Cincinnati snaps losing streak with win over Moyer, Phils

[Reds 5, Phillies 1]

The Reds needed a win and they needed it to come against a left-handed pitcher in 46 year old Jamie Moyer, who made his big league debut before many in the Reds starting lineup had even been born. Like they’ve done so many times this season, they answered the bell.
The Reds built a 3-0 lead on a Brandon Phillips RBI single, a Ryan Hanigan home run, and a Jay Bruce RBI single. Aaron Harang was outstanding in 7 innings of work; allowing only 1 earned run (a home run to Raul Ibanez) and striking out 9 batters.
Brandon Phillips hit a 2-run triple in the 8th inning to give the Reds a 5-1 lead that would stand up. Our favorite moment of the game was probably of course when Jay Bruce got down in an at bat to Moyer 0-2, fouled off some 8 pitches hard down the right field line and then doubled. It would have scored Jerry Hairston from first base had he slid into home but he was gunned down trying to score from 1st base.
The win was not the only good news the Reds received on the day. All tests on Joey Votto appear to be negative, so him being out of the lineup at least doesn’t appear to be a serious matter. That means the Reds are only one big bat away from being a contender if he comes back healthy and not two. The Reds wrap up this series just after noon today and look to begin making it a successful homestand.