Bengals, and Trash Bags, and Walk-offs, oh my!

Before I get to yesterday's game, I have a question. Has anyone seen the commercial where Eric Gagne pitches to a trash bag? We're talking several pitches... at a trash bag. I saw this for the first time on the same day that Gagne was placed back on the DL. Not only did the trash bag win, apparently it also assisted in injuring him. Sorry, Dodgers.

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If I would have said before the game that Elizardo Ramirez, along with a couple of pitchers from the 'pen, would combine for an 11 inning shutout, would you have laughed in my face? Yup. Believe me, I would have done the same thing had anyone suggested that we'd see three scoreless from anyone in the bullpen.

I like Elizardo Ramirez, but for whatever reason, I keep waiting for him to get lit up. I was thinking I'd be unlucky enough to have to witness it yesterday, but I was wrong. He pitched an absolutely amazing 8 innings, giving up only 5 hits, one BB, and recorded a career-high 10Ks in the process. Unfortunately for him, the offense took 10 innings off, and he was left with the no decision. Perhaps best of all, he only got stronger as he went along. 4 of the 5 hits came in the first three innings, and although the last hit - a double to Prince Fielder - led off the 7th inning, he didn't let it touch him AT ALL, and proceeded to strike out the side. He had great control and command, and his fastball made it up to 92 mph. He had a good change in the low 80s as well. I was impressed.

It's amazing how the performances of the two teams matched up as the game went along: The first batter of the game for each team struck out swinging. The second innings were identical - A lead-off K, followed by a single, followed by a 5-4-3 DP. Each team had a lead-off double, and the runner was left stranded on second without advancing. Each team had a lead-off walk that didn't make it to second. Each team had an error committed by the shortstop. The lines were identical after 9 - 0 runs, 6 hits, 1 error. Another odd thing about this game - there were six foul-outs, three to the catcher. I don't think I've seen that many foul-outs in a week, much less one game. I also saw three Reds batters strike out on three pitches. Junior, Dunn, and BP all committed this unholy sin, and that pisses me off.

The new Frontgate Party Suite plaza-area-thing that was introduced recently was full of Bengals yesterday. Several Bengals took batting practice before the game, and they were the leaders of 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame' during the seventh inning stretch. It was nice to see them all hanging out, wearing Reds hats, enjoying the game. That's the kind of stuff that makes me smile. I'd love to see the Reds have the kind of success turning the franchise around like the Bengals have had over the past two seasons.

Some people enjoy nice, long pitcher's duels. I don't mind them, but I much prefer an 8-4 ballgame, so long as it's the Reds doing a majority of the scoring. This worked out, though, because I got to see a towering three-run drive from #44. Until then, I can say, without any hint of exaggeration, that it seemed like this game would go on FOR-EV-ER. The 11th inning started off with Felipe striking out, and looking bad doing it. Dan Kolb, who had pitched a 1-2-3 10th, was still in there, so I figured it would be more of the same. Then Junior singled through the screwed-up shift the Brewers had on. And then Rich Aurilia singled, and the fans finally had something to cheer about. We were all standing, watching Dunn, and then he fouled off a pitch and swung through another one, and the count was 2-2. Every single Reds fan anywhere in the world was thinking the same thing I was right then: "He's either gonna strike out, or hit a long, deep drive." And he swung, and he launched the ball a long, long way. Finally, the five-game slide was over, and there was much joy in Reds-ville. After Dunner was mobbed at home plate, Junior ended up on his back, and he started running around before letting him off - that made me laugh hysterically.

All in all, it was a beautiful day at Great American. It was one of those nice, warm, sunny, slow days that makes you appreciate being there and being a Reds fan.

Go Redlegs.