Home / Brandon Phillips / Reds win in another shutout

Reds win in another shutout

By on May 6, 2009
[Reds 7, Marlins 0]

The Reds were impressive in last night’s victory. Brandon Phillips collected 3 hits and drove in 6 runs, homering to put the game out of reach. Edison Volquez went 8 innings and struck out 7 to earn his 4th victory of the season. You probably didn’t know this, but Major League history was made in this game. It was the first time in Major League history that two pitchers with the last name beginning with ‘VOL’ started in a game (Volquez, Volstad). I only know that because of Tim Kurkjian, bless his heart.
Nick Masset entered the game to pitch a scoreless 9th inning. He lowered his own ERA to 1.64, in giving the Reds s 3-2 road trip before they return home to Cincinnati for 5 games in a row against the two teams they trail in the NL Central standings. The Reds currently sit 2.5 games behind the Cardinals with the Brewers (tonight’s opponent) sandwiched in between at 2 games behind the Cardinals.
This pitching staff is very intriguing. Right now you’re seeing a starting pitching effort that keeps them in the game every night even if the offense doesn’t show up. That’s a dangerous thing. It’s been a long time since the Reds had a pitching staff this downright good. If they could get Owings out of the rotation and plug in phenom Homer Bailey, the Reds might have one of the best staffs in all of baseball.
Also must be noted that Jay Bruce has hit in 6 straight games, and with another multi-hit game in this 7-0 win Joey Votto has ten now, tying him with Albert Pujols in leading the NL in that statistical category. Personally I like Jerry Hairston Jr. in the 2 spot behind Taveras. Chris Dickerson hasn’t hit much all year. Laynce Nix pinch hit a double in this game and is hitting near .400 with a lot of extra base hits. The guy deserves time as the left fielder over Dickerson.
With the next 5 games, these young Reds once again will see an opportunity to make a big time statement.
Related Items