Let’s recap today’s titanic struggle….
FINAL
St. Louis 2
Cincinnati 7
WP: Arroyo (3-2)
LP: Penny (3-4)
BOX SCORE
POSITIVES
–Your Cincinnati Reds are in first place in the National League Central division!
–Bronson Arroyo tossed a complete game, allowing just two runs on seven hits. At times, Arroyo appeared to be toying with Cardinal hitters. So much fun to watch….
–Scott Rolen got the Reds on the board with a two-run homer in the first, then knocked in the Reds third run on a single in the third inning. After that, the Reds were Rolen.
–Several Reds hit the ball well today. Besides Rolen, four other Reds — Orlando Cabrera, Brandon Phillips, Jay Bruce, Jonny Gomes — had two hits. Cabrera, Gomes, and Drew Stubbs all doubled.
NEGATIVES
–None! The Reds are in first place!
ETC.
–Reds pitchers have tossed three complete games in the last week. When’s the last time that happened?
–In the top of the first inning, the Reds made the decision to intentionally walk Albert Pujols with a runner on second and first base open. It worked brilliantly, as Matt Holliday proceeded to ground into an inning-ending double play. The best strategy is usually to avoid pitching to Pujols.
–Beating the Cardinals to take over first place makes it even sweeter. Perhaps the only way it would be better is if they had beaten the stupid Cubs.
–It occurs to me that Bronson Arroyo might be my favorite Red. I really enjoy watching him do his thing.
–I don’t know how long the Reds will stay in first place, and I don’t really care right now. I’m just going to enjoy it. It’s better than being in last place.
–Scott Rolen got us going today, so he gets the sombrero:
Scott Rolen