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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.

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Reds Comeback to Beat Atlanta 5-2

The day started out rough for Bronson Arroyo and the Reds.

Omar Infante, who replaced the injured Martin Prado, doubled to start the game.  Jason Heyward squibbed a ball down the thirdbase line and catcher, Ryan Hanigan was wide to the left with his throw, allowing Infante to score and Heyward to reach secondbase.  Chipper Jones popped out but Brian McCann singled Heyward to third.  Scott Rolen fielded a slow grounder by Troy Glaus and missed the tag on Heyward at third.  Arroyo then issued a bases loaded walk to Eric Hinske.  It was 2-0 Braves.

Arroyo got out of it with a double play.

"That was a weird first inning," Dusty Baker said.  "The key was that Bronson got the double play.  You never know what the key play is until you look back."

"It was a funny inning.  When you have a first inning like that you go into damage control.  I have trouble against the Braves.  I had a feeling the day would go like that," Arroyo said.

To compound the top of the first, Orlando Cabrera doubled with one out but was thrown out at the plate by Heyward on Joey Votto's sharp single.

Arroyo settled in and gave up just two hits and two walks in his next six innings of work.

Scott Rolen hit his first home run since June 28th in the fourth inning. Rolen doubled in the seventh with one out.  Jonny Gomes singled to right but this time thirdbase coach Mark Berry held Rolen.  Jay Bruce, who struck out in the clutch on Friday night, singled to tie the game.  Stubbs , who also fanned to end Friday nights loss, struck out this time a well against Jair Jurrjens.  Hanigan made up for his fielding gaff by drilling a Jurrjens pitch to the gap in right center.  As he approached second, centerfielder Melky Cabrera's throw to the infield slipped and went askance toward right field.  Hanigan circled the bases and the Reds led 5-2.

"I was just glad I got something good to hit finally," Hanigan said.  "I saw the ball get away from him (Cabrera) I knew I had a chance to score.  It was a big run for us.  I've never done anything like that in the big leagues."

Arthur Rhodes and Nick Masset protected the lead through the seventh and eighth.

Francisco Cordero pitched a relatively stress-free ninth for his 28th save in 34 chances.  He fanned old foe Brooks Conrad and Heyward looking.

"You have to live and die with these things.  Nobody is perfect," Cordero said.  "We bounce back.  That's what winning teams do."

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