Let’s recap tonight’s titanic struggle….
FINAL
San Francisco 6
Cincinnati 5
WP: Romo (2-3)
LP: Herrera (0-3)
S: Wilson (15)
BOX SCORE
POSITIVES
–Jay Bruce had three hits, including a double and a homer, against a left-handed pitcher. He is learning how to play this game at an elite level before our very eyes. Bruce has been a different player this year, and it’s exciting to watch.
–Arthur Rhodes was his usual brilliant self, but his foot was clearly bothering him on the mound. I’m very concerned about what Dusty’s lack of a bullpen management strategy is doing to Rhodes’ ability to stay healthy for the rest of the year.
–Drew Stubbs gunned down a runner at the plate. That’s always fun to watch.
NEGATIVES
–The Reds just didn’t look very good tonight.
–Johnny Cueto had a pretty poor outing — four earned runs on ten hits in six innings — but he battled and battled and battled when it was clear very early on that he didn’t have his good stuff.
–Daniel Ray Herrera gave up two runs and collected only one out. His ERA ballooned from 2.97 to 4.03. Just bad.
–Orlando Cabrera is a poor defender.
NOT-SO-RANDOM THOUGHTS
–Dusty Baker’s ideas about bullpen management don’t take into account anything that might happen in the next inning. Forget tomorrow, next week, or next month. He’s flying by the seat of his pants.
–Ugly way to start the homestand. Go get ’em tomorrow, Redlegs.