Let’s recap tonight’s titanic struggle….
FINAL
Houston 1
Cincinnati 5
W: B. Arroyo (12-7)
L: B. Norris (5-12)
BOX SCORE
POSITIVES
–A typical Bronson Arroyo performance: seven innings, one run allowed on seven hits, five strikeouts, two walks. Arroyo’s ERA is down to 3.66 on the season. What a brilliant year he has had.
–Brandon Phillips reached base four times from the leadoff spot: 2-3, two walks, and his 16th homer of the season.
–Jay Bruce hit his 33rd homer of the season; he also walked and scored two runs. Jay has now hit five homers in the last six games.
–Joey Votto was 2-3 with a double; it’s like he hasn’t skipped a beat.
–Henry Rodriguez collected his first major league hit tonight. Congrats, Henry!
NEGATIVES
–None.
NOT-SO-RANDOM THOUGHTS
–Good win for the Redlegs. Me like. Even better, the Cardinals lost to Milwaukee. Cincinnati leads the division by 9.5 games.
—As Jason noted, if the Reds play at a .500 clip for the rest of the season, the Cardinals will need to go 21-2 just to tie for the division lead. (Believe.)
–People have been complaining about Bruce all year, yet here are his numbers: .266/.342/.554, 33 homers, 95 RBI. Are you not entertained?
–Bronson Arroyo has been a huge reason for Cincinnati’s success this season. No one expected that, except Bronson’s mother, perhaps.
–Votto reached base in seven of his first nine ABs after returning. I’m not sure we should have expected anything less.
–Magic Number:
