You Can’t Touch This news …
Posted by nhurm June 25th, 2010, 10:56 am

From the Reds …

Legendary hip hop performer and Grammy Award winner MC Hammer will bring his high-energy show to Great American Ball Park on Friday, July 16 as part of the celebration of the 1990 World Series Champion Cincinnati Reds.

Included in the game ticket for Reds vs. Colorado Rockies (7:10pm) will be:

- Two shows by MC Hammer and his dancers

- A tribute to the 1990 World Series Champion Reds

- Members of the 1990 team appearing in person throughout the evening

- Postgame fireworks show presented by Klosterman Baking Company

MC Hammer’s pregame concert will run 6 to 6:40pm on the right field porch and a second show will be on the field starting approximately 20 minutes after the conclusion of the game. He will also do a meet and greet with fans in the FanZone.

Hammer is best known for a series of chart-topping hits in the late ‘80’s and early 90’s including “Too Legit to Quit” and “U Can’t Touch This,” which was Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop #1 single in June of 1990 and the unofficial anthem of the 1990 Reds.

Hammer is a huge baseball fan and served as the batboy for the Oakland A’s from 1972 to 1980.

Purchase Reds tickets at:

• reds.com

• 513-381-REDS

• Great American Ball Park box office

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/06...this-news/

Another quiz: Cleveland vs. Cincinnati sports
Posted by nhurm June 25th, 2010, 12:00 pm

The Enquirer’s Paul Clark put together a nice Cincinnati vs. Cleveland sports quiz http://quiz.cincinnati.com/default.aspx?qid=200 in honor of the Reds-Indians series this weekend.

It’s pretty challenging – I definitely had to dust off some cobwebs in my brain for this one. I ended up with a score of 7 out of 10.

Give it a try and post your score below.

You can take the quiz here.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/06...ti-sports/

Good chance to take back 1st place with a win tonight.

Cardinals and Suppan take on Greinke in KC.

Homestand highlights
Posted by jfay June 25th, 2010, 2:21 pm

From the Reds (I’ve heard tickets sales have been less than great for the Philly series. Among the promotions listed below is one in which you can two tickets for donating a non-perishable food item):

Friday, June 25, 2010 – Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians, 7:10 pm - Ohio Cup Series presented by the Ohio Lottery

• Fireworks: Post-game fireworks show featuring Rozzi’s Famous Fireworks will start 15 minutes after the end of the game, presented by the Jeff Wyler Automotive Family.

• Irish Heritage Night: The Reds are celebrating Cincinnati’s rich Irish heritage at the ballpark tonight with many Irish-themed activities and events, including:

- The McGing Irish Dancers performing on the warning track before and after the game

- Hamilton County Sheriff’s Bagpipe & Drum Corps performing pregame

- The Honor Guard will be the Ancient Order of Hibernians from Dayton, Ohio

- The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Glee Club singing the National Anthem, Irish Anthem and Take Me Out to the Ball Game

- Reds players will be wearing green ballcaps

- Green Bud Light at the beer portables and authentic fish & chips will be available at three Terrace Level concession stands

• Funnel Fry Eating Contest: Mo Egger from WLW and ESPN1530 will be hosting a Funnel Fry eating contest in the Fan Zone at 6:45pm.

• St. Vincent de Paul Canned Food Drive: First 2,000 fans donating two non-perishable food items receive two tickets to 7/20 Reds game.

Saturday, June 26, 2010 – Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians, 7:10 pm - Ohio Cup Series presented by the Ohio Lottery

• Pennant Giveaway: Free Reds pennant to the first 20,000 fans, presented by FOX Sports Ohio.

• Eagle Flight: “Sam” the Bald Eagle from the Cincinnati Zoo will perform a flight from the Cincinnati Bell Riverboat Deck to the pitcher’s mound during the singing of the National Anthem.

• HOF Book Signing: Thomas A. Tomsick, M.D., former bullpen catcher for the Cleveland Indians and current faculty member at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and Director of Neuroradiology, will sign copies of his book “Strike Three.” Dr. Tomsick will discuss his book and the three seasons he spent with the Tribe. The presentation will begin at 5:30 pm, followed by the book signing at 6 pm.

• St. Vincent de Paul Canned Food Drive: First 2,000 fans donating two non-perishable food items receive two tickets to 7/20 Reds game.

