Leake's Not Here to Tickle Balls, Guides Reds To Victory, Reds 8-2

Reds got a nice win yesterday. Leake went 8, giving up on 2 runs. I was about to hammer Leake for all of the wins (5) without pitching particularly well, however, I took a look at his game log. With the exception of his second start of the year against Arizona (which the Reds Rocket was fortunate enough to attend in person) where he was given a 5 run lead but couldn't make it through 5 innings, giving up 6 and a May 3rd start against the Astros of all teams where he went 3 and gave up 7, in his other 7 starts he's gone at least 6 and given up no more than 3 runs in any of them. He's gone 7 or more 3 times, which is a rarity for Reds starters. So, despite his other newsworthiness, which I've forgotten about by now, he's been pretty solid this year. Better than his 4.63 ERA indicates anyway.

The Reds offense was quite good yesterday. Gomes made a reappearance and it looks like he's been hitting the weight room. Matt Garza and Samardzija don't really fit the MO of his prior prey, though Samardzija is brutal, Jonny made his at bats against righties look easy.  His average skyrocketed to .195 with the two hits, which included another rocket to the shortstop that Castro made a nice play on and a 3-run bomb. Nice job Jon. Bruce had 3 hits and Hanigan was on base 4 times with 2 single and 2 walks. Stubbs homered for the second day in a row. Everything seemed to come together. It's too bad, as I say every time the Reds get a three-game set against the Astros, that the Reds can't play the Cubs every day. They don't have any idea what's going on out there.

As stated yesterday, Volquez returns today. I'm sure Marty will be very happy to see him during the game today. 'And here marks the return of the most singularly frustrating player in the entire Major Leagues. I simply deplore Edinson Volquez.' The Reds Rocket is happy to see him again. Go Eddie. Reds! Reds! Reds!