Starting on Monday, the Reds will play their next seven games at home against two division rivals who reside in the bottom of the NL Central. After facing two aboriginal American teams on their last five-game road trip, the Reds managed only two wins. The Reds were swept in a two-game series by the Atlanta Braves during Wednesday and Thursday of last week. Both games were won by the Braves in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Reds beat the Cleveland Indians on Friday and Saturday, but failed to get it done Sunday afternoon.
The Reds and Cardinals have both gone 6-4 during their last ten games and have been passing first place in the NL Central back and forth. The upcoming home-stand against the Pittsburgh Pirates (19-25) and the Houston Astros (15-29) could be monumental considering how well the Reds have been playing and the mediocrity of their opponents. After the Reds' next seven games at GABP, they will travel to St. Louis to face the Cardinals for three games.
Here is a rundown of the Reds' latest peyote filled road trip:
WEDNESDAY: Aaron Harang looked okay pitching six innings (8H, 4ER) against the Braves. The Reds kept it close until rookie Jason Heyward doubled off Nick Masset to win the game in the ninth inning. Reds lose 5-4.
THURSDAY: The Reds took an early 8-0 lead against the Braves and Mike "Godzilla" Leake looked like he would easily receive his fifth win of the season. Reds' relievers allowed six runs in just 2 1/3 innings after Leake left the game. The big blow was a pinch-hit grand slam by Brook Conrad. Francisco Cordero allowed the walk-off homer to Conrad. Laynce Nix nearly saved the four runs as he scaled the outfield wall, but the baseball bounced off his glove and left the park. Reds lose 10-9. Aroldis Chapman pitched for the Bats on Wednesday. Chapman pitched well (5 2/3 innings, 3H, 0ER, 7K), but left the game in the sixth inning because of a blister on his middle finger.
FRIDAY: Bronson Arroyo pitched 6 2/3 innings (7H, 4ER, 2K) against the Indians and despite not having his stuff, received run support and a win. Laynce Nix and Jonny Gomes led the Reds' offense as they both went deep and drove in two runs a piece. Reds win 7-4.
SATURDAY: Johnny Cueto pitched six strong innings (4H, 2ER, 5K) against the Indians. Cueto left the game after only 93 pitches with a blister on his index finger. Despite Francisco Cordero's scary two-run ninth, the Reds defeated the Indians 6-4. Laynce Nix hit a home run and drove in two for the second consecutive night. Louisville Bats' Sam LeCure pitched a complete game one-hitter against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees.
SUNDAY: After pitching 2 1/3 innings (4H, 3ER), Homer Bailey left the game against the Indians with tightness in his right shoulder. Relievers Micah Owings, Danny Herrera, and Carlos Fisher finished the game for the Reds allowing only one run combined. Scott Rolen provided all of the Reds' offense going 2-3 with two home runs and three RBI. Reds lose 4-3.
Cueto and Chapman's blisters are considered minor. Cueto will likely make his next start while Chapman shouldn't miss more than one. Homer Bailey on the other hand, may go on the DL after he is examined in Cincinnati on Monday by Dr. Tim Kremchek.
Aaron Harang (2-5, 6.02) will face Brian Burres (2-1, 4.91) and the Pirates on Monday at 7:10pm. The game will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the first major league night-game.
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