Reds-Astros: Bronson Arroyo Leads Cincinnati to Series Sweep

It had been exactly one year since Jay Bruce made his Major League debut.  The slugger celebrated in a big way, smacking two home runs and triple as the Reds completed a series sweep of the Astros with a 6-1 win Wednesday night.

Bronson Arroyo allowed a run in the first inning and that was it.  The Astros were able to generate just five hits as the Cincinnati right hander went the distance and improved to 7-3 on the year.

Arroyo threw 92 pitches and walked only one batter.  It was his first complete game of the year.

The entire Reds bullpen will enjoy two days off, which is especially good news for Francisco Cordero, who had pitched three days in a row.

Jerry Hairston had two of the Reds' 11 hits, including his sixth home run of the season.

Ryan Hanigan had two hits, bringing his average on the season to .328.  He and Ramon Hernandez provide the Reds with what I believe to be the best catching combination in baseball.

The Reds now embark on a road trip that includes three games this weekend in Milwaukee followed by four in St. Louis.

The Cardinals (28-19) currently lead the NL Central.  The Brewers (27-20) are a game back and the Reds (26-20) are one-and-a-half games back.

After the game, Jay Bruce said, "We came in here and took care of business.  We'll go on the road on a roll with some momentum. We plan on coming back [home] in first place."

As a Reds fan, I hope he's right.