Reds Blow 6-Run Lead, Dat Dude Saves The Day

The Reds are back on the winning side of things as they defeat the Padres Tuesday night by a final count of 7-6 thanks to a Brandon Phillips home run in the seventh inning. 

The Reds jumped on Jason Marquis through the first three innings, scoring six times, but Homer Bailey was unable to hold on to the six-run lead that he was given, as the Padres rallied to score six times in the fourth inning and ultimately ending the night of Homer Bailey.

It was easy going through the front three for Homer, but in the fourth he was only able to record two outs. In those three and two third innings, he gave up six runs on nine hits, walked two and struck out two. One can only assume that this was just a little blip on the radar. But after back to back bad pitching performances by Mike Leake and Homer Bailey, could this team be running out of gas? They have had one day off in the past 19 days, and they don't have another off day until August 13. Not to mention the bullpen has had to work a ton these past two days.

I can't talk enough about Ryan Ludwick. This guy has been on fire lately, and he was at it again tonight. He slugged his 18th home run of the year and drove in four more runs, bringing his RBI total to 52 for the season. Not to mention Brandon Phillips has been playing too. He hit the go ahead home run in the seventh inning, but left because of a mild calf strain on his left leg. We will see how that plays out. Phillips is as tough as nails and he is going to try and play through it, but I can almost guarantee he will not play tomorrow. 

But I have to ask you all this. How about this Xavier Paul guy? This guy was left for dead by the Pirates and Dodgers, the Reds picked him up and he has paid huge dividends for this team in the pinch hit area and making a spot start from here to there. While he may not be the guy people wanted, I think this team has too good of a chemistry right now for anyone to leave and that could be the reason as to why no lead off guy player was traded for. 

Another big shout out has to go to the Reds' bullpen tonight. The combination of LeCure, Marshall and Chapman combined for five and third inning of one hit, no run, one walk and five strike outs. It goes without saying this bullpen is one of the best in the majors, and they get even better with the addition of Jonathon Broxton.

That's all for me, folks. Glad to see the Reds get back on the winning side of things tonight against the San Diego Padres, who actually haven't been playing terrible baseball as of late. I forgot to mention that Todd Frazier hit a home run tonight. This home run gives him sole possession of second place all time in Reds' rookie history for most home runs in a season, passing Chris Sabo. It's almost imperative that Bronson Arroyo gives you at most six or seven quality innings tomorrow, because of the taxation this bullpen has faced these past two days. You can find me on twitter @stieneKYSCO.