Volquez Solves First Inning Problems But Home Run Ruins Performance

For five plus innings Edinson Volquez illustrated why the Reds believe he will be the stopper at the front of the rotation.

Volquez had a well publicized problem at the start of games.  He allowed runs in the first inning in all four of his starts prior to taking the mound against St. Louis in the rubber game of the three-game series. (The rubber game is the deciding game of a series)

The Reds facing Jake Westbrook, who had also struggled for the Cardinals, could not score.  Brandon Phillips had two of the first three hits, both doubles but the Reds could not score.  The Cardinals pitched around Joey Votto.   Jonny Gomes pressed into the leadoff spot vacated by Scott Rolen, who was placed on the disabled list, missed on two chances to drive in runs.  Jay Bruce also flied out in the clutch.

Volquez was dominating the Cardinals though.  Albert Pujols had a harmless single in the first inning but Volquez was rolling into the sixth.

Hot hitting Matt Holliday led off the sixth with a double with one out.  Longtime Red killer, Lance Berkman was walked intentionally to face rookie Daniel Descalso.  Descalso popped up but Yadier Molina hit the deciding home run on the next pitch.

Volquez shook off Ryan Hanigan and threw Molina a fastball.  He appeared upset with his decision after the game.  Hanigan wanted to start Molina off with a change up.  Molina guessed correctly and hammered the pitch into the left centerfield bleachers.

The Reds drop to 11-11.  They were also 11-11 last season after 22 games but were four games behind.  This start finds them one game out after 22 games, holding the lead in the division for 20 of the first 21 games.