Titanic Struggle Recap: Mat

Let’s recap tonight’s titanic struggle….

FINAL
Cleveland 3
Cincinnati 5
W: M. Latos (5-2)
L: D. Lowe (7-5)
S: A. Chapman (7)
BOX SCORE

POSITIVES
–Mat Latos pitched seven strong innings, giving up two runs on seven hits and a walk. Latos struck out seven. Excellent start.

–Brandon Phillips was 3-3 with two runs scored, 3 RBI, and a two-run homer that put the game out of reach.

–Joey Votto reached base three times, with two hits (including a double) and a walk. Ryan Hanigan — the man who should be batting second, in front of Votto — reached base three times as well.

–Perfect inning of relief for Sean Marshall.

NEGATIVES
–There is really no justification for Wilson Valdez hitting second in the lineup. There’s even less justification for doing it two nights in a row.

NOT-SO-RANDOM THOUGHTS
–Another nice performance against Ohio’s other major league team. The Reds have bounced back well after a tough series against the Pirates.

–With Pittsburgh’s loss tonight, the Reds are two games up in the Central again. Excellent. Everything is right with the world again.

–Have we ever mentioned that Votto is good?

I’ve had bad allergies for a few days gotten almost nothing done. Joey Votto has had something like the flu and is 4-7 w/ a BB, 2B, and HR.

— Jason Linden (@JasonLinden) June 14, 2012