The Reds actually won a game in Philly!

George Grande announcing. Aaron Harang on the mound. Reds trying to stay out of last place in NL Central. Tonight feels like 2007.

— Jason Brown (@brown_jason) June 4, 2015

The Reds were able to beat up on a former member of their own, and avoid being swept in Philadelphia. The Reds scored 6 runs off Aaron Harang in 5.2 innings, and were lead by a three hit night from Brandon Phillips. The big hit of the night however came from Billy Hamilton, whose had a 2-RBI single in the 6th inning to increase the Reds lead to 5-2. Aroldis Chapman was able to recover from his recent struggles, as he struck out the side in the 9th inning, and the Reds won 6-4.

Biggest Play of the Game

According to Fangraphs WPA statistic (winning percentage added), the most important play of the game was Billy Hamilton’s 2-RBI single in the 6th inning, giving the Reds a 5-2 lead. That play increased the Reds chances of winning by 18.9% (from 69.5% to 88.4%).

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

• +14.7% – 5th inning: Phillips RBI double. Runners on 2nd & 3rd, 1 out. 2-2.
• +12.6% – 1st inning: Frazier RBI double with 1 out. Reds lead 1-0.
• +12.2% – 5th inning: DeSclafani scores on an error by Ruiz. Bases loaded, 1 out. Reds lead 3-2.
• -14.5% – 5th inning: Bruce grounds in an inning ending double play with the bases loaded. Reds lead 3-2.
• -13.9% – 8th inning: Cingrani allowed a RBI double
• -11.0% – 1st inning: DeSclafani allows an RBI double to Franco.
• -10.4% – 1st inning: DeSclafani allows a leadoff triple to Revere. Reds lead 1-0.

Player of the Game

Brandon Phillips: 3 for 5, 2 RBI, 0.22 WPA

Phillips had a big game tonight. DatDude is continuing to to delay father time this season, as he is now hitting .311/.346/.394 with a 103 wRC+.

Positives

Anthony DeSclafani pitched well for a third straight time on the mound. His line didn’t look all that impressive (7.0 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K), but he did enter the 8th inning only allowing 2 runs. Disco allowed a hit and a walk, and was then pulled. Tony Cingrani allowed both of those runners to score.

The trade of Latos for DeSclafani keeps looking more and more like an absolute steal. DeSclafani has a 3.60 ERA this year through 11 starts. Latos is currently on the DL, and has a 6.12 ERA. Most importantly, Disco is only 25 years old, and the Reds have him under team-friendly control until 2021. That is very important for a team that is most likely going to be rebuilding. Disco’s K/9 (5.68) and BB/9 (3.88) are certainly less than stellar, but his HR/9 (0.62) is what has really saved him so far in 2015.

Billy Hamilton had a big 2-RBI single in the 6th inning. There was an interesting article by Jerry Crasnick today about Hamilton, and how he has received encouraging phone calls from Delino DeShields and Eric Davis.

Good ole’ Skippy Schumaker had two walks, and scored two runs.

Aroldis Chapman was good again. He struck out the side in the 9th. That is good.

Chapman gunning for first 1-2-3 inning in 8 appearances. #Reds

— Lance McAlister (@LanceMcAlister) June 5, 2015

Negatives

Jay Bruce has a tough time playing defense in Philadelphia for whatever reason.

Todd Frazier had an RBI double in the first inning, but otherwise had a really rough series in Philly. Frazier went just 1 for 16 with 0 walks in the series.

Not so random thoughts…………………

There was a ridiculous five minute review in the 5th inning tonight that helped the Reds. DeSclafani was thrown out by 8,534 feet at home plate, but was ruled safe because of obstruction by Ruiz. 1.) This rule is absolutely stupid. 2.) There is never under any circumstances (at least in the regular season) a need for a five minute review. It was a smart challenge by Price though, so good job Bryan.

There Reds will interestingly try Devin Mesoraco in left-field this season. That might be a good move for the future, but I don’t really get why they just don’t have him get the surgery and get healthy for the future.

Around the NL Central

Cubs: They lead the Nationals 2-0 in the third inning, with their stud Jake Arrieta on the mound. The game was delayed for nearly two hours tonight in DC due to rain.

Cardinals: They begin a four game series in LA against the Dodgers tonight at 10:10. That game will be on the MLB Network if you for some reason aren’t watching the NBA Finals (Go Cavs!)

Brewers: Off tonight. They begin a three game series in Minneapolis tomorrow against the Twins.

Pirates: Off tonight. They begin a three game series in Atlanta against the Braves.

Up Next:

The Reds will begin a three game series back in Cincinnati tomorrow against the Padres. The Reds will send Rasiel Iglesias, Michael Lorenzen, and Johnny Cueto to the mound over the weekend.

Padres at Reds
7:10, Friday
FSN-Ohio
Tyson Ross (11 GS, 3.76 ERA, 3.15 FIP) vs Rasiel Iglesias (4 GS, 5.11 ERA, 2.96 FIP)

All statistics are used courtesy of Fangraphs, ESPN Stats and Info, and Baseball-Reference (including Baseball-Reference Play Index). All photos are used courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer, and are used by permission.