Well, the Cincinnati Reds must not have gotten the memo. How else can one explain the Reds beating the Astros 2-1 last night?
Some ugly numbers: that’s nine straight losses, and 11 losses in the last 12 games. The team is 11-16 for the month, with two games left. The team’s record for the season is 21-30. Oh, the mediocre Milwaukee Brewers won, to increase the lead on the Astros. The mediocre Pirates also won, to move further away from the Astros. The Astros are still fighting the Cards for fifth place, and the Reds are gaining on the Astros.
So, did anything good happen?
Well, after a rough start, Jason Jennings, in his first start since coming off of the disabled list, settled down and held the Reds to zero runs in five innings. And how about Brad Lidge coming into the game in the 6th inning with the bases loaded and no outs, and giving up only one run?
And, well, that’s the good news.
Carlos Lee failed in the clutch, grounding into a double play to end the game. Hunter Pence didn’t get a hit, and Lance Berkman continued in his quest to get his average down to Adam Everett’s level.
I don’t know how much more of this that I can take. But I’ll give it another try tonight, as Wandy Rodriguez takes the mound for the Astros. – John Royal
This article appears in May 24-30, 2007.
