Cincinnati Reds: Regular season results – MLB August 2011
Cincinnati Reds had ended the month of July on a successful note as they inflicted a 3-0 series sweep of the San Francisco Giants. The win also improved their win-loss record to 53-55. Dusty Baker and his men were hoping to continue their good form in the
month of August 2011 as well to achieve significant results.
However, the Reds were unable to handle the pressure in game one of a three match series with Houston Astros. Despite having a 3-0 lead in the fifth inning, the Reds were unable to cross the finish line and the Astros fought back to clinch a thrilling 4-3
victory. The Reds displayed some high quality baseball in the following game. The pitchers executed their game plan to perfection to allow the Reds to level the series at 1-1.
Chris Heisey and Ramon Hernandez played a crucial role with their consecutive doubles, making it 1-0 for the Reds. Homer Bailey, on the other hand, allowed only one and five hits during the contest and the Reds demolished the Astros 5-1 to stay in the series.
"I was hoping that him pitching in front of the home folks here and getting some of mama's home cooking was going to help him," Cincinnati manager Dusty Baker said.
But Red’s good form did not last for long. Although they put up a valiant effort in the third and final game of the series, they were outclassed by a better side. Houston Astros took complete advantage of their rival’s unforced errors and they secured a
narrow 5-4 win to take the series.
The Reds were unable to get things back on track even in their next series against Chicago Cubs. Despite doing all the right things in the opening game, the Reds squandered their 2-1 lead to let the opposition clinch a 4-3 win. It was disappointing result
for Dusty Baker’s side considering the amount of work they had put in. The Cubs dominated Cincinnati Reds in almost all areas of the game in two of the series. Inflicting a humiliating 11-4 defeat on the Reds, they took a decisive 2-0 lead in the series.
Holding their nerves, the Reds finally managed to restore some of the lost pride as they battled past the Cubs 8-7 in a cliffhanger. Ryan Hanigan scored the tie-breaking single to give his side a much needed victory.
"We fought hard for that one big time," Reds' manager Dusty Baker said. "Just got to take it one at a time and hopefully get back to .500. That's number one: get back to .500. We've been knocking on that door for a long time."
With wins over San Diego Padres, Pittsburgh Pirates, Florida Marlins and Washington Nationals, the Reds ended the month on an impressive note.
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