Phillips cleans up again as Reds sweep Indians

Datdude loves playing his old team.

Cincinnati brought their brooms to the ballpark today, as the Reds (35-27) defeated the Indians (32-30) by a score of 12-5, to sweep the Tribe on back to Cleveland. After being moved back a day in the rotation due to illness, Mike Leake took the hill for the Redlegs and struggled just a bit. He struck out six, but allowed three earned runs, while lasting just 4.1 innings. He did fare better than Indians’ starter Josh Tomlin who gave up six earned runs in four innings to take the loss. Several Reds did damage at the plate, as the Reds moved to eight games over .500 this season.

Here’s a look at the good, the bad, and the notables from the afternoon affair:

The Good

-Brandon Phillips continues to own Cleveland. After a three-RBI night yesterday, Phillips went 3-5, with a solo home run (8) and four total RBI (38). His numbers are picking up now, as he’s hitting .292/.338/.454 on the season.

-Ryan Ludwick picked up three hits, including a two-run homer (9) for a total of 29 RBI.

-Joey Votto walked twice and blasted a three-run shot (12) in first inning, giving him 44 RBI on the year.

-Chris Heisey finished 2-4, with two runs scored. Zack Cozart collected three hits and a run.

-Kris Negron recorded his first major league hit. His two runs scored, were also the first two of his career, as he finished 1-3 on the day.

-After replacing Leake, Jose Arredondo (W 4-1, 2.17) needed just five pitches to get two outs and out of the jam in which he was placed in the top of the fifth. He was rewarded with the win.

-J.J. Hoover tossed a scoreless inning of relief, with a strikeout. It was the 11th strikeout of the game by Reds’ pitching, which meant everyone in attendance got free LaRosa’s Pizza and UDF ice cream. Free pizza and ice cream? That’s good any time.

-Sam LeCure pitched a perfect ninth to finish the game.

-The Reds had 17 total hits. Including Leake, every starter but Jay Bruce had at least one hit, though Bruce did get RBI number 40 with a bases-loaded walk in the fifth.

The Bad

-Alfredo Simon came in to eat up some innings and gave up two earned runs in his two innings pitched.

-Leake threw 84 pitches in his 4.1 innings. He yielded the three runs on seven hits, including two homers, and two walks. His 2012 ERA now stands at 5.05.

-The Reds don’t get the play the Indians tomorrow. (They do go to Cleveland for a series starting Monday however.)

The Notables

-Heisey left the game in the fifth inning as a precaution, with what’s being called a mild left groin strain.

-Scott Rolen will go on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Friday and Saturday, with plans to rejoin the Reds on Monday.

-34,193 fans packed into Great American Ball Park to watch the Reds sweep the Indians. That’s a lot of pizza and ice cream.

-The Reds will travel to the Big Apple tomorrow to face the Mets at 7:10pm. Bronson Arroyo (2-4, 3.79) will be opposed by Dillon Gee (4-4, 4.42.)