• Star Wars Characters: Many costumed characters from the Star Wars movies will be in attendance tonight for a photo and video shoot for the sixth annual CBTS Marty Brennaman Golf Classic. This year’s Marty Golf weekend (Sept. 12-13 at Belterra) will have a Star Wars theme.

• Freekbass: Local band Freekbass will play a free pregame concert in the Fan Zone.

Sunday, June 27, 2010 – Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Indians, 1:10 pm - Ohio Cup Series presented by the Ohio Lottery

• Baseball Card Set Giveaway: Free Reds team baseball card set to the first 30,000 fans, presented by Kahn’s.

• Run the Bases: Fans of all ages can line up after the game to run the bases, presented by JS Gold & Coin.

• St. Vincent de Paul Canned Food Drive: First 2,000 fans donating two non-perishable food items receive two tickets to 7/20 Reds game.

• Aaron’s Aces: For the fourth year in a row, Reds ace Aaron Harang hosts a free ticket program for military families.

Monday, June 28, 2010 – Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 7:10 pm

• Birthday Babies Game: Tonight the Reds welcome members of the Reds Birthday Babies 2009 and 2010 rookie classes. Over 150 of the Birthday Babies along with family members will be taking part in a pregame parade…and the Fan Zone will be transformed into a “Baby Zone” featuring Reds partners and sponsors, baby games, mascot photos and more. The Reds Birthday Babies is a program presented by Pampers for babies born at Good Samaritan Hospital and Bethesda North Hospital.

• “Straight A” Game: 3,000 7th-12th grade students who achieved an “A” average over a designated period during the 2009-10 school year are attending tonight’s game for free.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 – Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 7:10 pm

• National Anthem: Don Clare, president of the Rabbit Hash (KY) Historical Society will sing the National Anthem.

• 700WLW $1 tickets: 700WLW is offering 700 $1 tickets to tonight’s game. Ticket windows open at 9am on Crosley Terrace. All proceeds benefit the Reds Community Fund.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010 – Cincinnati Reds vs. Philadelphia Phillies, 12:35 pm

• All You Can Eat: All You Can Eat seats for today’s game are just $20 through reds.com/lunchspecial.

• Tri-State Centers for Sight Senior Citizen Special: Fans 60 and older may purchase select non-premium tickets at half-price in advance of game day. Excludes Outer View Level and Kroger Bleachers.

• Paycor Business Day Special: Drop your business card in the container at a Fan Accommodation Station and you could win tickets to the next Business Day Game.

• Walk off Wednesday: At every Wednesday home game fans can receive $5 off your favorite slugger’s name and number t-shirt through the fifth inning. Then, if that player hits a walk-off home run during the game, you receive a free replica jersey.

Votto Figurine Redemption

• Fans who have vouchers for the Joey Votto Figurine presented by Champion Windows and Patio Rooms giveaway from May 29 have three options to pick up the figurines: During any Reds home game at Fan Accommodations behind section 119…at the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum during normal business hours (10am-5pm)…and mail-in redemption. See voucher for full details.

Reds Hall of Fame and Museum

• June Giveaway: On every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the month of June, all full-price paying guests to the Hall of Fame receive a Reds Championship Magnet Set. The Reds’ five championship seasons are commemorated with a distinct image from each championship season. The final magnet in the set is adorned with the logo for the Reds Hall of Fame’s new exhibit tribute to the 1990 World Champion Reds.

Reds Community Fund

• Split The Pot: Support the RCF by purchasing a “Split The Pot” ticket. The $2 tickets are available at the Community Corner presented by Coldwell Banker West Shell, located near section 120. One lucky fan will win 50% of the net proceeds, with the rest going to the RCF.

Item of the Homestand

• Each homestand this season will feature one or more of your favorite items at 10% off to help fans show their Reds pride. The items of this homestand: Green and navy blue Reds “Shamrock” caps.

Kroger Meal Deal

• $7 Kroger Meal Deal this homestand: Hot dog, 16 oz. Coke, bag of Mike Sells chips, a Slim Jim Meat Stick and David Sunflower Seeds.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/06...hlights-2/

Gary Matthews Jr. signs deal with Cincinnati Reds

By John Fay • jfay@enquirer.com • June 24, 2010


Associated Press file photo
Gary Matthews Jr. was assigned to Triple-A Louisville. Matthews, 35, was released by the New York Mets a little over a week ago. He hit .190 in 58 at-bats with the Mets.

