Did that Really Just Chapman?

Lets talk...the Phillies' series:

As I'm watching the game last night, I turned the television off in the bottom of the eighth. Mike Leake was pitching a gem, the Reds had a 2-0 lead and frankly, I was dead tired. I thought I'd wake up in the morning and catch some SportsCenter highlights of the Reds getting the win, but of course I should know not to assume anything with this club. For the second night in a row they lose on a walk-off hit. Same score too! After the sweep of the Nationals this past weekend, fans were wondering if it was just a fluke, myself included. They've got one more shot against the Phils to prove that this is not the start of another abysmal losing streak.

Lets talk...pitching:

Mike Leake! Welcome back sir. With his previous three starts leaving all of us grimacing, he was the shining light of last night's game.  His stuff was working, there was movement on the ball and he took a no-hitter into the seventh. Leake gave up to singles in the ninth, but walked away confident with a 4-0 lead under his belt. Aroldis Chapman came in to close out the game, and he did everything but; giving up a three-run shot to Maikel Franco. Chapman has always been more reliable than not, but correct me if I'm wrong. Yes, the man can throw insanely hard, but when a pitcher throws that hard, they throw mostly fast balls. It's better odds for hitters because like Franco said, "I know he throws hard and wasn't going to throw many breaking balls, so I waited for one pitch". One fastball right down the pipe is all you need because that thing's coming in so fast if you get even a little bit of the bat on it, it's going to fly.

On the other side, Phillies' pitcher Cole Hamels pitched a decent game, only allowing two runs on six hits. He struck out eight in seven innings. Hamels was not awarded the win, but still remains a flawless 10-0 against our Redlegs.

Lets talk...what's next:

They wrap up a three-game series with the Phillies tonight. Anthony DeSclafani is on the mound for the good guys, with a familiar face on the opposing mound. Aaron Harang gets the start for the Phillies. Yes, he's still hanging around the majors, and not doing too shabby. Not a stellar record at 4-5, but a decent ERA, 2.02. The Harangutang was a heck of a guy and gave eight great seasons to the Reds' organization, but we need a win tonight so I'm kind of hoping he bombs! No hard feelings Aaron. First pitch goes out at 7:05PM, go Reds!

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.