Reds Go Yard Against Pirates
By Matt Niehaus
The Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates series has blossomed into a rather contentious series over the last year or so.
Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Everytime these two teams get together now there is some sort of tension. Monday night was not one of those though thanks to the Reds bats.
Cincinnati won 4-1, all runs were scored off of solo home runs. Who knows when the last time that was but be happy you got to witness it. Zach Cozart started the home run parade in the 4th, he was followed by Todd Frazier in the 6th to break the tie. From there Joey Votto blasted one in the 8th followed by Jay Bruce later in the inning.
Recently I have questioned where the Reds offense has gone. Well it showed up today in form of the long ball, I’ll take it but I’d like to see them score more playing small ball. At the end of the day though a win over the Pirates is always welcome.
The Reds pitching has stepped up in recent weeks. Mike Leake has quietly become one of the best pitchers in baseball. His 2.64 ERA is one of the best in the NL and it is currently best on the staff. His seven wins is also best on the staff as well. So all that trashing we here at RFB did of Mike Leake at the beginning of the season apologize. But really it made him better so you’re welcome.
Good pitching tonight included a relief appearance from Tony Cingrani who came in to record the final two outs in the 8th was completely lights out. Aroldis Chapman came in for the 9th and like always was lights out as well recording his 18th save of the season.
The Reds send their ace of the staff in Mat Latos to the mound tomorrow to face Charlie Morton who is making only his second career start.