Reds vs. Brewers 4/18 - 4/20

Game 1 - 4/18
Brewers 5
Reds 2

WP: B. Sheets (3-0)
LP: B. Arroyo (0-2)
SV: E. Gagne (5)

Game 2 - 4/19
Brewers 5
Reds 3

WP: G. Mota (1-0)
LP: D. Weathers (0-2)
SV: E. Gagne (6)

Game 3 - 4/20
Brewers 3
Reds 4

WP: J. Burton (1-1)
LP: E. Gagne (1-1)

Thoughts
The Reds need to start scoring first. Granted, they need to start scoring more runs period, it is important that they start getting some leads for their pitchers. Even in the game 3 win, they had to come back twice. The Reds have only scored first in the game 5 times, winning 4 of those games. Whereas, they've scored second 14 times, having a recored of 4-10. If this trend continues of scoring second 3 times as much as scoring first, it is going to be a long season, and a lot of quality starting pitching is going to be wasted.

Encarnacion continues to be a frustrating player to watch. He will look like he has the potential to be a good player one moment, then the next moment, look like he should not be playing higher than double-A ball. In game 3 for example, he made a great defensive play, and had a home run to tie the game at 1. Then in the 10th inning, he had an error on a relatively easy ground ball that allowed, then came back in the bottom of the inning to hit the first of back-to-back home runs to tie the game. He also has 6 of the teams 11 errors.

Up next: 2 game series against Los Angeles Dodgers of Los Angeles. First meeting of the year. Matt Belisle makes his return from rehabbing in Louisville, on Monday.

Overall record: 8-11
Series recored: 2-3-1