Game 139 Recap-
1b Joey Votto’s rbi single put the Red ahead for good, capping his big day(2 for 5,homer,run,2 rbi) , helping Cincinnati defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 8-6 Thursday afternoon in Ohio. SS Jeff Keppinger added 2 rbi and LF Wilkin Castillo scored twice for the Reds.
The Pirates started strong, going up 5-0 in the 2nd inning. 3b Andy Laroche’s ground out and RF Steve Pearce’s 2 run single accounted for the 3 first inning runs vs Reds (ex-Pirate)starter, rh Josh Fogg. Utility man Chris Gomez 2 run homer(1st of the year) made it 5-0. The Reds pecked away at lh Tom Gorzelanny(6-9,6.64) with single runs in the 2nd(homer by RF Jay Bruce), 3rd(Keppinger sac fly) and 4th(Keppinger double). The Reds tied it at 5 with Votto’s homer(5th inning) and a ground out from 2b Brandon Phillips providing the runs.
CF Nate McLouth homered(#24) to retake the lead for the Pirates in the 8th but the Reds answered with 3 runs of their own vs rh Craig Hansen(0-3,2 blown saves,10.45) and rh T.J. Beam(1-1.3.89). Hansen walked Castillo, a bunt single and sacrifice followed. Cincinnati tied the game on a wild pitch by Hansen. Beam entered and allowed a rbi single to Votto,3b Edwin Encarnacion sacrifice fly capped the inning at 8-6 Reds.
Reds closer Francisco Cordero(4-4,3.52) got two quick outs on pinch hitters Nyjer Morgan and Adam Laroche. Freddy Sanchez drew a pinch hit walk bringing C Ryan Doumit off the bench for Raul Chavez. Doumit reached on an infield single to 2b with Sanchez reaching third on a throwing error by Phillips. However, RF Brandon Moss grounded out to 1st to end the game.
Star of the Game-
Votto- Excellent young player who will be at 1b for years to come
Pirates Notes-
Team managed only 6 hits vs 4 Reds pitchers… Chris Gomez started at 2b and had 2 hits… Prospect Luis Cruz started at SS and was o for 3… Fogg left after the 3rd inning with a strained right groin
Next Game-
Start 3 game series at San Francisco Giants ,Friday at AT&T Park
10:15
Pirates lh Zach Duke(4-13,5.14) vs Giants rh Kevin Correia(3-7,5.35)
10:15
