[Stardust]

Here’s all you really need to know about Monday night’s Reds game: Homer Bailey gave up three home runs in the first inning and the Reds had a total of three singles on the night.

The result was a 7-1 thrashing for the Reds at the hands of the St. Louis Cardinals before a gathering of 16,909 at Great American Ball Park. April or not, school night or not, a crowd like that doesn’’ shout: Rivalry.

Bailey retired the first two Cardinals routinely. Matt Holliday then took a 1-1 pitch out the opposite way to left.

Bailey then walked Lance Berkman on a 3-2 pitch. Bailey thought Ball 3 could have been Strike 3.

“It was close,” Bailey said. “It could have gone either way.”

After the walk, the fireworks began.

David Freese hit a 0-1 pitch out the opposite-way to right. Yadier Molina hit the very next pitch out to center.

Just like that, it was 4-0.

“I just got a little passive with two outs,” Bailey said. “I didn’t stay aggressive. Once you open that can, it’s kind of hard to close it. With the blowing out in a small park, that’s going to happen.”

Bailey settled down and went 5 2/3 innings and allowed the four runs on six hits. He walked three and struck out five.

The Reds threatened in the first when Zack Cozart and Joey Votto walked with one out and again in the second Chris Heisey and Drew Stubbs led off with walks. But right-hander Jake Westbrook worked out of both jams.

The Reds, in fact, did not have a hit through four.

Brandon Phillips broke the string with a two-out single in the fifth. Zack Cozart followed with a shot off Westbrook. It bounced toward the first base line. Westbrook ran it down and tried to make a throw from his back. It went into right field, allowing Phillips to score.

Phillips came off the field limping and left the game after the Reds were retired. The report: He left with cramping in his left hamstring

[Stardust]

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[Stardust]

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[Stardust]

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[Stardust]

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[Image: http://cmsimg.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcsi....h=410&q=60]

[Stardust]

[Image: http://cmsimg.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcsi....h=410&q=60]

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[Image: http://cmsimg.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcsi....h=410&q=60]

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[Stardust]

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[WALL2WALL]

Homer Bailey stunk it up.

[Mr. Pike Central]

Homer Bailey stunk it up.

TBF, he did settle down after the 1st inning.

He just left his pitches too high in the zone.

[Strikeout King]

Homer Bailey sucks. always has. always will. If the Reds don't won't this to happen every game they play that he starts then they will either trade him, release him or demote him.