Reds-Cardinals: Reds Assured a Losing Road Trip with Loss

The Reds were assured of a losing road trip last night, falling to the Cardinals 5-2.  Many Reds fans, including myself, called this the most important trip of the season.  Unfortunately, there has been very little good news to report.

Before the game, Edinson Volquez was placed back on the 15-day disabled list.  He was diagnosed with elbow tendinitis and must not participate in any baseball activity for 7-10 days.  Jared Burton was recalled from Louisville.

After pitching eight innings on Monday night, the Reds bullpen had to be glad to know that Bronson Arroyo was making the start.  He did get to the sixth, but threw a lot of pitches and was the victim of some tough luck.

With the game tied in the sixth inning, Nick Stavinoha lifted a double over the head of Willy Taveras.  It was a ball that Taveras should have caught.  His first step was in, then appeared to freeze for a moment before drifting back, only to have the ball elude his outstretched glove.

Taveras had not played since last Friday because of a sore right hamstring.

Stavinoha eventually scored on two wild pitches by reliever Carlos Fisher.

There is not much to talk about regarding the Cincinnati offense.  Two runs on five hits.  The Reds did not have a hit after the fifth inning.

Blah.

Same time, same place tonight.  It will be Johnny Cueto (4-3) against Kyle Lohse (4-3).

The Reds need to make a decision on who will start Saturday in place of Edinson Volquez. 

Homer Bailey pitched eight shutout innings last night as Louisville beat Pawtucket.  He threw 117 pitches.  No way.

It looks like it will be lefthander Matt Maloney, who pitched a complete-game shutout on Monday.  He is 4-2 with a 2.00 earned run average.  Saturday would be his scheduled day to pitch anyway.