Titanic Struggle Recap: Mike Leake’s Final Gem?

The Good
–If that was, in fact, Mike Leake’s final start as a member of the Cincinnati Reds, you couldn’t have asked for much more. Leake tossed eight shutout innings, allowing only four hits. Leake has now won his last four starts. We’re going to miss this guy when he’s gone.

–If it weren’t for the fact that we’re kinda celebrating Mike Leake’s career as a Red tonight, this entire recap would be all about Joey Votto. Tonight, Votto went 3-3 with a 3-run homer (his 19th), a double, and a walk. That guy is hitting .311/.428/.538. He’s so awesome.

–Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect ninth to close out the game.

The Bad
–None.

Not-So-Random Thoughts
–Always a good day when the Reds beat the Cardinals.

–I know he’s allowed just two earned runs in his last 30 innings, but Mike Leake is awful. Can’t even throw a no-hitter. The Reds should just trade him.

–Hard to believe that, with tonight’s start, Mike Leake is now in the top 25 all-time for games started in Reds franchise history. That doesn’t seem possible, but it’s true.

–Okay, let’s talk about Votto. He’s been more productive than Frazier this year, with more WAR than Cincinnati’s third baseman. (And that’s not a criticism of Frazier; he’s great, too). Votto has raised his batting average 34 points since the All-Star break. He’s reached base more than once in fifteen straight games. He is hitting .468/.600/.790 with 5 doubles, 5 HR, and 11 RBI in 80 PA since July 6th. He’s hitting .561 since the All-Star break.

Joey Votto is good.

–Check out this nugget from ESPN: “A win Wednesday would give the Reds just their fourth series win out of 35 played since the 2003 season against the Cardinals. They’ve dropped nine straight series in St. Louis.”

Ouch. Go Reds.