"THE BEST GAME OF THE YEAR."

After Monday's 12-4 blowout against the Cardinals, first place for the Cincinnati Reds appeared to be fading away. Bronson Arroyo allowed seven runs in just over four innings of work and the bullpen looked terrible, as Mike Lincoln and Carlos Fisher allowed five more after Arroyo's exit. The offense was stale as the wheels seemed to be falling off for the Reds. After Monday's game, St. Louis moved back into a tie for first with the Reds.

Prior to Tuesday's game the Reds decided to make some changes. Mike Lincoln was placed on the disabled list and Carlos Fisher was sent back to AAA Louisville. Logan Ondrusek and Enerio Del Rosario were called up to remedy the Reds' ailing pen and Joey Votto started at first after missing six games with a stiff neck. Some speculated that Votto spent the week voting for himself.

On Tuesday, the Reds' offense exploded to defeat the Cardinals, reclaiming an isolated spot atop the NL Central. Despite Johnny Cueto having a rough night (5IP, 10H, 8ER, 0K) and the score fluctuating constantly, the Reds held on and put together enough runs to defeat the Cardinals 9-8. Dusty was delighted:

"Both sides were battling. That was probably the best game of the year. That was as close to a playoff atmosphere as a young team can get in. That’s just a sample of what exciting baseball is all about. That was big for us to win that game tonight."

Joey "Capone" Votto confirmed his "gangster" going 4-5 with a home run and Scott Rolen went yard twice, as he went 3-5 on the night with four RBI. The Reds' bullpen rebounded triumphantly, pitching four scoreless innings after Cueto's departure. Enerio Del Rosario received his first career win and Arthur Rhodes assembled his 21st consecutive scoreless appearance (19 2/3 innings).

"Tomorrow, we've got a chance to win a series," said Scott Rolen. "That's important. It's a series. It's not the battle of first place in June. We've got a chance to win a series. That's why we're here in the position we're in playing good baseball and tied for first place. It's because we played well and won series. It doesn't matter who you're playing, you win series and play good baseball, you'll find yourself in good position."

Sam LeCure (1-0, 3.00) will face Chris Carpenter (6-1, 2.93) and the Cardinals at 8:15pm on Wednesday.

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CONQUER THE CARDINALS!

After winning 5-of-7 games against the Pirates and Astros during their latest home-stand, the first place Reds are off to St. Louis to play the Cardinals. The Reds are currently one game ahead of the Cardinals in the NL Central standings and own the best record (30-21) in the National League. This weeks three-game series against the Cardinals will be the last time the division rivals face-off until August 9-11 in Cincinnati.

"We’re having fun," Reds owner Bob Castellini says. "We’re having a lot of fun."

The Reds' recent success has been a result of coordination. The Reds' offense has been rampant (leading the majors in home runs with 67) while the starting pitchers haven't received a loss in over two weeks. With the Reds' most dominant player Joey Votto sidelined with a stiff neck, veteran Miguel Cairo has been replacing the damage. When Homer Bailey was placed on the 15-day disabled list, Sam LeCure stepped in and secured the mound. This vibrant group of players is enjoying success and defining unity. They are a true team.

"With this team, everybody contributes every night," Aaron Harang said.

Bronson Arroyo (5-2, 4.30) will face Jaime Garcia (4-2, 1.14) and the Cardinals at 4:15pm on Monday.

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