(AP photo/Al Behrman)
Yes, Drew Stubbs hit the walk-off homer in the ninth that gave the Reds that 4-3 win over Atlanta on Sunday, his second career walk-off blast. But the most impressive part of Stubbs’ night was the fact he did not strike out, the second consecutive game in which the center fielder has not fanned. It had been July 6-7 since Stubbs had gone consecutive games without striking out.
The Reds are now three back of the three-way tie that is Pittsburgh, St. Louis and Milwaukee. Pittsburgh travels to Atlanta for a four-game set, which starts tonight. St. Louis could make some hay as the Cards play host to dreadful Houston for a four-game series. Milwaukee is off tonight, then welcomes the lowly Cubs to Miller Park for a three-game series. Cincinnati opens a four-game series with the New York Mets tonight at GABP.
Dontrelle Willis did not pitch badly, giving up six hits and three runs over 6.1 innings. He seemed to be bothered by a cracked fingernail. Willis may need to pitch well as Edinson Volquez pitched a complete game for Louisville his last start.
Brandon Phillips turned in an excellent series against the Braves, producing five hits in 12 at-bats, including a Sunday night two-run homer in the first inning.
Aroldis Chapman was particulary impressive last night, recording five outs on just nine pitches. Only one of those outs was a strike out. Since returning from his get-it-together stint at Louisville, Chapman has allowed two earned runs in 13.1 innings.
With Scott Rolen back on the DL, I admit I’d like to see more of rookie Todd Frazier. Then again it’s hard to argue with Dusty Baker giving time to Miguel Cairo, who continues to be a valuable reserve. Cairo hit his fourth homer of the year last night. He’s driven in 20 runs in just 146 at-bats.
Tough break for Zack Cozart to go on the DL after just 37 at-bats. Cozart had 12 hits and was hitting .324 when he injured his elbow on Saturday. He could be out at least two weeks. Edgar Renteria will get most of the starts, though Paul Janish has been re-called from Louisville. Janish started 1-for-22 with Louisville, but then raised his average to .256.
Good note from the Enquirer’s Tom Groeschen: “Reds pitchers entered Sunday with a 2.70 ERA since the All-Star break, second in the NL to San Fransisco (2.22).
Chris Heisey’s average has dropped to .245 and he appeared to banged his shoulder in a near-collision with Drew Stubbs last night.
Joey Votto went 0-for-3 last night and his average is back down to .312, equaling his low since being at .300 way back on April 3.
You can see why his players like Dusty Baker. Nick Massett lost Friday night’s game, giving up Dan Uggla’s pinch-hit home run in the ninth. But Dusty came right back with Masset on Sunday night. The right-hander gave up a hit and Baker went to Chapman to face a left-handed batter. Still, Baker didn’t seem to shy from putting Masset back in the saddle.
Mike Leake pitches for the Reds tonight against the visiting Mets. Leake was a 1-0 loser last time out at Pittsburgh. The right-hander allowed just two hits in six innings. He was coming off a pair of rough starts in which he allowed nine runs in 11.1 innings. Leake’s WHIP is down to 1.17, lowest since he was at 0.83 after his very first start of the year way back on April 5.
R.A. Dickey will pitch for the Mets. He’s 4-8 with a 3.80 ERA on the year. Dickey hasn’t won since June 28. He’s allowed eight earned runs in 13.1 innings over his last two starts. The Mets have won five of the last six games Dickey has started, however.
