Last Game
The Reds dropped another game to the Rockies 9-2, losing the series, but maintaining their lead on the losing Cardinals. They’ve now lost 4 in a row.

Next Game
The good news is today’s game is the last of this current road-trip. They’ve gone 1-5 on the trip, and games at home (and against the loserly Pirates and Diamondbacks) are tantalizingly close. They need to focus today, though, and try one more time to beat Colorado. Travis Wood will be the one the Reds turn to, while the Rockies send out Jason Hammel. Game-time is 3:10pm EDT, and the game will not be televised.

Bruce, Nix Still Injured
The report on Jay Bruce and Laynce Nix is still not good.

Bruce is coming around. He swung from a tee 2 days ago and took batting practice yesterday. However, he took it slow, swinging at only half power.

“It felt fine,” he said.

That’s good news, but the day he returns can’t come soon enough, and right now, it’s looking like Saturday at the earliest. Bruce’s loss has been devastating for the offense. He was the hottest bat when he injured his side muscle during batting practice.

As for Nix, he apparently has made no progress in healing his sprained ankle. He’s eligible to come off the disabled list Friday, but it won’t happen. The outfield could certainly have used him a time or two during this road trip. If only Walt Jocketty hadn’t taken an outfield surplus and turned it into a shortage.

What to Say to Sound Smart at the Water Cooler
The Reds have been in first place for 25 straight days. With their 6-game lead, it will be at least 31 before they could even move to second place, assuming the Reds stay so bad and the Cardinals get super-hot, both scenarios incredibly unlikely.