Scott Rolen, Wife and Two Dogs Bury Fish, Reds 6-5

Now that's a nice photograph - not one of those glamor shots you see among the starting pitching staff. Family, together on a dock, Rolen looks convincingly happy, the dogs aren't taking a shit on the dock. Rolen carried the appearance of happiness onto the diamond with him today where he shredded Fish pitching. He took Ricky Nolasco deep two times, then knocked in what ended up being the winning run in the top of the 10th.

Cueto was less spectacular, but the staff was probably due for a subpar performance. In listening to the broadcast, Old Man Brennamen stated, 'this guy just does nothing to help himself out.' That statement was prompted by a hit batsman, a wild pitch, and a balk after Rolen presented him with a 2-0 lead. He actually left with a 5-4 lead but Mike Lincoln, who hadn't made an appearance for a while, reemerged and made sure Cueto wasn't going anywhere with a win that he didn't deserve. It wouldn't be fair to the rest of the rotation who has patiently waited for a victory while turning in some very strong performances.

The offense, outside of Rolen, showed a little bit of pizzazz. Every starter, with the exception of Cueto who doesn't really count because he's Dominican, had a base hit. Ray-Jay Bruce picked up two, that's right, two hits, bringing that average up from .053 to a balmy .130. Votto snapped his hitless streak and Big O' took his second pitch out of the yard. Eleven hits in one game is really very, very good. So, expect the team to keep it up. Arroyo on the mound tomorrow. You may recall his dominating start last time. However, he is in Florida, so was probably out of the water today. You can't drive a boat in the desert.