The Cincinnati Reds will try to put the National League Division Series in the bag today when they take on the San Francisco Giants after a loss in game three. This morning, the team announced that they'll start Mike Leake on the mound.
The decision means Johnny Cueto, who is suffering from a strained oblique muscle, will have to be taken off the team's roster and can't return until the World Series, should the team make it that far.
This will be Leake's first career postseason appearance.
Reds third baseman Scott Rolen, an eight-time Gold Glove award winner for his slick defensive play, booted a grounder in the 10th inning that allowed the winning run to score in the Giants' 2-1 victory over the Reds on Tuesday night. Cincinnati holds a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five NL Division Series.
The Reds wasted a tremendous effort by starter Homer Bailey, who tossed a no-hitter two weeks ago. He didn't allow a San Francisco hit until there were two out in the sixth inning. That's when Marco Scutaro delivered a clean single. The Giants won despite striking out 16 times.
Game 4 is this afternoon at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is a 4:07 p.m. The Giants send out 15-game winner Barry Zito to try and extend their season one more time.
Tuesday's game was played before a raucous crowd of 44, 501 fans, the second largest in the history of Great American Ball Park. We;re told there are still plenty of tickets available for tonight's game.
If you don't have tickets, here is a list of
places to watch the game. If you want to follow notable Reds on Twitter,
click here.
