Reds Fall To Pirates 5-3

The Cincinnati Reds came to the ball park looking to win the series against the Pirates and send themselves on this west coast

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

swing with a little momentum. Unfortunately for the Reds that did not happen a game that looked to be theirs was given away in thanks to Alfredo Simon.

Cincinnati has been getting very good starts from their starting pitchers recently. The losses are all coming from the bullpen, not 100% but it seems most are.

Homer Bailey was on the mound for Cincinnati, Homer has pitched well this season, unfortunately his record doesn’t necessarily show it. Homer went 6 innings today, giving up 6 hits as well as 2 earned runs while striking out 8 batters.

The Reds offense struck early when Joey Votto singled to left driving in Shin Soo Choo. That one run lead lasted until the third inning when Pittsburgh got on the board thanks to a Pedro Alvarez single.

Jay Bruce belted another homerun in the 4th to give the reds the lead once again, and thats where the good day would end for the reds.

Dusty Baker pulled Homer Bailey after 6 innings, mainly due to a relatively high pitch count. He called to the pen for Alfredo Simon. He lasted all of one third of an inning giving up 3 earned runs. Simon struggled and struggled bad, the struggle is not uncommon. Simon has a winning record this season but his ERA is not a good one for a reliever.

After Simon collapsed and gave up the lead, Tony Cingrani was called on to save Simon which he did. Cingrani got out of the inning without giving up any runs. From there JJ Hoover was given the ball for the 8th and 9th. Surprisingly only giving up one hit.

Pedro Alvarez was just a Reds killer today, he drove in every run for 5 RBI on the day. If the pitching staff could have got him out just one more time it would have been a Reds win, always comes down to one or two plays.

From here the Reds embark on an 8 game, 9 day road trip that sees them visit Arizona, Oakland, and Texas. A tough road trip for the team but could be a very beneficial one if they are able to win.

Johnny Cueto takes to mound for the Reds tomorrow night in Arizona where he will be facing Wade Miley. This will certainly be an interesting road trip.

By the way if you attended todays game you got free pizza!