The Reds signed Gary Matthews Jr. to a minor-league contract on Thursday.

Matthews was assigned to Triple-A Louisville. Matthews, 35, was released by the New York Mets a little over a week ago. He hit .190 in 58 at-bats with the Mets.

"We're going to give him an opportunity to play every day in center field in Louisville," Reds General Manager Walt Jocketty said. "That's where he feels comfortable. He hasn't played a lot in a while. The more he plays the better he plays.

"We'll see if he can get back to where he was and help the Major League club down the line."

Matthews is still being paid by the contract he signed with the Anaheim Angels. Matthews hit .250 with four home runs and 50 RBI last year with the Angels.

Matthews hit .313 with 19 home runs and 79 RBI for Texas in 2006 and made the All-Star Game.

The Angels then signed him to a five-year, $50 million contract.

"This is a very inexpensive option to add depth," Jocketty said.

The Reds don't have a lot of depth in the outfield at Triple-A.

Chris Dickerson is eligible to come off the disabled list June 29.

"But we think he's going to (take) a little while," Jocketty said.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100...Louisville

Reds lineup
Posted by jfay June 25th, 2010, 3:21 pm

Moving Brandon Phillips to the No. 1 spot is something that had to be done given Orlando Cabrera’s struggles.

Tonight’s game is the 41st home game, meaning the Reds are halfway through the home schedule. They’ll have played 47 home games by the time they reach the halfway point in the season. That means success on the road is key to the second half.

Here’s the lineup:

Brandon Phillips 2b
Orlando Cabrera ss
Joey Votto 1b
Scott Rolen 3b
Jonny Gomez lf
Jay Bruce rf
Drew Stubbs cf
Ramon Hernandez c
Aaron Harang p

vs. LHP Aaron Laffey (0-1, 5.61 ERA)

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/06...lineup-45/

Updates on Bailey, Lincoln
Posted by jfay June 25th, 2010, 5:21 pm

A couple of injury updates:

–Homer Bailey will begin throwing again on Monday.

“I feel good. The range of motion is good,” he said. “My strength is good.”

–Mike Lincoln hasn’t thrown since going on the disabled list June 1 a strained right lat muscle.

“I’m trying to get healthy,” he said. “I’m not sure when I’ll start throwing again — hopefully, next week.”

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/06...y-lincoln/

Baker on the leadoff switch
Posted by jfay June 25th, 2010, 6:37 pm

Dusty Baker flip-flopped Orlando Cabrera and Brandon Phillips in the lineup.

Is it temporary?

“Almost everything is temporary, except Joey Votto hitting third,” Baker said.

Cabrera is hitless in his last 18 at-bats and 8-for-his-last-80 (.133).

“At-bats are piling for Cabrera,” Baker said. “This will get him some non-at-bats – some sac bunts, hit and runs – to take some pressure off him. It’s like when (Drew) Stubbs was struggling earlier in the year. You’re 0-for-5 while everybody else is 0-for-4.”

Cabrera is 7-for-18 off Cleveland’s starter, Aaron Laffey.

“When you’re not going good, track record doesn’t mean anything,” Baker said. “He had a good track record against guys on the road trip, too. When you’re not going good, these things pile up quickly.”

Cabrera’s slump started when he sprained his ankle in early June. Cabrera made several nice plays at shortstop in the Oakland series.

“He says it’s not affecting him much on the field,” Baker said. “He refuses to say his ankle is affecting him at the plate. I can see it on some swings.”

The Reds don’t have a proto-typical leadoff guy.

“You do what you can do,” Baker said. “I’ve often said that’s the toughest position to fill in baseball – a bona fide leadoff hitter. . . The Jimmy Rollins type. How many of those guys are around?”

Newly signed Gary Matthews Jr. has leadoff experience.

“He’s got to get his act together first,” Baker said. “How you going to do that without getting your act together? Matthews is going to Triple-A to get his act together. If he had his act together, he’d be playing somewhere and probably leading off.”

Phillips is hot. He’s hitting .398 over his last 24 games. But he’s too much of a free swinger for the leadoff spot.

“It’s hard to make somebody something,” Baker said. “As a manger, you’re at the mercy of the personnel you have.”

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/06...ff-switch/

What's up with those green hats?

