Game 36, 2011: Reds 7, Astros 3

[Box Score]

[Cincinnati.com]

Observations:

The Reds are taking care of business. Homer Bailey has been extremely impressive. He’s got it going on right now, and through 13 innings he owns a 2-0 record to begin his season and an ERA under one. Most impressive to me last night was that he didn’t walk a single Houston batter, and he struck out five. He was efficient and kept his pitch count low. This is the Bailey that we thought we were gonna see from day one. It doesn’t always happen that way. All this experience later, he’s still got #1 stuff and a long career ahead of him. I have said all along that I think Bailey is going to be the best pitcher of this group for the Reds. He’s survived changes in management, managers, pitching coaches and teammates; and the Reds have thankfully been patient with him in the process. I think the rewards reaped could be huge, and the Reds might be looking at something special here in the near future.

I am trying to tamper my excitement a little bit. Bailey has always done well against lower-tier opponents like the Astros and Pirates.

The Reds spotted their starter a 4-0 lead in the top of the 1st before I even realized who was going to be taking the mound for Bailey. Yesterday was a long day at work, so cut me a break. I thought Bailey was throwing today’s afternoon game. Two of these came on an upper deck shot by Jay Bruce, his fourth home run this month.

I would love to see Jay Bruce end the month of may with about six more bombs. I know it’s a lot to ask, but he hasn’t really even gotten hot yet. Trust me, he hasn’t. No matter how crazy that sounds, when he’s locked in he’ll have those 3 or 4 hit games, and he’ll have multi-homer games. He’ll hit five home runs in a week. He’ll be knocking in every runner that’s on base. When that happens he’ll be carrying the Redlegs on his back for a week or two. Right now, he’s a player who is a major part in helping the Reds win games.

Ryan Hanigan added a few timely hits to drive in runs and Joey Votto did what Joey Votto does–two run-scoring doubles. The Reds won the game and lifted their record to four games over .500, and have the look of of a team that knows they need to bury teams like the Astros like it’s a given this year. They’ve played well in Houston the last couple of years. They’ve really ‘shot the cripple’ when they’ve needed to against this Houston franchise. Had Coco Cordero not blown the save this past Saturday, the Reds would be on a six game winning streak. As it is, they’ve won 6 of 7.

Not lost in all of this is the fact that Dusty Baker is still playing Johnny Gomes too much and it has seemed to cool off Chris Heisey’s hot bat. Aroldis Chapman gave up the only runs of the game to the Astros. It was the second time of recent that Chapman has given up multiple runs without recording an out. It’s something to keep an eye on–especially if you’re like me and truly believed that he wouldn’t allow a run all year long.

Top Plays:

Jay Bruce hits his 8th homer of the year into the upper deck at Minute Maid

Joey Votto’s RBI double gets the Reds on the board

Nice snag by Chris Heisey ends it

Homer Bailey, so money

Potpourri:

Red Reporter reminds us that this was just the first time Homer Bailey has pitched in Houston.

-The Reds play at 2:00 today, and face Wandy Rodriguez. He’s had a good history against the Reds, and I think Jay Bruce will be given the day off. I don’t feel optimistic about the Reds winning today.

-I’ll be at the game Friday. Taking a colleague from work who is a Cardinals fan. Should be fun–I’ve got Club Seats.