Reds 4, Indians 2 (box)
Not even 24 hours after I broke out recent bullpen numbers and mentioned that Adam Dunn walk-off home run from two years ago…
Do you want to know what’s crazy? That game, our left fielder was Todd Hollandsworth – who went 2-for-4 with a home run. Sadly, we still haven’t figured out our corner outfield issues, but recent call-up Ben Francisco (.375/.395/.575) did his part and went 3-for-4 with a home run. That game, Bob Wickman gave up a walk-off to Dunn, capping a huge comeback win.
Today, Dunn did the walk-off job yet again – off of would-be closer Masa Kobayashi.
Kobayashi seemed to have been the only member of the closer-by-committee that hadn’t failed us. He relieved Betancourt a few games ago, racking up a save. Last night, Jensen Lewis folded like a lawn chair. Today, it was apparently Masa’s turn.
After seven and one-third innings of one-run, five strikeout ball from Fausto Carmona; Kobayashi’s line: 0.1 IP, 2 H, 3 ER. Another loss. Carmona’s ERA now stands at 2.25, and his record will not move from the 4-1 clip, despite deserving another “W.” This was Fausto’s first game of the season without a walk issued. Fifteen outs were derived via the ground – compared to three in the air. Not getting the win is one thing. Not winning the game all together is another.
That aforementioned 2.2 runs per game this week? Yes, today’s game will bring that down a bit.
Tomorrow will be another big game. The undefeated Cliff Lee takes on the 6-1 Edinson Volquez (1.12 ERA, 57 K, 48.1 IP). Let’s just hope it doesn’t come down to the bullpens…and Adam Dunn.
But at least Todd Hollandsworth’s legacy lives on…
**
Asdrubal Cabrera Watch: 0-for-4, 4 LOB, .183/.272/.250
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Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 1701 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
Volquez is legit, so we will need another great performance from Lee. I still like Kobayashi as closer, we have to give him more opportunities and we can’t just yank him after one bad outing, that would kill his confidence. I just hope he can put it behind him
I’m starting to get the feeling that the closer role is disintegrating in major league baseball.
Kind of like the center in the NBA… hmmm