Red Reporter - NLDS Game 2: Reds @ Giants. Best-royo vs. Bumgarner.AAAA Affiliate of the Cincinnati Redshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/30447/favicon.ico2012-10-08T22:46:56-04:00http://www.redreporter.com/rss/stream/32360472012-10-08T22:46:56-04:002012-10-08T22:46:56-04:00Pre-tape blogging Game 2
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<figcaption>Jeff Gross - Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>No Reds baseball tonight, so here's a re-run.</p> <p>There were other games happening today, but last night is re-running on Red Reporter 2, Red Reporter News and CRedReporter.</p>
<h3>Top of the 1st</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i><span>Brandon Phillips</span> pops out to catcher <span>Buster Posey</span> in foul territory. </i></p>
<p><i><span></span><span>Zack Cozart</span> called out on strikes. </i></p>
<p><i><span>Joey Votto</span> strikes out swinging. </i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Not my favorite start to a game. Partly because I don't have enough snacks. By the first pitch, you should have a healthy and unhealthy snack in position - one for celebration, the other for self-flagellation or de-guilting from excessive celebration.</p>
<p>Bumgarner - who was called a "slingballer" by TBS - is painting at this point and living up to his name by "garnering" "bum" calls on the innermost reaches of the Ball Zone. He also fed Joey Votto all fastballs during his at bat, which I personally guaranteed he would not be able to do.</p>
<p><b>From the thread:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="comment_title" id="comment_title_120227681"><a href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3470806/nlds-game-2-reds-giants-9-37-edt-arroyo-vs-bumgarner/in/3236047#">"He's a slingblader"</a></h5>
<div id="comment_body_120227681" class="cbody">
<p>did they just call Bumgarner retarded?</p>
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<p class="by">by <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/users/Cy%20Schourek">Cy Schourek</a> on <span class="time"> <a class="tz-convert" href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3470806/nlds-game-2-reds-giants-9-37-edt-arroyo-vs-bumgarner/in/3236047#120227681"> Oct 7, 2012 6:41 PM PDT</a></span><a href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3470806/nlds-game-2-reds-giants-9-37-edt-arroyo-vs-bumgarner/in/3236047#" class="reply_link" title="reply to this comment" id="comment_reply_120227681"></a><span class="cactions"><span id="comment_tools_120227681" class="tools"></span> <span id="comment_rating_120227681"> 3 recs </span></span></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Bottom of the 1st</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><span></span><i><span>Angel Pagan</span> flies out to right fielder <span>Jay Bruce</span>. <span></span></i></p>
<p><i><span></span><span>Marco Scutaro</span> lines out to center fielder <span>Drew Stubbs</span>. <span class="close"></span></i></p>
<p><i><span class="close"></span><span>Pablo Sandoval</span> flies out to right fielder Jay Bruce.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Nice little inning, but a little bit scary. Arroyo makes me nervous when he's spraying liners and fly balls, especially Pagan's "Cincinnati HR" to lead off the inning. But maybe Bronson is just stretching out and exploring the space. You'll be forgiven for thinking this park was specifically designed for him, combine with boat access and the phallic coke bottle/yonic catcher's mitt imagery.</p>
<h3>Top of the 2nd</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i><span>Ryan Ludwick</span> homers (1) on a fly ball to center field.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>My approval rating for this play is very high. Probably 100%. It's Ludwick's first post-season HR in 18 PAs. Ludwick was 3rd in the NL in "no doubt" HRs this season and this one would have done Gwen Stefani proud.</p>
<p><b>From the thread:</b></p>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="comment_title" id="comment_title_120231375"><a href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3470806/nlds-game-2-reds-giants-9-37-edt-arroyo-vs-bumgarner/in/3236047#">WHO CALLED LUDWICK SMASH???</a></h5>
