| Final | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
|  Cincinnati Reds  (38-38) | 4 | 7 | 0 |
|   Chicago Cubs  (32-43) | 1 | 6 | 0 |
|  W: M. Latos (1-0)    L: E. Jackson (5-8) | |||
|  Fangraphs Win Probability |   The Worldwide Leader’s Box Score  |   Game Photos | |||
Positives
For, I believe the first time all season, the Reds clustered their four best hitters together. The result? Their 2-5 hitters (Todd Frazier, Joey Votto, Devin Mesoraco, and Jay Bruce) combined to go 5 for 13 with 3 walks, 4 runs scored and 3 RBI. That will get it done, folks. Skip Schumaker also broke out the heavy grit sandpaper to go 2 for 3 with a big ol’ rib eye steak.
Mat Latos got his first win of the year on seven innings of one run ball. His velocity was down, but you cant’ argue with results and he’s been good since coming back.
Broxton and Chapman did what they do.
Negatives
Nada.
Not so random thoughts
As mentioned above, Latos’ velocity was not where it normally is. The best I saw was 91, but I missed a few innings doing bedtime with the kids. In any case, here’s hoping it’s nothing serious.
The Reds are once again over .500. They are now six games over .500 since their loss on June 10 (Joey Votto’s first game back). That’a a 9-3 stretch against mostly good teams. Interestingly, the Reds are one game over .500 against teams with a .500 or better record this year. After past complaints about them not beating good teams, that’s worth a little praise.
Speaking of playing good teams, heading to San Francisco tomorrow to face a very good Giants team. After that, the schedule really eases up. The Reds have had a rough first half with lots of games against good teams. Their second half schedule certainly makes a major run possible, but we’ll have to see.
As I type this, ESPN lists the Reds has having a 30 percent chance of making the playoffs. That ain’t good, but it’s a whole lot better than it looked a few weeks ago. Have hope my friends, have hope.