Reds-Braves: Little Red Gets a Big Win

The Reds returned home to Great American Ball Park last night looking to end a four-game losing streak. The Atlanta Braves, losers of two in a row, were in town to begin a three-game series.

The night started well for Cincinnati. Aaron Harang pitched a scoreless top half of the first inning. He threw 13 pitches, all for strikes.

In the bottom half, Willy Taveras broke an 0-for-32 streak with a single. Taveras stole second base then went to third on a Brandon Phillips double that glanced off the glove of Nate McLouth. Taveras came in to score on a ground out by Laynce Nix.

That is what happens when Taveras gets on base. His speed not only provides a base-stealing threat, but also creates opportunities for other hitters. Holes in the infield allow would-be ground outs to reach the outfield grass. Hitters are more likely to see fastballs to give the catcher a better chance of throwing him out stealing.

The Reds took the 1-0 lead into the third. Then came a lot of rain. The game was delayed for nearly two hours.

On May 25, Harang came back after a lengthy rain delay to record one more out against the Astros, qualifying him for a victory. There would be no comeback this time, as Daniel Ray Herrera took the mound when play resumed.

Herrera was outstanding. After a retiring the Braves in the third, rain caused play to be halted again. The delay was only 21 minutes this time. Herrera would continue for the Reds, holding the opposition scoreless for two more innings.

The Reds offense came to life after an abysmal road trip. Nix was the focal point, going 3-for-5 with two doubles and three RBI. His run-scoring double in the eighth capped off a four-run inning that allowed the Reds to break the game open.

The Reds had five doubles on the night. Like Nix, two of Brandon Phillips' three hits were doubles. Alex Gonzalez had a two-run double in the eighth.

Herrera was awarded with his first big league victory.

"It definitely means a lot," Herrera said as he wiped his eyes. "Growing up and trying to dream of being in the big leagues, I'm here. I finally got my first win. It's a really exciting moment."

The series will continue tonight, weather permitting. The scheduled pitching matchup is Javier Vazquez (4-5, 3.31) against Micah Owings (3-7, 4.64).