Reds Sweep A’s

The Cincinnati Reds and the Oakland Athletics met back in June, at that time the A’s swept the Reds who were mired in a 1-7

Aug 7, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Jay Bruce (32) is congratulated by relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) after the Reds beat the Oakland Athletics 6-5 at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

drought. The two teams met up again Tuesday and Wednesday this week,  this time at GABP and this time the tables were turned.

Cincinnati was able to leave the ballpark Wednesday afternoon with a two game sweep of a very good AL team and winners of 4 of their last 6. Could the season be turning around for the Reds? Time will tell.

In the meantime though, Mat Latos led to Reds to a 3-1 victory Tuesday night. Latos went a strong 7.1IP only giving up 4H whole striking out 3. Latos has been strong all season for the Reds, strong enough to be considered the ace of the staff, especially with Cueto on the DL.

Aroldis Chapman came in to the record the save, his 26th of the season. He did give up a home run in the 9th, one that put Reds fans on the edge of their seats with worry.

Some notable hitting notes, Shin Soo Choo continues to hit, going 2-3 and one walk raising his season BA to .284. Joey Votto continues to hit, naturally, batting .323 in the process.

Wednesday saw the Reds trot out Homer Bailey for the day game at a very hot and humid GABP. Bailey looked strong through the the first inning and a third, until he gave up a home run to Alberto Callaspo. From there Bailey lasted until the 6th, after only recording one out and allowing 3 runs. That ended Bailey’s day. Bailey went 5.1IP, 9H, 5ER.

Bailey was able to record the win in part thanks to great pitching from the bullpen and two huge doubles from Corky Miller. Corky Miller the transient catcher for the Reds and fan favorite came up huge with the bat and behind the plate tagging a runner out at the plate, unfortunately ending his day thanks to a contusion.

Votto and Miller led the team today in batting, both reaching on hits and walks. Todd Frazier was moved to 2nd in the lineup and continued to struggle, now 0-30 in his last plate appearances. Dusty needs to do something with Frazier and it is not batting him second.

Aroldis Chapman came in for his 27th save of the season giving the Reds a 6-5 victory.

Cincinnati needs all the wins they can get. Currently 6.5 games behind the Pirates and 4 behind the Cardinals, Cincinnati can’t afford to lose more ground. The wildcard agains the Cardinals is not where the Reds want to be.

Cincinnati now has a rare second day off in a 4 days before the face the San Diego Padres for a weekend series at GABP.

@MattNiehaus