Cardinals 8 Reds 5
Graham Ashcraft struggled for his second consecutive start and dug the Reds a hole they could never climb out of in losing to the Cardinals 8-5 Tuesday night at GABP. The Cardinals reached him for a run in the 1st, two in the 2nd, another in the 3rd and three more in the 4th.
Reds rookie Matt McLain jacked his 1st ML HR in a losing effort....an opposite field 2-run shot (385 feet) off Adam Wainwright.
The Reds loaded the bases after two were out in the 9th on a single by Kevin Newman and walks by TJ Friedl and Matt McLain. But newly inserted No. 3 hitter Jonathan India bounced into a fielder's choice to end it.
Notes:
Ashcraft: With the beleaguered state of the bullpen after Monday night, he had to wear it: 5 IN, 10 H, 7 R.
He struck out 3 in the 1st inning, but also surrendered a solo homer to Paul Goldschmidt. Goldschmidt, who entered the game 1 for his last 21, homered twice.
He paid no attention to two runners that stole 2nd and then scored on hits.
Last two starts/Rockies & Cards: ......back to back 5 IN, 10 H, 7 R performances. Last four starts: 17.1 IN, 32 H, 25 ER, 5 HR....13.01 ERA.
On May 2, six starts into the season, his ERA was 2.00. It now sits at 5.57.
Shakeup: Friedl hit leadoff. India (DH) started in the No. 3 spot in the order for the first time in his MLB career. He singled and scored.
Offense: Seven Reds contributed at least one hit. TJ Friedl had 2 2B, BB in return from IL, McLain HR, BB, 2 RBI, Spence Steer extended his hit streak to six with a 1B, Kevin Newman 2 H.
How the Reds scored:
1st: Jake Fraley 2-out RBI 2B, 1-0 Reds
3rd: McLain 2-run HR, 4-3 Cards
5th: McLain RBI groundout, 7-4 Cards
6th: Senzel RBI 2B, 7-5 Cards
Brutal: Home plate umpire Will Little was a disaster. Cards 3B Nolan Arenado and manager Oli Marmol were ejected for arguing balls and strikes in the middle of the 3rd inning. ML umpiring has to be at an all-time low this season. Couple that with the disastrous state of official scoring, how we lookin'?
Glove love: Friedl made a nice recovery on a rocket to CF and hauled it in over his shoulder. Newman made a really nice diving stab up the middle from 2B. Spencer Steer made a nice pick at 1B.
Yer, out! McLain caught stealing. Reds are 13th in SB (35)....T-2nd CS (16)......Reds 35 SB, 16 CS Rays 53 SB, 16 CS
Oh-fer: Wil Myers (0-3, BB) is down to .189.
Bullpen: 4 IN, 1 R...........Silvino Bracho 2.0 IN, 0 R........Alan Busenitz 2.0, 1 R.