Walk-Off in the 5-1-3

Lets talk...catchers:

First, happy 513 day! A made-up holiday to celebrate your love for the Queen City. It was nice waking up this morning after an exciting win! Our catchers were huge contributing factors in last night's victory. Backup catcher Brayan Pena had his first three-hit game of the season. He hit a single in the ninth setting up Devin Mesoraco for glory. Michael Lorenzen, a pitcher in the starting lineup was brought in to pinch run for Pena. Before last night, I had no idea that a pitcher could have that kind of speed, but the kid can move. Mesoraco, who has been out of the daily lineup due to injury the past month, was able to step up to the plate last night, literally and figuratively. He hit his first ever game-ending hit, leading the Reds to a 4-3 victory over the Braves. I have criticized using Mesoraco as a pinch hitter instead of letting him heal, but I stand corrected. If we can keep Pena's bat hot, this catching/pinch hitting duo could be a spark in the offense. Pena is hitting .588 in his last five games.

Lets talk...Todd Frazier:

The Todd Father had himself yet another productive evening. He didn't waste any time, hitting a two-run bomb in the first inning to give the good guys a 2-0 lead. That gives him 11 on the year, which is second most in the NL. Todd received quite the honor this week. He will serve as an official 2015 All-Star Game spokesperson. The Reds' third basemen is well-deserving. He was selected for the first time to the National League All-Star team in 2014 and participated in the Home Run Derby. He has created quite the campaign to be voted into the game again this year the way he's swinging the bat. He has made it publicly known that he would be honored to be invited to both, but he really loves the derby. A lot of players won't participate because it messes with their swing, but Todd has no such worries.

Lets talk...bearcat football recruits:

My favorite subject, bearcat football! When there's a need for speed, head south. We've got some kiddos out of Florida that want to play in the new and improved Nippert Stadium. Earlier this week, Jordan Merrell (WR/RB) out of Fort Lauderdale committed to THEE University of Cincinnati. And cornerback Dontye Carriere-Williams out of Miami has committed on the defensive side. It is said that Carriere-Williams had at least 15 offers on the table, but I'm glad to see he made the right choice.