Random Reds Ruminations, Brewers 3 Reds 2, April 26

The Reds lost their first game to the Brewers this season, dropping Tuesday night's game 3-2. Once again, the offense struggled, managing only 2 hits, and it won't get any easier today going up against Yovani Gallardo.

- Mike Leake put together another masterful performance. He went seven innings, giving up only two runs (both on solo HRs by Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder), while striking out 6 and giving up no walks. Leake had runners on in almost every inning, but battled and found ways to get out of the jams. The best example was in the 5th. After a two-out triple by Rickie Weeks, Leake struck out Craig Counsell looking to leave Ryan Braun standing in the on-deck circle.

- Unfortunately for the Reds, Brewers starter Marco Estrada was equally as impressive. Estrada went 7 innings, giving up only 2 earned runs on 2 hits, while striking out 5 and walking 3. The Reds never really forced Estrada to pitch in any pressure situations, and were unable to capitalize in several innings where they put the lead-off man on base.

- The only offense came from Brandon Phillips who hit a home run from his knees to give the Reds a short-lived 2-1 lead in the 4th inning.

- I feel compelled to question Dusty Baker. In the 8th inning, Paul Janish led off by getting hit with a pitch. In a tie game, knowing that he would not be sending his starter back out for the bottom of the inning, he allowed Mike Leake to hit. Leak tried to get a bunt down, but could not, and eventually struck out swinging. Drew Stubbs followed with a strike out, swinging at ball 4, and then Jay Bruce grounded out. I think I would have much rather seen Chris Heisey pinch hit in that situation for Leake, esepcially given that Stubbs was not having a good night at the plate.

The Reds (12-12) look to take the series from the Brewers (12-11) and head home with another .500 road trip. It will not be an easy task for the Reds as they face Yovani Gallardo (2-1, 4.88 ERA). The Reds counter with Sam LeCure (0-1, 4.15 ERA) who is pitching on extended rest after his start in St. Louis was bumped in favor of Edinson Voquez after the weather issues in The Gateway City.