Last night Dusty Baker decided to move Jay Bruce in front of Joey Votto and hit Brandon Phillips fourth with Scott Rolen on the disabled list..
Phillips has been hot and provides protection for MVP, Joey Votto. It also allows Bruce to see more fastballs and better pitches to hit..
It worked on Monday in a 9-5 win over Milwaukee but Marco Estrada made it look bad on Tuesday. Although the Reds only offense came when Votto walked and Phillips hitting behind him hit a home run. The Reds had just two hits.
Pitching has a lot to do with the effectiveness of the batting order.
Bronson Arroyo handled the Brewers on Monday and Mike Leake turned in his second good start in a row but it was wasted.
Leake allowed solo home runs to Prince Fielder and Ryan Braun the meat of the Milwaukee order. Leake left after seven innings. Logan Ondrusek, who has pitched well and had an ERA below one coming into the game. Ondrusek allowed a solo home run to Rickie Weeks and this time Brewer closer John Axeford made it stand up.
Axeford was losing pitcher when Ramon Hernandez hit the three-run game winning home run on opening day.
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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