Yes, the two-run home run that Rolen hit in the first inning was nice but his next at bat really showed the young Reds how to play the game.
A tough customer was on the mound for the St. Louis Cardinals in burly Brad Penny. The big right hander was 3-3 but had a slim 1.70 ERA.
Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto opened the third inning off Penny with singles. Phillips as has become the Reds custom recently went to third. Since 1999, we have gotten used to watching the Reds go station-to-station. One base at a time and wait for the home run.....Bowden ball.
The Cardinals firstbaseman, Albert Pujols, at first because the Reds have not been shy about sending Votto. Secondbaseman Skip Schumaker was playing up the middle for the double play which left a huge hole on the right side of the infield.
During the Bowden years we would have seen the Adam Dunn's, the Ken Griffey Jr. and the Austin Kearns, trying to put one in the seats.
Rolen waited on an inside pitch and put a ground ball right throught the hole, with Votto hustling to third.
That taxed Penny and he ended up adding a full run to his ERA, more importantly, it allowed the Reds the momentum to add on runs as the game goes on.
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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