Dont Call It A Comeback: Reds

August 8th the Cincinnati Reds were a season high 7 games outside of first place. This site had written off the Reds, the city

Aug 16, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Cincinnati Reds left fielder Chris Heisey (right) is greeted by first baseman Joey Votto (left) after hitting a 2-run homer in the 5th inning at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

seemed to have written off the Reds. Yet here we sit on August 16th only 2.5 games out of first place with a chance to take over 2nd place in the division with a win in Milwaukee tonight. To quote LL Cool J “Don’t call it a comeback.” Don’t call it one yet but be ready to.

Cincinnati has fought back and closed the gap down 4.5 games in 8 days thanks in part to a good streak for the Reds who have won 9 of their last 11. While the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates were beating up on each other Cincinnati has quietly snuck back up.

Over the last week no hitter has really set the world on fire. Nearly all position players are batting in the .200 over the last 10 days. Thankfully though the hits this team has been getting have been key hits. Hits that are driving in runs, runs that earlier in the season the Reds were not getting.

The pitching has been key in the turn around for the Reds so far. Starting pitching has been great, Homer Bailey has re-found his form. Mat Latos is killing it recently, he is currently in the midst of a 15.1 inning scoreless streak. Bronson Arroyo is on fire as well, a .64 ERA over his last two starts is great. His last start Wednesday in Chicago saw Arroyo destroy the Cubs. Old and trusty is what Arroyo has been recently.

Cincinnati’s bullpen has mirrored the starting pitching. Aroldis Chapman has been nasty in his last three appearances. The return of Jonathan Broxton to the pen has been much welcomed. The big right hander has made 4 appearances in the last week with and ERA of 0.00. Can’t ask for much more out of the guy.

Everything seems to be coming together for the Reds. Dusty has been making reasonable decisions, the team has been scoring. It is refreshing, now knock on some wood that it continues.