The Reds got a typical starting pitching performance (i.e. a great one) but the story of the game was that the slumbering Cincinnati bats had a pot of hot coffee poured in their crotch.  In short, they were boldly awakened, screaming and putting their hands on their crotch (something you never see done by a baseball player, save Jim Thome).  Griffey hit his first home run of the season.  Alex Gonzales went crazy at the plate.  Harang hit a sac-fly to bring in a run.  Even David Ross had two hits. 

At one point of the game I was worried that the weather would prevent it from being official.  I heard of the threat of rain and checked the radar.  A HUGE line of thunderstorms was heading straight for St. Louis – and it was only the top of the fifth.  That was when Cincinnati poured on five runs.  Once the lead was secure, I wanted the Reds to get some outs so they could pitch the bottom of the inning and make the game official.  I started to wonder if there was ever such a thing as an intentional strikeout. 

The rain held off, however and the start of the road trip did what I hoped it would – the Reds woke out of their hitting funk. 

One final note – I’ve been ripping Griffey for his start this year, blaming his woes at the plate and field on his grousing about the move to right field.  It came out today though that Griff has been struggling with diverticulitis, a very painful intestinal condition that I’ve seen in my own family.  Here’s to a quick recovery and to my apology for ripping you so much Junior while you’ve been playing through pain. 

Permalink | Posted in 2007 Season