Reds Widen Wildcard With Win Over Dbacks

The recent resurgence of the Cincinnati Reds has taken many peoples eyes off the wild card race. Cincinnati has gained so much

Aug 19, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips (4) reacts after scoring during the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

ground in the last week in the race for the NL Central they only sit 2 games out pending the outcome of the Pittsburg game tonight. While many are focused on the division the race for the wild card has been neglected.

St. Louis currently sits atop the Wild Card standings with a one game lead over the Reds. Cincinnati holds the second Wild Card spot with a 6 game lead over Arizona. With a St. Louis loss tonight the Reds and Cardinals will be tied for the lead. If you have to be the Wild Card team it would be ideal to be the first team, for the home field advantage in the one game playoff.

Monday night at GABP the Reds returned home for a 7 game home stand, a home stand that they started off right with a 5-3 win over the Dbacks. Bronson Arroyo captured his 12th win of the season (12-9) after another outstanding outing.

The veteran pitcher went 6 innings, allowing 3 runs and 7 hits. Arroyo is doing exactly what the Reds need of him, be consistent, be smart and most importantly put the club in position to win.

Cincinnati’s offense took the weight off Arroyo’s shoulders tonight as they racked up five runs in the first 5 innings, thanks in part to great hitting from everyone. Brandon Phillips had an outstanding night going 3-4 and scoring twice. Getting on base is what the Reds do best and recently driving in runs has been something they’ve done well recently.

Ryan Ludwick got his first double of the season tonight as he drove in a run as well. Todd Frazier hit a home run to continue his rise out of his massive slump. Joey Votto got on base twice, one hit and one walk, his BA stands at .316 while his OBP sits at .435.

The bullpen has been strong for the Reds recently and Monday night was no different. JJ Hoover added another inning to his scoreless inning streak which now sits at 26.1. Manny Parra was strong again and of course Aroldis Chapman came in to record the save his 31st of the season. A save that was helped by an outstanding double play by Zach Cozart and Brandon Phillips.

Cincinnati now waits around tonight to see if Pittsburgh wins or loses, either way the Reds have clawed their way back into this race.

Tomorrow Tony Cingrani (6-2) takes on Patrick Corbin (12-3) at 7:10pm. Tune in on FS Ohio or 700 WLW.