Reds Take Series From Cubs; Brewers Next

Another series win for the Cincinnati Reds. In fact, they have won 15 of their last 19 series (15-3-1). The losses were to Philly, St. Louis and San Fran. The split was against the Nats.

The Cubs must be elated that they no longer have to play the Reds this season. Not only because the Reds won the season series 12-4. (We Reds fans have grown a bit weary of Cubs fans invading our nice home with good teams. Our turn now.) The Cubs will no longer have to face Drew Stubbs. Yes, Drew Stubbs has been a thorn in the Cubs’ side all of 2010.

All Stubbs did yesterday was go 3-5, score three runs and steal two bags. For the season, Stubbs hit .333 (19-57) against the Cubs with 5 HR, 16 RBI, 14 runs and 7 steals. If only that could translate over to all of the National League. Oh, and Stubbs’ bunt single in the bottom of the 7th inning was a sight the Reds have been longing to see.

Sam LeCure was once again…stellar. In two innings of relief of an ineffective Travis Freakin’ Wood (5 IP, 10 H, 3 R), LeCure calmed the Cubs bats and retired all six men he faced. He now has retired the last nine batters he’s faced. LeCure was in line to get the win, but that dissolved as Arthur Rhodes allowed a two-run, game-tying home run to Kosuke Fukudome in the top of the 8th. Logan Ondrusek obtained the win coming in for Rhodes and inducing a double play to end the 8th.

Speaking of Sir Arthur…It’s been said that he has battled plantar fasciitis since (at least) June. WebMD.com states that plantar fasciitis is caused by straining the ligament that supports your arch. Repeated strain can cause tiny tears in the ligament. These can lead to pain and swelling. By looking at Rhodes last two outings, both statistically and physically, you might say something’s amiss: One and a third innings pitched while allowing five runs. Rhodes showed slight signs of the pain in yesterday’s game. The best thing for the condition is extended rest. Don’t see that happening as Rhodes is a tough as they come.

For the third straight game, no Brandon Phillips, but he did pinch-run and scored. Reds skipper Dusty Baker says BP is still feeling pain when holding a bat, but all else is OK. Chris Valaika has been better than advertised filling in for BP.

Does this ever get old? 3-4 with an RBI? Once again, Ramon Hernandez provides offense as well as handling the staff. I know I’ve praised the Reds catchers as a group in the past, but they do deserve every bit of the recognition (and more) they receive.

The Milwaukee Brewers visit GABP for a three game set starting tonight. The probables:
Game 1: Homer Bailey (3-2, 4.83) v. Randy Wolf (10-10, 4.74)
Game 2: Aaron Harang (6-7, 5.02) v. Yovani Gallardo (11-6, 3.50)
Game 3: Johnny Cueto (12-4, 3.49) v. Chris Narveson (10-7, 5.52)

Cincy still has nine games left with the Brew Crew in 2010 and currently holds a 4-1 lead in the season series over Milwaukee.