Lets recap today’s titanic struggle…
FINAL
Reds 7
Brewers 4
WP: Ondrusek (5-0)
LP: Coffey (2-4)
S: Cordero (39)
BOX SCORE
POSITIVES
– After striking out 4 times last night, and striking out in his first at-bat today, Jay Bruce hit 2 homeruns, including one off of left hander Chris Capuano.  The second homerun was created by fan interference.  I’ll admit, I did not watch the game, only caught a brief portion of the post-game wrap-up, so I’m not sure if the homerun was legit or not.  Bruce drove in 3 RBI.
– Brandon Phillips was a perfect 3-3 at the plate today with 3 singles and a run scored.  If Phillips and Bruce can continue this type of performance next week, I really like our chances.
– Miguel Cairo, starting at 3b for Scott Rolen, went 2-4 with a run scored.
– Yonder Alonso, starting for Joey Votto at 1b, went 2-4 with a double, a run scored, and an RBI.  Alonso’s double was off the wall, just missing a homerun.
– Corky Miller spelled Ryan Hanigan in the latter half of the game and proceeded to hit a 2-run homerun.  Fear the ‘stache!
– Homer Bailey allowed 1 run on 6 hits and 3 walks in 5 innings pitched and left the game with a 3-1 lead.  Bailey struck out 10, but had thrown 120 pitches through 5 innings before coming out of the game.  So Bailey threw 120 pitches in a meaningless game?  Oh man!
– Cordero allowed a hit in the 9th, but promptly threw a double play ball that ended any threat by the Brewers in the 9th.  Cordero picked up save number 39 on the season.
NEGATIVES
– Jordan Smith allowed 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 1.1 innings pitched.  All 3 runs scored on a McGehee homerun in the 7th.
NOT-SO-RANDOM THOUGHTS
– With this win, the Reds have won 90 games for the first time since 1999.
– As of right now, the Padres are up 4-0 and the Braves are tied at 0-0.  There is a chance that there will be a tie in the wild card standings.
– Tomorrow’s game will wrap-up the regular season.  I can’t wait until the playoffs!  Ever since we clinched earlier this week, I honestly haven’t watched much of the Reds.  Judging by the comments in the game thread, most of us are just resting up, waiting for Wednesday (or perhaps Thursday).
Jay Bruce
I just read that Dusty named Volquez starter of Game 1. Didn’t see that coming
What are the thoughts on post-season roster… any surprises?
Fixed.
I see the often benched Ryan Hanigan went 2-4 today bringing his average up to .300 on top of the superior defense (2008 defensive player of the year in AAA). And they’re talking about extending Dusty’s contract? Please don’t!!!
Since Sept 10th this guy who bats .300 has been in only 10 games…about 1/3 of the games!! and one of those was a pinch hit!!
Best case scenario: Pads win, Braves lose.
Giants @ Pads 1 game playoff. Winner wins the division, loser is the wildcard.
Reds play the winner