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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, June 23, 2012

Reds' Ace Johnny Cueto and Veteran Scott Rolen Stop the Bleeding

The Reds' season-high, four-game losing streak came to an end with what manager Dusty Baker hopes is the start of another winning streak.

"Losing streaks start with one loss and winning streaks start with one win," Baker said.  "Johnny Cueto did what aces do."

Cueto throttled the Minnesota Twins on three hits in seven innings, while contributing two RBI in the Reds' 6-0 victory.

Cueto has pitched following a Reds' loss seven times and the Reds have won all seven.  Cueto is 5-0 in those games.

Scott Rolen, five games off the disabled list, had two hits, including his 507th career double that put him ahead of Babe Ruth on the all-time list.  Rolen had three hits in the Reds' loss on Friday, including a two-run home run.

"Scott is a big part of our team," Baker said.  "He's valuable in a lot of ways. Scott came up with some big hits and some big base running plays.  He is probably our best base runner.  He goes from first to third as well as anyone."

It is not Rolen's speed that allows him to run the bases well.  It is his experience, judgement and instincts.

Rolen scored a run after going from first to third on a single from his replacement, Todd Frazier, who was in left field in the game.  With Cueto at the plate ready to bunt, Rolen followed the thirdbaseman down the line, knowing that he had to charge the bunt.  When Cueto put the ball in play, Rolen, scored easily.

"It is a hard play to defend," Rolen said of the situation.  "I feel like I've had a good year the last four games."

Frazier had two hits.  He replaced Rolen at thirdbase while Rolen was injured.  He earned playing time.

"We are going to play them all," Baker said.  "That's how you keep the team sharp and strong throughout the season.  We have a long way to go."

Cueto woke up knowing the team needed him to pitch well.

"When I woke up this morning, I felt good.  I wanted to go out and win for my teammates," Cueto said through interpreter Tomas Vera.

Brandon Phillips hit a two-run home run to get the Reds started off Brian Duensing in the fourth inning.  Jay Bruce singled and Rolen doubled him home, eclipsing Ruth's career double total.  Rolen scored the fourth run of the inning on Cueto's sacrifice bunt.

Rolen scored again when Cueto grounded out with the bases loaded in the sixth.  Bruce's second hit, a ringing double off Matt Capps in the eighth, was followed by a walk to Rolen.  Frazier's high bouncing ground ball eluded Twins' thirdbaseman, Trevor Plouffe, allowing Bruce to score.






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