Let’s recap today’s titanic struggle….
FINAL
Cleveland 5
Cincinnati 7
W: M. Leake (8-4)
L: M. Talbot (2-5)
S: F. Cordero (17)
BOX SCORE
POSITIVES
— After the first two games of this series, 7 runs and 11 hits seems like an offensive windfall.
— Fred Lewis was 2-5 in the leadoff spot. Chris Heisey had two hits, including a homer in a start in CF. Edgar Renteria also had two hits, including a homer. Miguel Cairo also had 2 hits and a walk.
— In the 4th, Leake faked a bunt and lined a hit into right center, which was one of the keys to the 3 run inning.
— Aroldis Chapman threw a very strong 8th inning, chalking up 2 strikeouts in a 1-2-3 inning.
NEGATIVES
— Votto and Bruce were a combined 0-6.
— Renteria’s 2 hits and homer will keep him on the roster and getting playing time for another month.
NOT-SO-RANDOM THOUGHTS
— The Reds don’t seem to get any close calls (today, the call at Phillips at 3rd and a call on Cairo at 2B). But they don’t seem to get upset about calls going the other way. I would really like to see some “fire” out of this team and coaching staff. It’s just another one of my frustrations with this team.
— Leake was nothing to write home about, even though he did retire 11 in a row at one point. As usual, he pitched on the right day, as the Reds always seem to score a bunch of runs when he throws.