The Reds lost the first game of the three-game series to the Pirates last night, 8-4.

Homer Bailey started for the Reds, so it looked like it was going to be all him. After all, before last night, Bailey had never suffered a loss at the hands of the Pirates in 9 starts and he was rocking a 1.79 ERA. That’s why they play the game, though. Last night he worked just 3.0 innings, allowing 6 runs (earned) on 8 hits and two walks.

Alfredo “Saucy” Simon came on for an inning of scoreless relief, and in retrospect, maybe he should have stayed in longer. Baker hadn’t arranged for a double-switch though, so pitch him for him in the bottom of the inning and sent out J.J. “Too Easy” Hoover.

Hoover made things worse, allowing 2 runs (earned) on 2 hits in this 2.0 innings of work. Might not surprise you that those two hits were solo shots to McGehee and Presley.

Jose Arredondo came in for the next two innings of mop-up duty and performed admirably, allowing no runs on just 1 hit and striking out two. Sean Marshall came in to close it out in a cruel parody of his previous role, but he didn’t allow any runs either.

It probably goes without saying that Joey Votto tore it up for the offense. He was 2-for-4 with a walk last night and half of the team’s RBI. Unfortunately, his “protection”–Brandon Phillips–had a down game, going 0-for-5 with 4 strikeouts.

Zack Cozart went 3-for-5. Drew Stubbs, Jay Bruce, and Devin Mesoraco each walked twice. I won’t get in to the 23 left on base.

The Reds try again tonight at 7:10 p.m. in Great American Ball Park. Johnny Cueto (5-3, 2.54 ERA) takes on Brad Lincoln (3-0, 1.04 ERA).