Jay Bruce is still here, Reds beat Padres 6-0

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

July hasn't been the best month for Eugenio Suarez. Since the first, he's hitting just .243/.291/.392. However, he was a key contributor at the plate in this one. With the Reds already leading 2-0 in the first, Suarez drove in two more with a double. Later in the fifth, he plated two runs thanks to a two out single (he reached second on an error). By the end of the night he was 2-4 with 4 RBI. A resurgent Eugenio Suarez would be a welcome sight in Cincinnati's lineup (especially if one or two players get traded).

Honorable mentions: Brandon Finnegan had a nice outing with 6 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 3 BB, and 5 SO; Zack Cozart went 2-5 with a triple; Joey Votto was 1-3 with 2 BB; Brandon Phillips was 3-5 and scored twice; Michael Lorenzen pitched two scoreless innings in relief.

Key Plays

• The Reds got off to a quick start in this one. In the top of the first Zack Cozart tripled when Alex Dickerson and Travis Jankowski collided trying to catch the ball. Dickerson would leave the game with an injury (it was later reported he had a hip contusion). Cozart then scored on a Jay Bruce sac fly. Later in the inning, Brandon Phillips drove home Joey Votto (who reached on a walk) with a single.
• Still the top of the first and THE REDS WEREN'T DONE. With Adam Duvall and Brandon Phillips on base, Eugenio Suarez doubled and scored them both. It was 4-0 Reds, and I hadn't even finished my first Coke Zero of the night (I would drink three).
• The Padres loaded the bases in the bottom of the first, but Brandon Finnegan was able to get out of the jam unscathed.
• With one out in the third Adam Duvall tripled to give the Reds another run scoring opportunity. Unfortunately Brandon Phillips struck out, and Eugenio Suarez grounded out to end the inning.
• The Reds tacked on two more in the fifth, again thanks to Eugenio Suarez. He smoked a single into left field that scored Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce. Suarez reached second on the play due to an error.
• Michael Lorenzen pitched two scoreless innings for the Reds in relief (7th & 8th).

Tony Graphanino

Other Notes

• As of 1:30 AM Saturday morning, Jay Bruce still plays for the Reds.
• Cincinnati is now 9-4 since the All-Star break.
• Trade rumor roundup: there was talk of a three team deal that would send Bruce to LA, two #mysteryteams are reportedly pushing the market for Bruce, and earlier in the day there was reportedly interest from the Mariners in Bruce and Cozart.
• The Reds Media Relations Twitter account was full of tidbits tonight: Brandon Phillips hitting streak is now at 16 games; Billy Hamilton is now the first Reds player with at least 35 steals in 3 straight seasons since Ryan Freel (2004-2006); this was Brandon Finnegan's first career appearance of more than 3 innings without allowing a run.
• These two meet up once again tomorrow night. Game time is set for 8:40 ET. Anthony DeSclafani gets the start for Cincinnati.
• Tunes.