Ex-Red Phil Dumatrait struck out a career-high nine of his former teammates, giving up only one unearned run in seven innings (also a career high) as the Pirates beat the Reds 7-2, snapping a nine-game home winning streak by the Reds.

Aaron Harang, coming off his masterful emergency-relief appearance in Sunday’s game, struggled with both his velocity and his location, giving up six runs on ten hits in only four innings, the big blow being a two-run shot by Jason Bay, his 13th of the year.  Harang’s successor, Jeremy Affeldt, was greeted rudely by Xavier Nady, who hit his ninth on the first pitch of the fifth inning.

Jerry Hairston Jr. celebrated his 32nd birthday with a bunt single, a double and a run scored, but was doubled off second in the ninth inning on a line drive to the right fielder, a base-running mistake that was magnified when Brandon Phillips followed with a solo home run, his tenth of the year, off Matt Capps.

Andy Phillips made his first start for the Reds, playing third base in place of the slumping Edwin Encarnacion.  Phillips made a nice defensive play in the fifth, ranging into foul ground and firing across the diamond to nip Jason Michaels at first.

Before the game, Matt Belisle was optioned to Louisville and Kent Mercker came off the DL. Mercker pitched an inning tonight.

Josh Fogg is scheduled to make Saturday’s start in place of Belisle.

Bluzer runs RedlegStats.com, the home of Absolute Average, an alternative to OPS.

The Cincinnati Reds struggled at the plate and lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers by the score of 4-1 on Tuesday night.  The Reds lone run came in the ninth inning but it was a little bit to late to make up a four run difference.

Matt Belisle took the loss after pitching six innings and giving up seven hits and three runs.  Belisle’s record now stands at 1-4 on the season.  Belisle really needs to turn things around and the throw the ball better and start helping out the team get some wins.

Bill Bray gave up one run as he pitched 1/3 of an inning in relief of Belisle.  Jared Burton was then brought in to finish the seventh inning.  Josh Fogg pitched a scoreless eighth inning for the Reds.

The lone run for Reds came in the ninth inning when Edwin Encarnacion singled in Adam Dunn.   A little to late however for the Reds to come back in the game.

Reds Blog

The Cincinnati Reds lost the to Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday by a score of 9-3 putting the Reds at 8-12 for the season.  This loss comes hard, as the Reds have been slowly falling behind in the season standings and need to start playing some better baseball if they want to stay in contention in the division.

Edwin Encarnacion and Joey Votto hit solo home runs late in the game, but the Reds were so far down it realy didn’t matter.  Paul Bako also had a RBI in the game when he doubled to center field in the fifth inning.

Matt Belisle was the opening pitcher for the Red throwing for four innings giving up 12 hits, seven runs and a walk.  He picked up his first loss of the year putting him at 0-1.  Jeremy Affeldt, Josh Fogg, Todd Coffey, and Kent Mercker would pitch the last six innings for the Reds.  Fogg was the only relief pitcher to give up earned runs as he gave up two runs in his two innings pitched.

The Reds will be facing the Dodgers one more time tonight at home for game two of the series.

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The Cincinnati Reds have finalized their 25 man roster for opening day.  Johnny Cueto, Paul Bako,  Mike Lincoln, Kent Mercker, and Corey Patterson all had their contracts purchased by the big league club and made the roster.

David Ross, Alex Gonzalez, and Matt Belisle were all placed on the 15 day disabled list.

Mike Stanton and Jon Coutlangus were designated for assignment.

Just a quick update for everyone today as Matt Belisle and the Cincinnati Reds have agreed on a one year contact that will pay Belisle $1.25 million dollars.  Belisle is hoping for a spot in the starting rotation, but I think he would be better suited in the bullpen for long relieft or middle innings work.

What do you think Reds fans?  Is Belisle a starting pitcher or a long reliever?

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