With apologies to Tim McGraw, Tug's son the Reds have kept Lance Berkman's Houston voice in check as of the fifth inning Sunday.
Historically, Berkman would just as soon parachute into Great American Ball Park rather than wait for the Houston charter to land at CVG. All he's done is hit 49 home runs and drive in 135 runs since breaking in to the big leagues for good 10 years ago. He has more home runs (21) than even Albert Pujols (18) in Great American Ball Park.
Yet the Reds handled him this series.
Sam LeCure walked him
Aaron Harang flied him
Mike Leake grounded him
On Sunday Berkman came to bat three times against Leake with at least two men on. He hit the ball hard each time but Brandon Phillips started an athletic double play in the first, and an easier version in the third. With the bases loaded and two out in the fifth, Berkman grounded hard to Orlando Cabrera at shortstop.
Mike Leake has allowed seven hits but no runs through six innings. In his last start he allowed just one run in 7 1/3 against Pittsburgh.
However, the Reds have not scored against Felipe Paulino, much like they were stifled by Paul Maholm in Leake's last start.
Cincinnati Sports News and Commentary
About Me
- Gary Schatz
- I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.
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