In back to back games the Reds faced the top two pitcher in the National League as far as Earned Run Average is concerned.
On Wednesday, St. Louis righthander, Adam Wainwright dropped his ERA to 1.99 or .02 runs per game behind league leader, Josh Johnson, who started for the Florida Marlins on Friday.
Much like the Cardinals did to Mike Leake Monday night, the Reds scored three quick runs off Johnson in the first inning. They didn't exactly crush the ball but found holes like St. Louis did against Leake.
Brandon Phillips hit a slow roller to short that Hanley Ramirez couldn't bare hand. Laynce Nix broke his bat on a handle hit up the middle, Phillips out running the throw to third. Joey Votto hit a hard ground ball through the hole between first and second and Scott Rolen hit a high hopper that eluded Ramirez. One out later Bruce plated Votto with a single to center with Rolen caught at third by Cody Ross.
Edinson Volquez handled the Marlins through five innings.
Rolen hit the first of two doubles to start the third. Jim Edmonds ground out got him to third and he scored on a fielder's choice by Bruce as Ramirez throw to the plate was late.
The Reds carved Johnson for two more in the fourth . Volquez infield hit started the inning. Votto had an RBI single and Rolen's second double scored Votto.
Johnson's ERA rose to 2.27 as he left after 3 2/3 innings, his shortest stint of the season.
Bruce drove in his third run of the game with a long home run to centerfield off Taylor Tankersly in the fifth. It was his first home run since he beat Roy Halladay with home run on June 30. He had gone over six weeks between his 10th and 11th home run.
Florida rookie hit home runs off Volquez in the sixth and Logan Ondrusek in the eighth. The first multi-home run game of the 20-year old's career that began on June 8. He now has 14 for the season. He has hit 12 since Bruce hit his last home run.
Stanton also doubled. In the first four games of the Marlins current road trip, Stanton is 11-for-16 with four home runs, including a 5-for-5 on Tuesday.
Johnson dropped to 10-5. Volquez improved to 3-1, allowing one run on eight hits through six innings.
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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