March 8, 2007: Detroit Tigers 9, Cincinnati Reds 7
Well, the Reds are no longer undefeated. Bubba did his part, hitting a three-run homer in the bottom of the 9th, but the Reds came up just short.
Harang had a rough outing, and the Reds fell behind early. When Bubba entered the game in the bottom of the 6th, pinch-running for Dunn, the Tabbies were leading 6-1. Jerry Gil hit a triple, and Bubba scored from 1B. This was really the first glimmer of hope for the Reds all day. The lead would be cut to 6-3 by the time the inning was over.
Bubba remained in the game and took over left field. His first at-bat came in the bottom of the 7th. One out, none on, former Yankee Felix Heredia on the mound. Fly out to left-center.
Zach Miner took the mound for the Tiggers in the bottom of the ninth. They were leading 9-4. Machado led off, flying out to center. Votto walked. Bellhorn went down swinging. Moeller singled, line drive to left. Bubba came to the plate, runners on first and second, two outs. On a 1-0 count, he smacked one to deep right. Good-bye! Three-run homer for the Bubbino.
Alas, it was not enough to preserve the Reds' unbeaten record. Jerry Gil, up next, struck out, ending the game.
Nice hit by Bubba, though. I think it (along with that flashy catch yesterday) opened up some eyes. At least among the fans. A lot of people who didn't think he belonged on the team are changing their minds.
Bubba's line for the day: 1 for 2, with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. He's hitting .353 / .450 / .588.
And if you're wondering, yes, former Yankee Gary Sheffield was in the lineup. He played left field and went 1 for 3. He's wearing #3 now.
