The Reds ended their three game losing streak with a 3-2 win. Cueto pitched 8.0 innings of two run baseball, and the Reds struggling offense was able to scratch across three runs against the Rockies, despite not having their two best hitters, Frazier and Mesoraco in the starting lineup. The Rockies scheduled SP, Franklin Morales was scratched from the start because of the birth of his child. The Reds got a bullpen game from the Rockies, who started former Red, Matt Belisle, and then brought in another former Red, Nick Masset immediately following Belisle.

Biggest Play of the Game

According to Fangraphs WPA statistic (wining percentage added), the most important play of the game was Kristopher Negron’s RBI single in the 9th inning, giving the Reds a 3-2 lead. That play increased the Reds chances of winning by 34.4% (from 47.1% to 81.5%)

Other important plays (+/- indicates how much each play increased or decreased the Reds chances of winning):

• +22.7% – 9th inning – McKenry lined into a double play to end the game. Chapman pitching
• +10.4% – 6th inning – Cueto strikes out LeMahieu to end the inning, bases were loaded
• +10.2% – 6th inning – Cueto strikes out Culberson, bases loaded, 2 outs
• +9.6% – 9th inning – Chapman gets Rosario to fly to leadoff the inning
• +8.5% – 4th inning – Santiago RBI single, Reds lead 2-1
• +8.2% – 9th inning – Santiago singles to leadoff the inning
• +7.3% – 4th inning – Hannahan leadoff double
• +6.3% – 3rd inning – Hamilton single, runners on 1st and 2nd with 0 outs
• -22.6% – 6th inning – Dickerson RBI double off Cueto, game tied at 2, runners on 1st & 3rd with 1 out
• -10.8% – 9th inning – Hamitlon flied out with runners on 1st & 2nd, 2 outs
• -10.1% – 9th inning – Chapman walks Culberson with 1 out
• -9.8% – 2nd inning – Arenado solo HR off Cueto, Rockies lead 1-0
• -8.2% – 5th inning – Bruce grounded into a double play. Bases empty, 2 outs
• -7.8% – 1st inning – Ludwick lined out with runners on 2nd and 3rd, 2 outs
• -6.0% – 6th inning – Arenado single off Cueto, runners on 1st and 2nd with 1 out

Player of the Game

Kristopher Negron: 4 for 4, 1 RBI, 0.45 WPA

Kristopher Negron is absolutely awesome. I love watching this kid play. His speed was very impressive in the first inning, when he bunted for a hit. He made some nice plays in the field, flying all over the place. He had four hits tonight, including the game winning hit in the 9th inning. Negron can play EVERY position except Catcher. He should be on the Reds roster next season, as the Reds utility guy. Negron is literally Santaigo and Schumaker wrapped into one (as he fills the need of a backup SS and utility guy), except he is a significantly better defender, and has a lot more speed.

Positives

Johnny Cueto pitched yet another gem: 8.0 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 6 K. Cueto now has a 2.06 ERA and 0.91 WHIP on the season. Tonight was the 11th time this season that Johnny Cueto has pitched 8.0+ innings, where he has allowed 2 ER or less.

Jack Hannahan ended his 0 for 14 start to the season with a leadoff double in the fourth inning. Ramon Santiago followed with a single to give the Reds a 2-1 lead.

Zack Cozart made a tremendous play in the 6th inning, just barely throwing out the speedy former Red, Drew Stubbs. Cozart entered play today with 19 DRS (Defensive Runs Saved), which is the most among MLB SS, and the 4th most of any player at any position in the MLB.

Billy Hamilton and Ramon Santiago each collected two hits tonight.

Ryan Ludwick went 1 for 3 with a walk tonight. This coming off last night, when he went 3 for 4 with a HR.

Negatives

Aroldis Chapman got his 26th save tonight, but his incredible MLB record streak of 49 relief appearances with a strikeout came to an end. Chapman was a little shaky, as this was only his 4th appearance in August.

Jay Bruce went 0 for 5 tonight, and is now hitting .219/.299/.374 on the season. He did collect an RBI, which tied the game in the 3rd inning. It however came on a weak ground-out, when the Reds had runners on 2nd and 3rd base with 1 out. The play actually decreased the Reds chances of winning by 0.6%. I still believe in Bruce, but this has really been a tough season.

Not so random thoughts……..

Brandon Phillips made his first rehab start for the Louisville Bats tonight. Phillips went 0 for 2 with a walk. Phillips could return as soon as Monday for the Cardinals series according to Bryan Price.

Of course Brandon Phillips makes a gold glove play in his rehab game.

— Ryan Ritchey (@_RyanRitchey) August 15, 2014

Brandon Phillips has been to the plate three times tonight, and has seen six pitches. Was 8th worst in 2013, seeing 3.6 pitches per PA.

— Ryan Ritchey (@_RyanRitchey) August 16, 2014

The Brewers are currently losing 2-0 to the Dodgers in the 5th inning as I type this. If the Brewers lose, the Reds will be 5.5 games back in the NL Central.