Game 26: Reds 10, Giants 1

Any concern that the Reds were completely unable to hit any lefty with a pulse was alleviated Sunday afternoon. Cincinnati jumped all over a helpless Barry Zito and pounded the Giants, 10-1 to earn a series victory.

The Reds started Ryan Freel, Corey Patterson and Scott Hairston in the outfield and still had a 6-0 lead before Zito managed to get the second out of the first inning. From there really it was academic with Edinson Volquez having his 'A' stuff working for the Reds on the hill. On the day he threw seven innings, striking out ten and walking three, allowing one run and five hits. The Giants lineup isn't something to be feared generally but it still was a fantastic performance.

I almost feel bad for Barry Zito. He's got to feel like he's stealing money at this point. The loss put him at 0-6 for the year with a 7.53 ERA. It's almost like Milton's 2005 so far, except if Milton had seven more years on his deal instead of two. Zito's making so much money they have to keep throwing him out there unless he's hurt, but they have no chance when he's on the hill most of the time.

For the Reds, this is the second straight game where their struggling offense put up ten runs. Brandon Phillips had two homers and three RBI, Ryan Freel drove in two, and Joey Votto, Jeff Keppinger and Volquez each had one RBI. We'll see a much better indication of whether this outburst was a result of the Reds pulling it together or if the Giants are just that bad when the Reds open a three-game set at division leading St. Louis Monday. Bronson Arroyo takes the hill looking to turn things around for his 2008 season for the Reds (11-15), while righty Todd Wellemeyer toes the rubber for the Cardinals. Game time is 8:10 Eastern, 5:10 here in paradise. Peace.