Reds-Brewers Series Wrap: It’s a Sweep!

May 12, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo (61) pitches during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. (Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports)

It was a gloomy feeling after dropping two of three to the Atlanta Braves. For a team with the high expectations heading into this season, a 19-16 record previous to the onset of the series against the Brewers had its ups and downs.

Nothing like getting seeing those Milwaukee Brewers.

The showcased what many thought about one aspect of the Reds: defense. Sure, there were the questions about what Shin-Soo Choo could provide as a center fielder. Even a few about how Todd Frazier could handle an entire season at third base, but the usual suspects would arrive.

Coming off a DL stint, Ryan Hanigan announced his return early in the first game of the series with a diving grab off a bunt attempt. The best was yet to follow. And who better than Brandon Phillips to showcase why he’s the best defensive second baseman in baseball.

The BP show would continue in the bottom of the inning, the 7th, as he would provide what was ultimately the game-winning hit, a home run which at the time gave the Reds a 4-2 lead. The final is game one: Reds 4, Brewers 3.

Aroldis Chapman struggled, but held it together for the save. His struggles led to a few of the local media questioning the use of the Cuban Missile. Hard to stay sharp when you go 5 and 6 days in between appearances.

Yesterday would be a run-fest as both teams combined for 20 runs. Things didn’t exactly start out the way we liked as Milwaukee would put a couple of run off Lat Latos in the game’s first inning. The Good Guys would respond with a five run second inning to take a 5-2 lead. The Brewers would pull within a run after scoring two more in the top of the third to make it 5-4, but the Reds bats awoke even more in the bottom of the inning.

After that, it was the Reds ahead 12-4. The Brew Crew would plate three more and the Reds added another run for the 13-7 final. Game won. Series won.

May 12, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Donald Lutz (left) is congratulated by second baseman Brandon Phillips (right) after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. (Photo: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports)

In today’s finale, it was about two players: Bronson Arroyo and Donald Lutz.

Arroyo would produce the starters first quality start in nine games as he went 6.2 innings of shutout ball. He would allow only five hits and a walk while whiffing five Brewer batters.

As for Lutz, all the runs the Reds would need came on one swing, his first homer in the bigs and it was a three-run shot off the fair pole – or foul pole if you prefer. (See it again!)

Final: Reds 5, Brewers 1. The Reds sit at 22-16, a season-high six games over .500.

But there is one small issue. Those darn Redbirds keep winning as well.

Day off tomorrow and a travel day as Cincy heads to Miami for a three-game series against the Marlins. That series will begin on Tuesday evening.