What a way to kick off 2011.
The Reds swept the Milwaukee Brewers out of Cincinnati, featuring different facets of their team in each of the three games.
Opening Day, which I was lucky enough to attend with my Dad, was all about the Reds' ability to come from behind. Ramon Hernandez's walk off homer was as clutch as it gets, and Cincinnati's ability to hang around in a game to give themselves a shot was key. It was typical of so many wins from last year. That the game ended that way on a day filled with so much tradition was perfect. For a full recap on Opening Day, check out my recap here.
Opening Night on Saturday almost had the feel of Opening Day - kudos to the Castellini's for putting on a great show to draw almost 38,000 fans. The game didn't provide the drama that I experienced on Opening Day, but it was a fun time nonetheless, especially with my friends Chris, Jackie, and Haitong. Scott Rolen got the game started with a two run homer, and the Reds worked Milwaukee starter Shaun Marcum to death. They would tack on two more runs in the second inning on a Drew Stubbs' triple and an error by Rickie Weeks. Those four runs were plenty enough for Reds' starter Travis Wood, who cruised through the game. The budding ace needed only 83 pitches to get through 7 innings of one run ball. He struck out 7 and threw 66 of his 83 pitches for strike. That's efficiency. On the other side, the Shaun Marcum needed 83 pitches to get through 4 2/3 innings. He walked 5 and was far too inconsistent to beat the Reds on that night. Cincy managed just 5 hits for the game, but played outstanding defense, highlighted by a Jay Bruce leaping catch, and Edgar Renteria's diving play in the 9th. Pitching and defense was a trademark of the Reds last year, and it was on display today. Take away the normal Francisco Cordero near meltdown and everything went according to plan. The Reds won 4-2.
Today, the Reds got out the brooms and their whooping sticks. Bronson Arroyo gave up a leadoff homer, but despite battling mononucleosis, he surrendered just 3 runs in 7 strong innings of work. He didn't walk a batter and needed just 87 pitches to get through seven. It was the offense that shined today. Jonny Gomes got the run back with a homer, and Paul Janish, who had four hits in the series, drove in a run. After the Brewers tied it back up at two, Cincinnati responded with a four run fourth, highlighted by Brandon Phillips' three run jack. From there it was Ryan Hanigan's day. The catcher had four hits on the day, and reached base all five times he came to the plate. He crushed a solo shot and a three run homer, which gave the Reds' catchers a stunning .750 batting average for the series, with 3 homers and 7 knocked in. Brewers starter Randy Wolf, who is 10-3 in his career against Cincinnati, was tagged for 6 runs on 10 hits in 4 innings.
The sweep of the Brewers was a big way to start the season for Cincinnati. Milwaukee is supposed to be one of the main contenders with the Reds, and though it is just three games, the defending champs reminded the Brew Crew they still have a long way to climb. Poor pitching and defense did the Brewers in this series, and Cincinnati has now won 18 of their last 21 against Milwaukee. This was just three games, so there's no reason to proclaim the Reds as the clear favorite in the majors. That idea is ludicrous. We will hear more from Milwaukee as the season goes on. But, this weekend was a statement from the Reds.
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