Reds End West Coast Trip With A Win

Entering Sunday's game, the Reds were five and five. But thanks to Jay Bruce and company, the Reds will leave San Diego and the west coast with a 6-5 record after posting a 4-2 victory over the Padres. I said it earlier this week if the Reds can go 6-5, they will be in prime shape for a push towards the end of the season. While the offense was stagnant and tough to come by, they still managed to put up enough runs to back their pitching staff, who threw 10 consecutive quality starts. 

The scoring got started in the fourth inning when Jay Bruce hit a two-run bomb to center field of Padres' starter, Jason Marquis. That was followed up by a Ryan Ludwick home run, and just like that the Reds were up 3-0.

It would stay that way until the bottom of the fifth inning, when ex-Red Chris Denorfia bounced into a fielder's choice that made it a 3-1 ball game. In the bottom of the sixth it was a bases-loaded walk drawn by Mark Kotsay that allowed Yasmani Grandal to score.

Then in the top of the seventh inning, Brandon Phillips singled to right field that pushed across Zack Cozart for the Reds' fourth run of the game and the rest was history.

It was a struggle for Reds' ace and All-Star snub Johnny Cueto. He battled for the most part of the day, going five and two thirds innings. In those five and two thirds, Cueto allowed seven hits, two runs, two walks and five strike outs. From my point of view, he struggled. It was a very un-Johnny Cueto-like performance today. But because of the bullpen, he was able to pick up his tenth win of the year.

One thing I do want to point out though, is the Reds' inability to drive home guys in scoring position with less than two outs. They had plenty of chances to blow this game open today, including last night's game, but were unable to do so. While I don't know about you, it makes it very frustrating to watch.

That's all for me, folks. Today was a short and to the point kind of day. The Reds did exactly what I expected them to do, which was go 6-5 on this road trip. What's even funnier, is that I picked out the way how they would do it. Split the Giants' series, win one against the Dodgers, and take three of four against the Padres (sorry I don't have the winning lottery numbers tonight). I'll be back sometime this week (most likely after the All-Star Game) to give my report card on how the Reds have played this year so far. For all Reds' stuff and useless ramblings, follow me on twitter @ukbraves08 .