• Irish Heritage Night: The Reds are celebrating Cincinnati’s rich Irish heritage at the ballpark tonight with many Irish-themed activities and events, including:

- Reds players will be wearing green ballcaps

looking good early. Could really use a weekend sweeeeeeeep.

Reds send Tribe to 6th consecutive defeat

By Joe Kay • The Associated Press • June 25, 2010


The Enquirer/Joseph Fuqua II
Winning pitcher Aaron Harang (6-7) works against the Indians early in Friday's game. Harang pitched seven complete innings to earn the victory.

CINCINNATI – Drew Stubbs drove in four runs with a homer and a single Friday night, powering the Reds to a 10-3 victory over the Cleveland Indians, who have dropped six in a row.

The Reds wore green caps as part of an Irish Heritage Night promotion, bringing a new hue to the intrastate rivalry – one that’s been one-sided lately. Cincinnati is 12-4 in the series over the last three seasons.

Aaron Harang (6-7) gave up eight hits in seven innings, getting his first victory in three starts. Cincinnati had been shut out in his last two starts.

It didn’t take long to end that trend. Stubbs hit a two-run homer in the second off Aaron Laffey (0-2), and added a two-run single in the fifth that made it 8-2.

Scott Rolen also homered for the Reds, who lead the NL in batting average and hits. Jay Bruce doubled twice, scored three times and had a sacrifice fly.

The Indians’ plummet continued unabated. Cleveland fell a season-low 20 games under .500 at 26-46 – the third-worst record in the majors. The Indians have lost 10 of 11 overall.

While the Indians wallow in last place in the AL Central, the Reds remain locked with St. Louis in a two-team race in the NL Central, separated by a half-game. Cincinnati won its fourth in a row

Cincinnati’s pitching has been exceptional the last week, a trend that Harang struggled to extend on a hot, muggy night. He pitched out of two-on threats in the first, second and third innings, when Cleveland squandered chances to take advantage of his control problems.

Harang walked a season-high five batters, but only one of them scored. Carlos Santana hit a two-run homer in the fifth, then left the game with a sore left thumb. Jhonny Peralta added a solo shot in the sixth.

Laffey moved from the rotation to the bullpen this season, but struggled in May and was sent to Triple-A to get back into a starting mode. He was called up before Friday’s game and made a disappointing return, needing 86 pitches to get through four innings.

The left-hander has never done well against Cincinnati, going 0-4 in four appearances with an 11.12 ERA. Both losses this season have come against the Reds – he got the other one in relief during a 7-4 defeat on May 21 in Cleveland.

NOTES: The Reds pulled ahead in the series 34-33. ... The Indians are 4-12 in interleague play this season. The Reds are 7-6. ... Cleveland has lost 11 of its last 13 games in National League ballparks. ... Reds manager Dusty Baker dropped slumping leadoff hitter Orlando Cabrera to second in the order. Brandon Phillips batted first for the third time this season. Cabrera doubled in his second at-bat, breaking an 0-for-19 slump. ... Stubbs’ four RBIs matched his career high.

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20100...op-Indians

(06-25-2010 06:16 PM)ctipton Wrote:  What's up with those green hats?

• Irish Heritage Night: The Reds are celebrating Cincinnati’s rich Irish heritage at the ballpark tonight with many Irish-themed activities and events, including:

- Reds players will be wearing green ballcaps

Some beer and fistfights might add some color.

Greinke, Royals survive ninth-inning scare for 4-2 victory over Cardinals
By BOB DUTTON
The Kansas City Star


John Sleezer/The Kansas City Star
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Joakim Soria (48) congratulates Zack Greinke (23) on his win after pitched in relief of Greinke in the 9th inning during Friday's June 25, 2010 baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, MO.

Zack Greinke took a step back to last season in a Show-Me performance Friday night that carried the Royals to a 4-2 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals when the I-70 Series kicked off its weekend run at Kauffman Stadium.

OK, it got a little dicey at the end, which offered a little drama for the sellout crowd of 38,916.

The Cardinals threatened to erase a four-run deficit in the ninth inning before shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt made a game-changing play in turning a ricocheted grounder off Joakim Soria in an out.

Greinke carried a shutout into the ninth inning before exiting with no outs and runners at second and third. A catcher’s-interference call and a double by Colby Rasmus brought Soria into the game.

Felipe Lopez’s sacrifice fly to right broke the shutout and marked the first run scored against the Royals in 21 innings over three games. David Freese followed with an RBI single.

