Reds Spring A "Leake" In Winning Streak Boat

The last time the Reds won 11 games in a row was 1975. That record will stand as Edinson Volquez and the Padres blast the Reds 11-5 tonight. 

It was a rough go for Mike Leake tonight, who in just one and two thirds innings, gave up five earned runs and walked three. Leake was staked to an early 3-0 lead, and it looked good for the Reds to make it 11 in a row, off of former Red Edinson Volquez. But in the second inning Leake had control problems and whenever he was around the plate, the Padres jumped on him like wolves on meat. 

Needless to say, it wasn't an exactly stellar night either for Alredo Simon. Although damage control duty is not an easy job, Simon went two and third innings, gave up five runs, three walks and recorded a strike out. But other than those two, credit Bray, Arredondo and Ondrusek for at least giving the Reds a slim, but still possible, chance to come back.

It was also not an easy night for catcher, Devin Mesoraco. He was ejected in the third inning by home plate umpire, Chad Fairchild for arguing balls and strikes. While the replay (and the replay tool Fox Trax) showed that it looked like a ball, I almost have to give some credit to Mesoraco. It's not easy for a catcher, who just got blasted by a runner tagging from third earlier in the game, to get back in a crouch and play the rest of the game. I know it didn't really impact the call, but it was clear Mesoraco did not like the call. To add insult to injury, he will most likely be serving a suspension because he bumped the umpire.

However, there were some bright spots to take away from this game. Drew Stubbs and Ryan Ludwick continue their hot bats as Stubbs hit a home run, and Ludwick drove in two runs on a triple to left field. Jay Bruce also launched his 21st home run of the year. The offense wasn't necessarily the issue, although they did leave a lot of ducks on the pond tonight. The issue was pitching, which walked 11 batters tonight--the previous high this year was seven.

That's all for me, folks. Sad to see the win streak come to an end, but all good things must come to an end eventually. The consolation prize of the night is that the Pirates were destroyed by the Cubs tonight, 14-4. There still haven't been any moves made and the closer the trade deadline gets (it ends tomorrow at 4), the less-likely I feel the Reds will make any moves. But, you never know. You can find me on twitter @stieneKYSCO .