JK hit a grand salami today as the Stros won their 14th game of the last 17 in obliterating the Reds for the third straight time at the Great American Ballpark in Cincy, 9-3. In sweeping the three-game series against the Reds, the Stros cranked 10 yaks and scored 28 runs.
Roy O (16-9) improved to 10-0 in 14 career games against the Reds by allowing three runs and six hits in six innings, walking three and striking out four. However, he left after the sixth with discomfort in the same area of his abdomen that gave him problems earlier in the year.
Even with this recent surge, the Stros chances of winning the Wild Card playoff spot are not great. They become virtually non-existent if Oswalt is injured and cannot pitch down the stretch effectively.
The Stros pounded Reds pitching again for 12 hits. Lance Berkman led the way with three hits, including a solo tater. The Stros hitters enjoyed their batting practice with the Reds’ pitchers over the past several days.
After a well-deserved off day on Thursday, the Stros send the Rocket to the hill to start a weekend series with the Pirates at the Juice Box on Friday night. The Reds follow the Pirates for a series early next week.