Reds Win in Funktastic Style

Well, that escalated quickly.

The Reds brought home a 15-0 victory over the Washington Nationals tonight, riding on the backs of 6 Funkblasts (Reds’ terminology for a Home Run, for those not in the know). Todd Frazier and Zack Cozart, two of the Reds’ youngest stars, both hit two out of the park tonight, joined by Shin-Soo Choo‘s second Red Home Run and a late-inning pinch hit grand slam from Xavier Paul.

Apr 1, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier (21) during pre game ceremonies against the Los Angeles Angels at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports

Those of you who watched the game were witness to one of the best complete baseball games the Reds have played in a very long time. The score speaks for itself — the offense was good, the pitching was good, and the managing was good.

Homer Bailey, although getting up there in pitch count, threw 6 scoreless innings and nabbed the W, also posting the Reds’ fourth consecutive quality start. Manny Parra and J.J. Hoover were great in relief, neither of them getting into any particular trouble on the way to securing the shut-out.

Dan Haren was the losing pitcher, and he never really looked like his former All-Star self. Both Frazier’s and Cozart’s first Home Runs came early in the second inning on back to back bombs. That first HR by Cozart was the young Shortstop’s first hit of the year. It was all down hill from there for the Nationals. Haren turned the game over to the bullpen after 4 innings of 9 hit, 6 run baseball, including 2 more home runs by Cozart and Choo, respectively.

The Nationals’ bats were a night and day difference from the Reds’ lineup. Where as the Reds struggled to find someone who couldn’t produce (three bench players and two pitchers all got hits for the Reds tonight), the Nationals struggled to find someone who could. Sophomore sensation Bryce Harper went 0-4 in the game, and for the most part the rest of the Nats Bats followed suit. Perhaps a sigh of relief came in the form of a decent game by Nationals Second Baseman Danny Espinosa, who had been hitless prior to this game.

The Reds win their third in a row, pushing their record to 3-1. The Nationals lose their first game of the season, falling back into the reality of daily baseball with a 3-1 record.

Tomorrow’s matchup pits 5th starters Mike Leake and Ross Detwiler against each other. It should be noted that although tonight’s game was a blow out, the makeup of these lineups could very well see the Nationals win 15-0 tomorrow night. As is the game of baseball. This writer, of course, will be rooting for another 6 Funkblasts. Tomorrow’s game at Great American Ballpark starts at 1:10 PM.

Other Notes:

– Sean Marshall was supposedly ready to go tonight, but the tide of the game didn’t call him from the pen. Look for him to be ready to go if needed tomorrow night.

– OF Derrick Robinson made his major league debut tonight, reaching base on an error as the first man off the bench

– Every Reds’ bench player got in the game tonight. Mesoraco took over for Hanigan at Catcher, Hannahan for Votto at First Base, Xavier Paul in Left Field for Chris Heisey, and Cesar Izturis at Second Base for Brandon Phillips

– Jay Bruce added another 2 strikeouts to his total on the season, but as the Reds route grew larger and larger, he was able to hit 2 doubles. Maybe he’s over the slump already?

– Their 2 HR games were the first and second career 2 HR games for Cozart and Frazier, respectively. Cozart broke his single game record with 5 RBIs.

– Shin-Soo Choo continues to rake as a Red. Today’s victory brought his slash up to .333/.500/.800 on the young season, and he’s already amassed 6 runs, 2 Home Runs, 2 Walks and 12 Total Bases. This transaction is looking better and better every day.

– Joey Votto got back on track tonight, going 3-4. All of his hits were singles. Please, don’t be the guy that asks if he’ll ever hit a Home Run again. If you think we should trade him, go ask Walt Jocketty in person.

– J.J. Hoover made his third appearance in the young season. Watching him in the 9th could be a little bit of foreshadowing for a couple of years down the road if you ask me. The kid can flat out pitch.

If you missed the game and would like to check out all 6 Redleg Funkblasts, check out the Reds media page.

Box Score:

WP: Bailey (1-0) LP: Haren (0-1)

Washington
a-walked for Haren in the 5th
b-doubled to deep enter for Rodriguez in the 8th

Cincinnati
a-reached on error for Bailey in the 6th
b-homered to right for Heisey in the 7th
c-singled to center for Votto in the 7th
d-grounded to second for Phillips in the 7th
e-singled to center for Hanigan in the 7th