<div id="comment_body_120231375" class="cbody">
<p>INVEST MY MONEY, YOU GENIUS!</p>
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<p class="by">by <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/CommiePuddin">CommiePuddin</a> on <span class="time"> <a class="tz-convert" href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3470806/nlds-game-2-reds-giants-9-37-edt-arroyo-vs-bumgarner/in/3236047#120231375"> Oct 7, 2012 6:55 PM </a></span><span class="cactions"><span id="comment_rating_120231375"></span> </span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Please do not leave your money lying around in the thread.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Jay Bruce grounds out, first baseman <span>Brandon Belt</span> to pitcher <span>Madison Bumgarner</span>.</i></p>
<p><i><span>Scott Rolen</span> walks.</i></p>
<p><i>Coaching visit to mound.</i></p>
<p><i><span>Ryan Hanigan</span> strikes out swinging.</i></p>
<p><i>Drew Stubbs lines out to first baseman Brandon Belt.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>I'm afraid of eating my words here about Stubbs flailing against Cain, but handling Bumgarner.</p>
<h3>Bottom of the 2nd</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Buster Posey grounds out, shortstop Zack Cozart to first baseman Joey Votto.</i></p>
<p><i><span>Hunter Pence</span> lines out to second baseman Brandon Phillips.</i></p>
<p><i>Brandon Belt strikes out swinging. </i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3></h3>
<p>It has to be frustrating to realize the opposing pitcher is setting you down in order while topping out at 89. And is not also <span>R.A. Dickey</span>.</p>
<h3>Top of the 3rd<br>
</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i><span>Bronson Arroyo</span> grounds out, shortstop <span>Brandon Crawford</span> to first baseman Brandon Belt.</i></p>
<p><i>Brandon Phillips lines out to right fielder Hunter Pence.</i></p>
<p><i>Zack Cozart strikes out on a foul tip.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>This was a three Brandon inning, with a Bronson for good measure. There's rarely this kind of B-son density West of the Mississip'.</p>
<h3>Bottom of the 3rd</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i><span>Gregor Blanco</span> called out on strikes.</i></p>
<p><i>Brandon Crawford strikes out swinging.</i></p>
<p><i>Madison Bumgarner strikes out swinging.</i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Nine straight outs for Arroyo and four Ks in a row. One of his curveballs that inning was dangerously close to being below 70 miles per hour. He's capable of greatness, but probably most baseball fans think of Arroyo on the level of being a bobblehead with a worn-out spring they come across at Goodwill, rather than a franchise player:</p>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="comment_title" id="comment_title_120249217"><a href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3470806/nlds-game-2-reds-giants-9-37-edt-arroyo-vs-bumgarner/in/3236047#">I was cleaning out the closet this wekend</a></h5>
<div id="comment_body_120249217" class="cbody">
<p>and wondered what to do w/ my Arroyo bobblehead… Told Mrs Nlt-andrew if Arroyo wins it gets to stay, if he loses..off to goodwill. If he keeps this up it just might get a shrine in the living room.</p>
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<p class="by">by <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/nlt-andrew68">nlt-andrew68</a> on <span class="time"> <a class="tz-convert" href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3470806/nlds-game-2-reds-giants-9-37-edt-arroyo-vs-bumgarner/in/3236047#120249217"> Oct 7, 2012 7:59 PM PDT </a></span><a class="up_link" href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3470806/nlds-game-2-reds-giants-9-37-edt-arroyo-vs-bumgarner/in/3236047#" title="jump up to parent"></a><span class="cactions"><span id="comment_rating_120249217"></span> </span></p>
</blockquote>
