Reds Leave Cleveland With Ohio Cup

I was out of town all weekend, hence the lack posts. There has been a plethora of news regarding my beloved Redlegs, so let's try to catch up.

The Reds and Indians began a three-game series on Friday night in Cleveland. The Indians rolled to a 9-2 win in the series opener. Aaron Harang started and was clobbered, failing to make it out of the fifth inning. He surrendered ten hits that resulted in seven runs, five of which were earned. The Reds' offense could not get anything going against Jeremy Sowers, who lasted seven innings and picked up his second victory of the year.

Saturday marked the return of Homer Bailey. Since being demoted on May 24, Bailey has added a split-fingered fastball to his arsenal that has been wowing minor league hitters. To make room on the roster, Adam Rosales was sent down to Louisville.

Bailey was not exactly spectacular, but did get the win. In five innings, he gave up three hits and three runs while walking seven. Obviously, his control will have to greatly improve if he wants to stick around in the Reds' rotation. The saving grace was the Cincinnati offense, which banged out 13 hits that produced seven runs. With the 7-3 victory, the Reds evened the series at a game apiece.

In the rubber-match on Sunday, Micah Owings took the mound looking to produce a quality start, something the starting staff had not done in a week. Owings succeeded, battling through six innings and giving the Indians just one run on five hits. Brandon Phillips led the offensive attack, going 3-for-5 with 3 RBI and scoring three runs. Every hitter in the lineup had at least one hit except for Paul Janish. With the 8-1 win, the Reds took the series and keep the Ohio Cup.

In other news, a second MRI for Edinson Volquez revealed inflammation in his right arm. The Reds are not expecting him back in the near future.

On Friday, the Reds traded Norris Hopper to the White Sox for Corky Miller. Miller was a catcher with the Reds from 2001-2004 and will report to Louisville.

It seems that carpal tunnel syndrome is still taking its toll on Bronson Arroyo's right hand. It has gotten to the point where he said he is looking into offseason surgery to fix the problem.

After a break today, the Reds return home with a .500 record to host the Arizona Diamondbacks tomorrow night. The series opener will feature Dan Haren (6-5, 2.25) against Arroyo (8-6, 5.54).