Hey Jose, How About Throwing a Couple Stikes, Giants 4-2

Going to the west coast, which is not something the Reds usually like to do very much, the expectations were low. Lower even than usual based upon the prior road trip which was pretty underwhelming. But, the Reds took 2 of the 4 and had plenty of opportunity to take 3 or 4 of the 4. They chose not to and in the end, it's their decision.

Yesterday, the ballclub gave back a lead, then fell behind only to be unable to catch-up against a pretty good Giants' bullpen. I haven't seen Bruce and Votto look that poor in combination for a while. There may be some blame which can be assigned to the starting pitcher, not for his pitching, but based upon his total confusion on the basepaths. I'm pretty sure Volquez had never been on base before last night and just wasn't sure what to do. So, the Reds missed an opportunity to add a run or two after the Giants cut the lead to 2-1. That still doesn't mean that Arredondo needs to walk two of every three upon entering the game. Bray should also be able to retire Aubrey Huff, probably. He didn't and the Reds lost.

Saturday was better. Leake looked great over 8, keeping in mind the Giants' offense is somewhere in the mega-brutal category. The offense beat up Lincecum and the Reds remain the only team that he's, Lincecum, has never beat. That's an interesting statistic. Friday the team lost late after Arredondo, joined by Ondrusek, walked everybody. At least prior to Nate Schierholtz, who knocked in the winner.

Trip continues to fantastic L.A. this evening. Arroyo is ready to get things figured out against Kuroda. Matt Kemp has still been raking. I'd be okay if he cooled off for this series. Reds come home victorious, beginning tonight.