<h3>Top of the 4th</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Joey Votto singles on a ground ball to center fielder Angel Pagan.</i></p>
<p><i>Ryan Ludwick singles on a line drive to center fielder Angel Pagan. Joey Votto to 2nd.</i></p>
<p><i>Jay Bruce pops out to third baseman Pablo Sandoval in foul territory.</i></p>
<p><i>Scott Rolen singles on a line drive to right fielder Hunter Pence. Joey Votto scores. Ryan Ludwick to 3rd. Scott Rolen to 2nd on the throw.</i></p>
<p><i>Coaching visit to mound.</i></p>
<p><i>Ryan Hanigan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Angel Pagan. Ryan Ludwick scores. Scott Rolen scores.</i></p>
<p><i>Drew Stubbs grounds into a force out, second baseman Marco Scutaro to shortstop Brandon Crawford. Ryan Hanigan out at 2nd. Drew Stubbs to 1st.</i></p>
<p><i>Bronson Arroyo flies out to right fielder Hunter Pence. </i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3></h3>
<p>These were all singles, which is a little bit impressive. The Reds fan inside wants to find something wrong with this, so starts thinking about this kind of offense not flying in single-suppressing GABP. But: the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> are also hitting for some power.</p>
<p>I can't seem to poke any holes in this incredibly carnival of pleasures.</p>
<h3>Bottom of the 4th</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Angel Pagan grounds out, second baseman Brandon Phillips to first baseman Joey Votto.</i></p>
<p><i>Marco Scutaro grounds out, pitcher Bronson Arroyo to first baseman Joey Votto.</i></p>
<p><i>Pablo Sandoval grounds out, shortstop Zack Cozart to first baseman Joey Votto. </i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>I've eaten through my Mallomars at this point. I think Arroyo threw a curveball in this inning that Marco Scutaro hit with the air around his bat.</p>
<h3>Top of the 5</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Brandon Phillips grounds out, third baseman Pablo Sandoval to first baseman Brandon Belt.</i></p>
<p><i>Zack Cozart singles on a line drive to left fielder Gregor Blanco.</i></p>
<p><i>Joey Votto singles on a ground ball to left fielder Gregor Blanco. Zack Cozart to 2nd.</i></p>
<p><i>Pitching Change: <span>George Kontos</span> replaces Madison Bumgarner, batting 9th.</i></p>
<p><i>Coaching visit to mound.</i></p>
<p><i>Ryan Ludwick grounds into a double play, shortstop Brandon Crawford to second baseman Marco Scutaro to first baseman Brandon Belt. Joey Votto out at 2nd. </i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Another in a long string of apologies to Ryan Ludwick, I expressed regret for calling him CrudPrick this inning. But I'm not sorry. It was a term of endearment. These days, even grounding into a double pay he's endearing.</p>
<p>Somewhere in here, TBS showed footage of Buster Posey having his leg unhinged. This was, as Cy Schourek so accurately described it, a "dick move."</p>
<h3>Bottom of the 5</h3>
<blockquote>
<p><i>Buster Posey grounds out, shortstop Zack Cozart to first baseman Joey Votto.</i></p>
<p><i>Hunter Pence grounds out, third baseman Scott Rolen to first baseman Joey Votto.</i></p>
<p><i>Brandon Belt singles on a line drive to center fielder Drew Stubbs.</i></p>
<p><i>Gregor Blanco grounds out, third baseman Scott Rolen to first baseman Joey Votto. </i></p>
</blockquote>
<h3></h3>
<p>Brandon Belt scuttles perfection by singling on an 89 mph sinker. We got greedy expecting this game to be historically mind-blowing, rather than just mind-blowing. It's like drinking: know your limits and settle for very buzzed, rather than Boris Yeltsin. You can avoid getting sick that way.</p>
<p>Speaking of which. Even though it was Sunday, there was an air of intoxication on here and on Twitter. Let's skip to the best part:</p>
<h4>Top of the 8th</h4>
<blockquote>
<p><br><i>Pitching Change: <span>Jose Mijares</span> replaces <span>Tim Lincecum</span>, batting 7th.</i></p>
<p><i>Joey Votto singles on a ground ball to right fielder Hunter Pence.</i></p>
<p><i>Ryan Ludwick walks. Joey Votto to 2nd.</i></p>
<p><i>Coaching visit to mound.</i></p>
