Boxscore

The brooms were out as the Reds completed the sweep of the Cardinals last night on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball (Presented by Taco Bell).

Johnny Cueto would have taken the mound, but was suffering from a blister. How he got a blister over the All-Star Break, I don’t know, but it wasn’t too big a deal since everyone else was rested. Homer Bailey took his place and totally rocked it. He pitched 8.0 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 9 hits and 2 walks. He even got the win, since the Reds took the lead in the bottom of the last inning he pitched.

Aroldis Chapman struck out the last three guys for the save. It was the third game in a row that he pitched, so I imagine we won’t see him in tonight’s game.

For the offense, Chris Heisey went 3-for-4 and Joey Votto snapped his 2-game hitless streak with a 2-for-3 night, plus a walk. Brandon Phillips, Devin Mesoraco, and even Homer Bailey each contributed a hit.

It was, however, Scott Rolen’s night to shine. With 2 outs in the bottom of the eighth and runners on second and third, the Cardinals intentionally walked Ryan Ludwick to load the bases and get to Rolen. He made them pay with a line-drive single to right field that won the game.

The win brings the Reds record to 80-58 and once again gives them sole possession of first place in the NLC. Tonight they host the Diamondbacks who are fresh off being swept by the Cubs. Bronson Arroyo (4-5, 3.73 ERA) faces off against Wade Miley (9-5, 3.04 ERA). First pitch at 7:10 p.m.