That quickly, the Cardinals had the tying run at the plate.

Aaron Miles then sent a hard grounder back through the box that caromed off Soria and rolled weakly to the left side. Betancourt charged in, made a terrific bare-handed pickup and throw for the out.

That turned the inning around.

Soria closed out his 18th save by retiring Randy Winn on a routine fly to right.

Greinke, 3-8, allowed six hits while striking out six and walking two in eight-plus innings. He escaped two major jams before the ninth: bases loaded with one out in the sixth inning, and first and second with one out in the eighth inning.

The Royals staked Greinke to a 3-0 lead by roughing up alum Jeff Suppan, 0-3, for in the third inning. They finished with 10 hits, including three apiece by Scott Podsednik and Alberto Callaspo.

Three runs seemed plenty until the ninth.

It was the Royals’ second straight victory after a five-game skid.

Suppan made his third start since re-joining the Cardinals. He gave up three runs and seven hits in five innings. He threw 86 pitches, including 41 in that three-run third inning.

Podsednik’s one-out triple past first base ignited the third. He scored the game’s first run when Jason Kendall followed with a single on a hopper through the left side against a shortened infield.

Kendall moved to second on David DeJesus’ grounder and scored when Billy Butler pushed an RBI double past first base into the right-field corner.

José Guillen’s single to right scored Butler for a 3-0 lead and extended his career-best hitting streak to 19 games. That streak matches an active 19-game streak by Texas outfielder Josh Hamilton for the longest this season in the majors.

Greinke meanwhile sailed through the first four innings on 38 pitches. That included a six-pitch first and a seven-pitch fourth. He also retired nine straight batters from the third through the fifth innings on eight grounders and one strikeout.

The Cardinals mounted their first test in the sixth inning after Winn led off with a slicing double into the left-field corner.

Skip Schumaker’s single move Winn to third. Greinke got the first out by making a nice play on Matt Holliday’s squibber, but Schumaker moved to second on the play. A walk to Albert Pujols loaded the bases.

Greinke then went 3-0 on Ryan Ludwick before escaping unscathed. The count went full before Ludwick grounded into a double play.

The Cardinals threatened again in the eighth when singles by Miles and Schumaker put runners at first and second with one out. Holliday’s fly to deep right put a charge in the crowd but resulted in the second out.

That brought Pujols to the plate, but Greinke induced an inning-ending grounder to short.

The Royals added an insurance run in their eighth inning against reliever Mitchell Boggs after singles by Guillen and Callaspo put runners at first and third with no outs.

Mitch Maier’s one-out grounder scored pinch-runner Willie Bloomquist when Lopez threw wild to first on a potential inning-ending double play.

To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, call (816) 234-4352, send email to bdutton@kcstar.com or follow him at twitter.com/royals_report.

http://www.kansascity.com/2010/06/25/204...nning.html

Interesting numbers on Harang
Posted by jfay June 25th, 2010, 11:30 pm

The Reds moved back into first place by a half game. The Reds beat Cleveland 10-3, and the Cardinals lost to Kansas City 4-2.

Aaron Harang went seven innings and allowed the three runs on eight hits. He walked a season-high five and struck out two. Harang (6-7) equaled his win total from each of the last two year. He is 6-4 with a 4.11 ERA over his last 12 starts. He’s allowed four runs in 13 innings in his last two outings.

“I feel like I’ve got some things worked out,” he said. “I can make good pitches when I need to.”

All three runs Harang allowed Friday scored on home runs. That’s pretty typical.

Twenty-one of the 56 runs he’s allowed have come via the home run. Of 36 runs he’s allowed at GAPB, 17 have scored via home runs. Of the 20 runs he’s allowed on the road, four have scored on home runs.

Sounds like a guy who could benefit from a change in venue. My guess is if the Reds are inclined to trade him, there will be a market.

http://cincinnati.com/blogs/reds/2010/06...on-harang/

Cincinnati Reds blast Cleveland Indians as ugly season takes on unwelcome retro look
Published: Friday, June 25, 2010, 10:01 PM
Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer


Al Behrman / Associated Press
The Indians' Jhonny Peralta looks up at the scoreboard in the eighth inning against the Reds in Cincinnati on Friday as the Tribe heads toward its sixth straight loss. Peralta hit a home run in the game.