<p><i>Offensive Substitution: Pinch-runner <span>Chris Heisey</span> replaces Ryan Ludwick.</i></p>
<p><i>Jay Bruce doubles (2) on a line drive to right fielder Hunter Pence. Joey Votto scores. Chris Heisey scores.</i></p>
<p><i>Pitching Change: <span>Santiago Casilla</span> replaces Jose Mijares, batting 7th.</i></p>
<p><i>Coaching visit to mound.</i></p>
<p><i>Scott Rolen flies out to right fielder Hunter Pence.</i></p>
<p><i>Pitching Change: <span>Guillermo Mota</span> replaces Santiago Casilla, batting 7th.</i></p>
<p><i>Coaching visit to mound.</i></p>
<p><i>Ryan Hanigan singles on a ground ball to center fielder Angel Pagan. Jay Bruce scores.</i></p>
<p><i>Drew Stubbs triples (1) on a fly ball to center fielder Angel Pagan. Ryan Hanigan scores.</i></p>
<p><i>Bronson Arroyo strikes out swinging.</i></p>
<p><i>Brandon Phillips doubles (2) on a line drive to left fielder Xavier Nady. Drew Stubbs scores.</i></p>
<p><i>Offensive Substitution: Pinch-hitter <span>Wilson Valdez</span> replaces Zack Cozart.</i></p>
<p><i>Wilson Valdez flies out to right fielder Hunter Pence. </i></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The really wild thing was that within the space of an inning, the Reds went from playing for Game 2 of a playoff series to running the scrubs out there.</p>
<p>AT&T Park starting emptying out after that. We were triumphal, but still haven't gotten the hang of rubbing it in:</p>
<blockquote>
<h5 class="comment_title" id="comment_title_120267329"><a href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3471960/nlds-game-2-thread-ii-reds-giants-arroyo-feeling-flush/in/3236047#">yeah! go home to your awesome Asian food and great microbrews!</a></h5>
<div id="comment_body_120267329" class="cbody">
<p>Get the hell outta here and go hang out at your waterfront and bridge and go play in your silicon valley money!</p>
</div>
<p class="by">by <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/Cy%20Schourek">Cy Schourek</a> on <span class="time"> <a class="tz-convert" href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3471960/nlds-game-2-thread-ii-reds-giants-arroyo-feeling-flush/in/3236047#120267329"> Oct 7, 2012 9:05 PM PDT</a></span><span class="cactions"><span id="comment_rating_120267329"> 5 recs </span> </span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The offensive outporing was capped with probably the most-rec'd comment of the evening, quite possibly the most -rec'd wildlife allegory in Red Reporter history:</p>
<blockquote>
<p> </p>
<h5 class="comment_title" id="comment_title_120267525"><a href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3471960/nlds-game-2-thread-ii-reds-giants-arroyo-feeling-flush/in/3236047#">Reds offense in September</a></h5>
<div id="comment_body_120267525" class="cbody">
<p><img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnaNzCPUfpPXtHLmqT8YD_pF9HQHym3C7YEXAbaqwWqJFlb6Pd"></p>
<p>Reds offense in October<br><img src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR0VYbO2ru4Klp9mW2cMExpGL6IhaWfU9uKJyzLkc9XDVM0P7PS2Q"><br> and this<br><img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRMdq5-d4-CrNahU1IL_KFcj24bKeib-TucwiH59xylSbZQY61L4w"><br> and then this<br><img src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTtJ2OU0Zw864BvFk5q9SO1IDOXqls6EOfXg0dJL4clnjGcQB7HszY6klji"></p>
<div class="sig">
<p> </p>
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<p class="by">by <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/users/Nasty%20N8">Nasty N8</a> on <span class="time"> <a class="tz-convert" href="http://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3471960/nlds-game-2-thread-ii-reds-giants-arroyo-feeling-flush/in/3236047#120267525"> Oct 7, 2012 9:06 PM PDT </a></span><span class="cactions"><span id="comment_rating_120267525"> 9 recs </span> </span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>##</p>
<p>That's where we should leave it.</p>
https://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/8/3475750/pre-tape-blogging-last-nights-gameRijoSaboCaseyWKRP2012-10-08T11:50:57-04:002012-10-08T11:50:57-04:00Everything is awesome right now. Reds win, 9-0.
