Ludwick keeps Hogan-like outbursts a fad at GABP, Reds win again

Oh, BROTHER, this guy has been hot.

Less than 48 hours after having their 10-game win streak snapped, the Reds started a new streak with their second straight win over the Padres, 6-4 at Great American Ballpark.

Before we get any further, let’s just establish something – this is fun, isn’t it?

After starting the first two games of the series with leads of 3-0 and 6-0 before the Padres answered, tonight was the opposite.  The Padres tagged Bronson Arroyo for two runs in the first, but the Reds responded for three in the bottom half.

San Diego took the lead back with two runs in the fourth, but the Reds counterpunched with two of their own in the fifth to take the lead back and added a run of insurance in the seventh.

The Good

-I never thought Hulk Hogan’s catch phrase would become such a powerful force behind the Reds’ postseason push, but BROTHER, has Ryan Ludwick been impressive. His ridiculous hot streak continued with a 3-for-4 night, adding a home run, his 19^th, and four more (!) RBI.

-Zack Cozart went yard as well, his 11^th of the year.

-Newcomer Jonathan Broxton made his Reds debut and not only pitched a perfect eighth, but fielded his position well, too. He left to a standing ovation from the GABP crowd.

-Sean Marshall also pitched a perfect seventh for his 15^th hold of the year. Aroldis Chapman locked it down in the ninth, pitching around a Carlos Quentin double for his 23^rd save.

-Drew Stubbs scored twice. The Reds are now 38-2 when he scores.

The Bad

-Brandon Phillips, as expected, sat out with his calf injury. After first reports had him likely hitting the DL, he now says he hopes to play in the Pirates series this weekend. The Redlegs have been amazing with Joey Votto out, but one wonders how long they can really keep it up with arguably their two best players out of the lineup.

-Nothing else, really. Aside from the injury concerns, the Reds are still flat out rolling – they’re 63-41 and they enjoy a three game lead in the Central. Let’s not overanalyze, eh?

The Notables

-Starter Bronson Arroyo (7-6) wasn’t great (six innings, seven hits, four runs), but was good enough on this night to push his record above .500 for the year.

-As they continue on their collision course this weekend, the Pirates won in Chicago, 8-4, to keep pace and remain three games back.

-An announced crowd of 20,527 took in the titanic struggle. Not a great crowd. The past two nights have been slightly disappointing, however, expect to see a packed house this weekend. I believe Saturday’s game is standing room only already.

-It wouldn’t be a Reds-Padres game without checking to see how the guys from the Latos deal did. Yonder Alonso went 1-for-4 and is batting .267 while Brad Boxberger pitched a scoreless inning with a walk and a strikeout.

-Johnny Cueto (13-5, 2.39) gets the ball tomorrow at 12:35 p.m. as the Reds look for the series victory, looking to bounce back from a five-run effort in Colorado on Saturday. Ross Ohlendorf (3-1, 5.05) goes for San Diego on the heels of three straight quality starts.