Bronson Arroyo Ties a Dubious Record Reds Hit Five Home Runs in Loss

Sometimes dubious records are a badge of honor and ultimately something to take pride in as difficult as they are to swallow in the moment.

Greg Maddux is 25th on the all-time list for home runs allowed with 353.  When he gave up his 300th, Maddux got the ball, signed it and gave it to his first major league pitching coach, Dick Pole.  Maddux wrote on it, "Thanks Coach.  I couldn't have done it without you."

A pitcher has to be at the top of his game to stay around to give up that many home runs.  Most of the 24 pitchers ahead of Maddux on the list have busts in the Hall of Fame.  Bronson Arroyo has allowed an even 250.  He still has work to do.

Arroyo tied the Reds team record by allowing three home runs to the Colorado Rockies on Saturday, a 12-7 loss.  The 40 long balls tie Eric Milton, who allowed 40 in 2005. 

Arroyo by his own admission has had a tough year.  He was diagnosed with a strength sapping case of mononucleousus in spring training.  He has made all of his starts in spite of a few nagging injuries. He needs 25 more innings to record at least 200 in seven straight seasons another badge of honor for starting pitchers.

What is truly amazing is that Arroyo has only walked 41 batters which is just one more than home runs allowed which indicates that he is still challenging hitters.  When a pitcher does that he will certainly give up more home runs.

On the offensive side Jay Bruce hit his 30th home run.  He has driven in 90 runs.  Both numbers are career highs and indicates that Bruce, who will be just 25 on April 3rd, 2012 is about to reach his prime years of production.  A little better pitch recognition that is gained through experience, will make him a superstar.  He already was chosen to his first all-star game this season by a vote of his opponents.  Fans will catch on to the fact that his positive talents overshadow the negative moments.

Chris Heisey hit two home runs giving him 15 in 231 at bats.  That's a pace for 45 with enough at bats, although that statistics like that seldom hold up over a longer period.

Juan Francisco hit his second, illustrating the stroke that could make him a Reds slugger in the coming years.

Joey Votto hit his 27th and has now driven in 93 for the season.  He has already walked 100 times.

Friday Gem.....Homer Bailey pitched one of his better games on Friday, a 4-1 Reds victory.  Bailey pitched 7 2/3 innings allowed one run on six hits.  His only walk was intentional.

Sunday Volquez returns.....Edinson Volquez returns from Louisville to make a start Sunday.  He had a 2.37 ERA in the bushes but has shown the control and command he needs to be the ace the Reds expect.