Parra came in for the two inning save and shut the Mets down to secure the Reds win.

Fangraph:

<iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2014-04-06&team=Mets&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=2014-04-06&team=Mets&dh=0&season=2014">FanGraphs</a></span>

Other Notes

Today was Alfredo Simon's first starting appearance as a member of the Reds organization. His last start was on September 28, 2011, as a Baltimore Oriole, where he pitched four and a third innings and allowed three earned runs against the Boston Red Sox.

This was Manny Parra's first major league save.

Todd Frazier is the only Reds player to have gotten a hit in every game so far.

This was game six of the season. It was a good game, but not as good as this game six.

If you're among those excited about the return of Game of Thrones this evening, check out this video of every on-screen death from the first three seasons in three minutes. Spoilers abound, obviously, and if you know the show you know that it's super gross, but if that's your thing, go nuts.

Today's tune goes out to anybody who's overly concerned about the Reds' results so far this season. Just listen to Stevie and remember not to be uptight. Everything is alright.