Three home runs lead the Reds past the Braves

The Reds offense came to life on Monday evening, as the Reds beat up on the lowly Atlanta Braves 8-2. Cozart, Votto, and Suarez each homered to lead the Reds offense. The Reds bullpen also added four scoreless innings of relief.

Positives

Brandon Finnegan did give up 7 hits in 5.0 innings, but he limited the bad Braves offense to 2 runs. A 4.36 FIP on the night against the lowly Braves doesn’t impress me, but Finnegan allowed 13 ER in his last two starts. It was good to see him at least have a positive outing.

The continuing question with Finnegan is not whether he has the stuff to start, but whether he can get through six consistently.

— Zach Buchanan (@ZachENQ) July 19, 2016

Zack Cozart hit his 15th home run of the season, tying his career high set in 2012. It’s only July 18th. What a season, and what a turnaround for his career. I’m guessing that someone is going to have to make a big offer for Cozart at the deadline. If he is indeed traded, I wish him nothing but the best. Cozart is awesome.

Joey Votto hit his 15th home run of the season in the 4th inning, giving the Reds a 3-1 lead. He also had an RBI single later in the game. Votto continues to dominate pitching of late.

Joey Votto now has a higher AVG, higher OBP, more extra base hits, hits, doubles, and runs scored than Bryce Harper.

— Wick Terrell (@wickterrell) July 19, 2016

Eugenio Suarez hit his 16th home run of the year. It’s been an inconsistent season for Suarez, but 16 home runs in the big leagues in your first full season is a good thing.

Billy Hamilton showed off his wheels in the 4th inning. He induced a balk by Braves pitcher Matt Wisler, and then stole third base without a throw. He stole another base later in the game, and now has 27 on the season. This dudes speed is unreal.

Jay Bruce has been criticized for his defense because of his metrics this season, but he made a couple really nice plays this evening.

Blake Wood pitched a perfect 6th inning with 2 strikeouts. Wood now has a very impressive 3.05 ERA/3.45 FIP. In a season with an all-time bad bullpen, Wood should be celebrated. He has been terrific.

Raisel Iglesias pitched two more scoreless innings. Iglesias now has a 0.56 ERA as a reliever (16.1 IP, 7 H, 1 R, 8 BB, 19 K).

Negatives

Nothing to see here.

Not so random thoughts………………

The Nick Senzel show is underway in Dayton!

Nick Senzel is now 4-5 with a triple, home run, 2 runs and 4 RBI in Dayton. That's good. Now hitting .322 for the Dragons. #Reds

— Doug Gray (@dougdirt24) July 19, 2016

To add to his night, Nick Senzel just stole 2B. He's now got 11 steals in 25 games since being drafted. #Reds

— Doug Gray (@dougdirt24) July 19, 2016

Up Next:

Braves at Reds
Tuesday, 7:10
TV: FOX Sports Ohio
Cody Reed (8.39 ERA) vs Tyrell Jenkins (4.50 ERA)

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