4 Hours & 35 Minutes Later Reds Win!
By Matt Niehaus
Well that certainly was a game none of us were expecting. A game that looked like it may end in a Cubs win early changed in
Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
the 7th but then no runs were scored until the 13th. Thanks to numerous errors by the Reds which allowed the Cubs to take the lead Cincinnati was left to come from behind again.
Cincinnati so far this season has played in four extra inning games, three of which have been 13 inning games. At this point they are seasoned pros at this. Unfortunately for the Reds though the later they go in games the more unstable their pitching becomes.
Mike Leake pitched a decent game for the club, going 8 innings but giving up two runs. Former Red Travis Wood pitched basically the same game for the Cubs, giving up two runs after he was pulled. The starters are rarely the problem when it comes to pitching for the Reds. The bullpen is where everything goes to hell in a hand basket. Broxton got hit by a pitch and was pulled, Chapman looked on point in the ninth striking out the side, Sam LeCure gave the club nearly two full innings before loading the bases with two outs. JJ Hoover came in next and much to my surprise and twitters surprise he didn’t allow a run. Alfredo Simon though, well thats a different story giving up a 2-run homerun in the 13th. To be fair it would have been a solo homer if not for Toddy Frazier channeling his inner Buckner.
The 13th proved to be great for the reds when Jay Bruce doubled to right field after Dave Sappelt another former Red misread the ball. Bruce’s double tied up the game and brought Cesar Izturis to the plate who singled to right to bring in the winning run.
It was a much needed win for the Reds who should easily beat the Cubs but it also helps the team in the Central.
Tony Cingrani takes the mound tomorrow night making his second career start. Get down to GABP to see this young phenom and remember to WOO!