Updated at 11:19 p.m.

CINCINNATI, Ohio — Those who witnessed the 1991 season probably never thought they'd see anything like it again. The Indians, who have been playing baseball in the American League since 1901, set a franchise record with 105 losses that year.

Nineteen years later another date with destiny is taking shape. The Indians, following another National League beating, this time by a score of 10-3 by Cincinnati on Friday night at Great American Ballpark, are 26-46 and on pace to lose 104 games.

They have lost six straight and nine of their past 10. Teams go through bad stretches during the long season, but this seems to be more than a cold snap. There is nothing on the horizon, with the exception of the return of shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, that says the Indians are going to get much better.

Manager Manny Acta has told his players to forget the wins and losses. He wants them to concentrate on getting better. It's one thing to say it; it's another thing to actually do it.

Baseball in the big leagues is about winning and losing. The Indians are 8-15 in June and 4-12 in interleague play. They used to squeeze out a win per series, but even that meager output seems beyond their reach right now. They haven't had consecutive wins since they won four straight from June 9 through June 12.

Quote:Saturday

What: Indians at Reds.

When: 7:10 p.m.

Where: Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati.

TV/radio: No TV; WTAM AM/1100.

Pitchers: RHP Justin Masterson (2-6, 4.87 ERA) vs. RHP Sam LeCure (1-4, 4.50).

Pitcher Aaron Laffey made his first start of the season Friday and it did not go well. Acta said before the game that Laffey wasn't on a pitch count. "The Reds will let me know when it's time to take him out," he said.

They certainly did.

Drew Stubbs hit a two-run homer off Laffey in the second inning and the Reds added three more runs in the third on Scott Rolen's bases-loaded walk and sacrifice flies by Jonny Gomes and Jay Bruce.

"Aaron didn't have very good command of his pitches, especially in the first three innings," Acta said. "When you don't have overpowering stuff, you can't get away with that. He needs to throw more strikes. That's been a problem for a lot our guys this year."


Al Behrman / AP
Trevor Crowe heads back to the dugout after striking out against Logan Ondrusek in the eighth inning.

Laffey (0-2, 6.37) allowed five runs on five hits in four innings. He walked three and struck out five. Laffey's two losses this season have come against the Reds.

Now for the bad news. Rookie catcher Carlos Santana, one of the few reasons left to watch the Indians, left the game in the top of the fifth with a bruised left thumb. Santana hit a two-run home run in the fifth to momentarily put the Indians in the game at 5-2.

It was Santana's third homer in 13 games since getting called up from Class AAA Columbus.

"He got jammed in his first at-bat," Acta said. "It was pretty swollen so we decided to get him out of there."

Acta said Santana was shaking his hand after the homer.

"X-rays were negative," Acta said. "It was his catching hand and we didn't want to take any chances."

Acta felt Santana would be in the lineup for Saturday's game. Santana said he wasn't sure if he'd be able to play.

Joe Smith, born in Cincinnati, started the fifth in place of Laffey with the score 5-2 thanks to Santana. The sidearming right-hander took a wrecking ball to that as he gave up four runs in the inning.

Scott Rolen greeted Smith with his 16th homer. The next four Reds reached on hits. Stubbs singled home Gomes and Bruce to give him four RBI in two at-bats. He stole second and scored on Ramon Hernandez's infield hit as second baseman Anderson Hernandez made a wild throw to first.

It was the Indians' second error of the game to boost their AL-leading total to 55. Russell Branyan made the first error.

Branyan, who has had a tough time at first base recently, has made five errors in 51 games. Acta said he's not in danger of losing his job.

"We're not in position to make a change because he's struggling defensively," Acta said. "He's one of our threats in the middle of the lineup. We have to continue to work with him to get better."

Jhonny Peralta homered with one out in the sixth to cut the Reds' lead to 9-3. It was Peralta's fifth homer.

Aaron Harang (6-7, 5.07) went seven innings for the victory. He's 4-2 lifetime against the Indians.

Jayson Nix, claimed on waivers by the Indians on Thursday, pinch hit and flied out in the ninth. His brother, Laynce Nix, pinch-hit for the Reds in the seventh and reached on an infield single.

The Reds are 3-1 against the Indians this season and 15-7 over the past three years.

To reach this Plain Dealer Reporter: phoynes@plaind.com, 216-999-5158

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf...by_re.html