Reds 2, Brewers 1 (fastballs: lots)

W: Tony Cingrani (6-2)
L: Kyle Lohse (8-8)
S: Aroldis Chapman (30)

HR: Khris Davis (5), Joey Votto (18)

MVP: Norichika Aoki (+.195 WPA)
LVP: Jean Segura (-.212 WPA)

win probability graph | box score

Despite a perfectly adequate 7-inning pitching performance by Kyle Lohse followed by good innings by Brandon Kintzler and Rob Wooten, the Brewers just couldn't make do of their opportunities against Cincinnati's fastball-reliant staff tonight. Tony Cingrani throws his fastball 80% of the time and tonight was no exception. He struck out 9. The bright spots, other than Khris Davis's solo home run in the 2nd, were Norichika Aoki's 2 for 4 performance and Jeff Bianchi's 2 hits. Aoki's bunt single in the 6th was an absolute master example of the art. Bianchi, on the other hand, was thrown out trying to steal in the 8th and his error in the 5th led to the Reds' first run. That inning also featured Carlos Gomez getting injured on a collision with the center field wall. Gomez will be having an MRI on his knee tomorrow. I hate this season.

What I do like about this season is the recent performance of the starting pitching and (most of) the bullpen. Rob Wooten still has not given up an earned run in his time with the Brewers; he struck out 2 tonight in the 9th.

The Brewers and the Reds get to do this all over again tomorrow at 7:10. Tom Gorzelanny will pitch against Mike Leake.