Game 121 Recap-
2 Rookie played starring roles, as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-1 Thursday at PNC Park. Cueto(8-11,4.90) allowed 4 hits and a run over 5 innings,while striking out 7 and walking 3. Chris Dickerson batted leadoff and was 3 for 5(2 doubles and a triple, run,rbi) with a huge rbi double in the 6th. 5 Reds relievers combined to hold the Pirates to 4 hits over the final four innings with no walks and 3 Ks, The Pirates had zero baserunners in the 8th and 9th.
Pirates RH Ian Snell pitched very well over 6 innings, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs with 2 Ks and 5 walks. 1b Javier Valentin homered in the 2nd for the first run and Dickerson’s rbi in the 6th was big. Double aside, Snell looked strong and this is a key for the final 6 weeks of the season for both Ian and the team. “It was a nice game for him,” Pittsburgh manager John Russell said. “I can’t fault two runs. We were right in the game.”
The Reds added a big insurance run in the 9th after Dickerson tripled and was sacrificied home. Called up Monday after the Adam Dunn trade, the rookie has helped the Reds with his energy. “That’s what young people do,” Cincinnati Manager Dusty Baker said. “And he’s brought some speed, whether it’s covering ground in the outfield or on the bases. It’s great.”
Star of the Game-
Cueto- Promising rookie teams up with RH Edinson Volquez to gave Reds fans hope
Pirates Notes-
Closer Matt Capps had another strong inning in Double A and is moving up to Triple Indianapolis. His rehab from shoulder bursitis appears to be going well….Brothers Adam(1b) and Andy(3b) Laroche played together for the 1st time and batted in the 4-5 holes… 2b Freddy Sanchez was back in the lineup after missing games all week with a shoulder injury. He had 3 hits to top the club
Next Game-
Friday, start of a 3 game series vs the New York Mets at PNC Park
Pirates RH Jason Davis(1-1,1.38) vs Mets RH Mike Pelfrey(10-8,4.11)
