The Morning Update (5/18): California Chrome, Cincinnati Reds Lose

May 17, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Victor Espinoza aboard California Chrome celebrates winning the 139th Preakness Stakesat Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

The Cincinnati Reds tossed in the towel Saturday before their game against the Philadelphia Phillies, I firmly believe that. Look at the lineup and tell me any differently. Quite frankly at this point I don’t even care, throw in the towel, it’s May 18th, who cares.

One good thing that did happen Saturday, The Belmont will mean something this year. California Chrome won The Preakness ensuring a shot at the history books in three weeks in New York. The Kentucky Derby winner ran away down the stretch solidifying itself as America’s horse.

Other than that there wasn’t much happening on Saturday. A day that saw constant pop up showers around the area that really limited what you could do, talk about annoying. Thankfully today it is sunny, downside it isn’t exactly warm outside. But hey, I’m being a positive Pete today.

The Preakness

The Belmont Stakes will mean something in 2014. Kentucky Derby winner California Chrome doubled up on Triple Crown wins with a win Saturday at The Preakness. If there was any question about California Chrome being America’s horse they were answered Saturday.

Breaking from the gate Chrome settled in around the third or fourth spot allowing Social Inclusion to set the early pace. Jockey Victor Espinosa knew what his horse needed and he gave it to him. Breaking from the third gate California Chrome did not have history on his side. No horse had won The Preakness from that gate since 1993.

Going against the grain isn’t something that seems to phase California Chrome and his owners. The working man’s horse, owned by two average joes, bought for $10,000 a joke of a price in the horse world has turned the racing world upside down. They now head to The Belmont in New York 3 weeks from Saturday to try to become the first horse since Affirmed in 1978 to win the Triple Crown.

Cincinnati Reds

Homer Bailey entered Saturday night looking to build off his last outing. Instead he left Saturday night with his confidence in the can and the Reds losers 12-1.

Cincinnati faced Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels who was searching for his 100th career win. Hamels would get that milestone giving up 1 run on 7 innings pitched. Cincinnati’s offense floundered per usual getting only 3 hits on the night.

The Cincinnati offense scored one run Saturday night in the first inning. Their second game in a row where the team scored one run. Manager Bryan Price trotted out a new lineup Saturday, one that left many scratching their heads. Hot hitting Devin Mesoraco and Brayan Pena were left out of the lineup. Instead Neftali Soto and Tucker Barnhart took their places.

As for Homer Bailey the hard throwing texan got absolutely in the 4th inning. Bailey lasted only 3.2IP, giving up 7 hits and 6 earned runs throwing 92 pitches in that short time. Bailey is coming off and off season where the Reds signed him to a big, long term deal. At this point Bailey has not delivered.

Video of the Day

You looked right at it, move!