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/G10HBVKe1XCfCrLdHqp4vYw761E=/0x440:2666x2217/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/951137/20121007_jel_ax5_171.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kelley L Cox-US PRESSWIRE - Presswire</figcaption>
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<p>Reds head back to Cincinnati sitting obese.</p> <p><i>Sorry for the lack of timely recaps for these games so far, but things have been pretty chaotic what with all THE MASSIVE WINNING WOOOOOOOOOO stuff around here lately. Use this thread to discuss how awesome you think the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> are right now. Would you say radically super awesome, or bodaciously mega awesome?</i></p>
<p><b>The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game</b></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p>BRONSON ARROYO. Since an entire team is, strictly speaking, not qualified to be "a star" by laws of astronomy. The crafty righthander wasn't just Goodroyo, he was Bestroyo. I tweeted some things about how rare his performance was last night, but it really was among the 7 or 8 best in Reds' playoff history - especially if you throw out 1919. Who knows how much higher up that list he would've landed had the Reds not batted around in the top of the 8th. No Reds pitcher has ever thrown 7+ innings in the playoffs and allowed just one hit. And Arroyo is just the tenth Reds pitcher in history to throw at least 7 innings of shutout ball in the playoffs.</p>
<p>Honorable mention goes to Dusty Baker, for another deft management of the pitching and his faith in <span>Scott Rolen</span> and <span>Drew Stubbs</span>. And everyone, including all of us and your entire family.</p>
<p><b>Key Plays</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Bumgarner looked as stingy as he had been in June during the first inning, especially with the wide strike zone given by home plate ump Brian O'Nara.<br>
</li>
<li>Things changed forever in the 2nd, as <span>Ryan Ludwick</span> lead off the inning with a Lud balloon to center.</li>
<li> <span>Joey Votto</span>, who was apparently struggling because he didn't have a hit in game one, and couldn't get his OBP over .500 on the season, stroked a single to lead off the 4th. Studwick followed suit. With the hit parade on, Rolen brought in Votto and Ryan "Man Again" smacked a 2 RBI single.</li>
<li>With a 4 run cushion, Arroyo kept pushin'. He was perfect for 4.2 IP, until <span>Brandon Belt</span> dropped a single into CF.</li>
<li>The Reds brought San Francisco to a grinding halt with a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.sfcriticalmass.org/">Critical Mass</a> of runs in the 8th. They sent 9 to the plate in the top of the eight, with doubles by BP and Jay and triple from Drew Stubbs.</li>
<li> <span>Jose Arredondo</span> got some work in during the 9th.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.fangraphs.com/graphframe.aspx?config=0&static=0&type=livewins&num=0&h=450&w=450&date=2012-10-07&team=Giants&dh=0" style="border:1px solid black;" frameborder="0" height="450" scrolling="no" width="450"></iframe><br><span style="font-size:9pt;">Source: <a href="http://www.fangraphs.com/livewins.aspx?date=2012-10-07&team=Giants&dh=0&season=2012">FanGraphs</a></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Other Notes!</b></p>
<ul>
<li>This was the Reds' biggest margin of victory all year.</li>
<li>They've scored 14 runs in 2 NLDS games, after scoring that many in the last 8 games of the regular season combined.</li>
<li>The Reds hit 3 HR in two games at AT&T - two of them to the deepest parts of the park - equaling their regular season total there (in 4 games).<br>
</li>
<li>Bronson came to the plate 4 times during the game. He's only the 10th Reds' player ever to do that in a playoff game.</li>
<li>It's never good to have more than one zero in your R-H-E.</li>
</ul>
https://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/8/3473730/reds-giants-nlds-everything-is-awesomeRijoSaboCaseyWKRP2012-10-07T23:27:58-04:002012-10-07T23:27:58-04:00NLDS Game 2, Thread II
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<figcaption>Jeff Gross - Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Reds 4, Giants 1 (hit).</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> lead 4-0 in the middle of six. Bronson was perfect for 4.2 innings. Even in the thickest forest of 2011 sarcasm, I could not have imagined this.</p>
<p>Huevos de Saturno is on the mound, but no egg-counting yet...</p>
https://www.redreporter.com/2012/10/7/3471960/nlds-game-2-thread-ii-reds-giants-arroyo-feeling-flushRijoSaboCaseyWKRP