Let’s recap tonight’s titanic struggle….
FINAL
Cincinnati 3
Florida 5
WP: Volstad (1-1)
LP: Bailey (0-1)
S: Badenhop (1)
BOX SCORE
POSITIVES
–Free Paul Janish! Soft J got a chance to play for the first time all season, and did he ever deliver: 2-3, a double, a HR, two RBI, a run scored and a walk. Plus, his defense at shortstop was absolutely spectacular. It’s a complete disgrace that Orlando Cabrera gets ten times the amount of playing time as Janish.
–Mike Lincoln looked pretty good in two innings of work. Unfortunately, the game was already in the toilet by the time he entered the game.
NEGATIVES
–TOS*. The Reds compiled five measly hits, two by the 25th man on Dusty Baker’s roster.
–Homer Bailey was not good. As in his last outing, he wasn’t awful, but this type of outing won’t cut the mustard. Bailey went 5.1 innings, giving up 5 runs on 8 hits, walking four and striking out three. Many of the hits were bleeders but still…not good.
ETC.
–Scott Rolen made an error early. I would’ve put that in the negative column, but Rolen made two spectacular defensive plays later in the game. I really enjoy watching Rolen and Janish on the left side of the infield.
–Dusty Baker left Homer Bailey in the game for 115 pitches, in a meaningless game in the second week of the season. I know the bullpen was thin tonight, but that still worries me.
–One more chance to take the series, tomorrow evening. Aaron Harang is scheduled to pitch.
*This Offense Stinks.