Game 51 Recap-
The Reds used two big innings(8 total runs) and got big performances from both young and old as they rallied for a 9-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati Tuesday night. LF Adam Dunn hit a huge 3 run home run and rookie CF Jay Bruce(3rd player in last 70 years to have 3 hits, two rbi and a stolen base in his ML debut) was a pain all night to lead the Reds offense.
The Pirates took a 3-0 lead into the 5th after scoring runs in the 2nd,3rd and 5th. C Ronny Paulino singled in the 1st run, RF Xavier Nady did the same in the 3rd, then 1b Adam Laroche hit a sacrifice fly in the 5th. Rookie Reds RH Johnny Cueto battled thru 5 innings for his 3rd win(3-5, 5.40 era) allowing 9 hits, 3 runs(2 earned) with 3 walks and 4 strike outs. His team rallied for 4 runs in the 5th. 2b Brandon Phillips plated the 1st Reds run with a sacrifice fly. Then Dunn hit a huge 3 run shot off of wild Pirates RH Ian Snell.( 5 innings, 6 hits,7 runs,7 walks and 6 strike outs).
The Reds, now leading 4-3, took control in the 6th and chased Snell as well. After a single and walk, LH Damaso Marte was in and gave up 2 singles(SS Jerry Hairston jr & Bruce) and a bases loaded walk to RF Ken Griffey Jr. made it 7-3. Dunn singled in another run and it was 8-3. In the 7th, Bruce doubled home another run for a 6 run lead,9-3.
The Pirates posted a mini relay in the 9th vs LH speclalist Jeremy Affeldt in the 9th. Laroche hit a 2 run homer and Paulino added a solo shot to make it a 3 run game at 9-6. After a walk, Reds Manager Dusty Baker brought stud closer Francisco Cordero(1-0,2.28 era) into the contest and he quickly got Pirates 2b Freddy Sanchez to foul out for a Reds win and his 11th save.
Star of the Game-
Co-stars— veteran Red LF Adam Dunn, big 3 run homer among his 2 hits,4 rbi. Super prospect PF Jay Bruce has a huge night with 2 walks, 2 rbi, 3 hits and 2 runs. 2nd Red in 50 years with 3 hits in his ML debut.
Pirates Notes-
SS Jack Wilson was activated and back at the #2 spot. Rookie SS Brian Bixler was demoted to Triple A…Snell’s 7 walks were a career high
Next Game-
Wednesday, 7:10 Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati
Pirates LH Tom Gorzelanny(4-4,6.31) vs Reds RH Bronson Arroyo(3-4,5.68)
