The Reds opened up a 3 game series with the Atlanta Braves on Friday in a 3-2 extra inning win. The win gives the Reds a 26-29 record and once again jump into 4th place in the NL Central above the Pirates.

Young Outfielder Jay Bruce once again showed why he is MLB ready as he had the best game for the Reds by far. Bruce went 4-for-5 wth 1 RBI and 2 runs scored. He scored the most important run of the game in the bottom of the 11th when Brandon Phillips hit a frozen rope that went under the glove of Chipper Jones giving Bruce the opportunity to win the game, which he did. Brandon Phillips came up clutch with the hit, which wasn’t recorded as a hit because of the Chipper Jones error, as it was his 30th RBI of the season. Jerry Hairston also put forth a solid effort for the Reds going 1-for-3 with a run scored and a stolen base. The steal is his 10th of the year and the hit gives him a batting average of .345.

Edinson Volquez was given the start for Cincinnati and pitched a solid game. He worked 6 innings giving up 5 hits, 2 runs, all earned, 3 walks and 7 strike outs. Unfortunately he didn’t receive the win because the lead he built was given up in the 7th inning when the Braves tied the score at 2. Kent Mercker did get the win though pitching in the 11th inning allowing just 1 hit. The win brings his record to 1-0 this season with a solid ERA of 3.29.

This is a good way to open up a series against a strong team like the Braves. Late inning wins can sometimes build momentum for the games that follow which will be game 2 on  Saturday in the afternoon.

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