All Things Bubba

March 5, 2007: Cincinnati Reds 9, Philadelphia Phillies 8

Bubba didn't play much today. Perhaps because he played a lot yesterday - 6-1/2 innings, coming to the plate five times. (The announcers even commented on it, saying "Crosby's been in this game since the beginning!" in a tone of disbelief.)

Today, our hero had only one at-bat, as a pinch-hitter. But boy, did he make the most of it.

It was a real thriller. Everyone's rooting for Paul Wilson, but he had a really rough start. I fear his chances have dimmed considerably. It seemed the Reds' undefeated record would fall today, as they were down 0-5 by the middle of the 3rd. They started to chip their way back, getting to 4-5, only to see the Phillies surge ahead, 4-8. But again, they chipped their way back into it.

By the bottom of 8th, the score was 7-8 Phillies. Chris Dickerson, ankle apparently healed, led off against righty John Ennis. He struck out swinging. Jerry Gil came to the plate, while Bubba entered the game for the first time, on-deck for the pitcher. (I'd been wondering if he'd get to play at all.) Gil hit a home run. Game tied!

Bubba up next. He worked a walk in five pitches. The pitcher threw to 1B repeatedly, holding Bubba close - to no avail. He stole 2B anyway. Denorfia hit a high chopper to 2B - infield single. Bubba was safe on 3B. With Moeller at the plate, Narron called for the suicide squeeze. Bubba put his blazing speed to good use, and Moeller laid down a perfect bunt. Moeller was out, but Bubba scored the go-ahead (and eventual game-winning) run. 9-8 Reds!

Bubba's now hitting .364 / .500 / .455.

For awhile, it looked like the Reds might be the only undefeated team left, as the Yankees were trailing the Tigers. But with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, Bronson Sardinha (brother of Louisville Bats catcher Dane Sardinha) hit a two-run walkoff homer. So the Yankees and the Reds are both 5-0. They're headed for a showdown the day after tomorrow, when the Reds go to Legends Field, and Bubba faces his former team for the first time.

Labels: Reds