The Rockies latest win came on Thursday when they downed the Cincinnati Reds by a final count of 5-1. After the Reds got up with a run in the first inning, the Rockies got five runs in the third to go up for good. The two big hits for Colorado in the inning were a Jason Giambi two-run double and a two-run homer by Garrett Atkins.

Not only are the Rockies within striking distance in the NL West, they are starting to pull away in the NL Wild Card race. They currently lead the San Francisco Giants by 4.5 games and the Florida Marlins by 5.5 games.

The Rockies next travel to San Diego for a three-game series with the Padres. Then, starting on Monday, the Rockies and Giants square off in a very important series that could go a long ways towards decided the NL Wild Card representative.

Everyone in Colorado is happy (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Rockies Putting Pressure on the Dodgers

Gomes, who began the year on a minor league contract after struggling mightily with the Tampa Bay Rays last season, finished the game 3-for-4 with three homers, three runs and five RBIs.

After the contest, Gomes said this was an emotional game for him.

Said Gomes: “I was in Triple-A to start this thing off and now, not too many at-bats later, I have three home runs.”

On the season, Gomes has a .271 batting average to go along with 14 homers and 33 RBIs. The 28-year-old outfielder has resurrected his career after hitting .182 with the Rays last season.

Arroyo was almost equally as impressive. He pitched all nine innings and gave up only two hits and one walk. He evened his record at 11-11 and lowered his ERA to 4.74.

The Reds improved to 50-64 with the win. The Nationals, who have now lost three games in a row after winning eight straight, are 40-75 — the worst record in baseball.

Jonny Gomes - Cincinnati Reds (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Jonny Gomes Blasts Three Homers in Reds Win

Not only is Volquez out for the rest season, he’ll likely be out until the 2010 All-Star break — at the earliest. For the 26-year-old, this is obviously very bad news. Coming into this season, Volquez was regarded as one of the better pitching prospects in the National League.

Last year, Volquez had a 3.21 ERA to go along with a 17-6 record. He also had 206 strikeouts in 196 innings. This year, he was 4-2 with a 4.35 ERA prior to leaving his June 1st start due to an injured elbow.

Volquez was acquired by the Reds prior to the 2008 baseball season in a trade that sent Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers. Prior to this news, it could be said that the trade had worked out well for both teams.

Edinson Volquez - Cincinnati Reds (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Edinson Volquez to have Tommy John Surgery

Prior to last season, the Cincinnati Reds acquired Volquez in a deal that sent Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers. Although Hamilton blew up in Texas, Volquez was also really good. Last year, the native of the Dominican Republic was 17-6 with 206 strikeouts in 196 innings to go along with a 3.21 ERA.

This season, Volquez was 4-2 in his eight starts with a 4.25 ERA. The 25-year-old was actually a bit better than that ERA indicates — especially when you consider that he is sporting a National League best .185 batting average against stat.

With a record of 26-23, the Reds need Volquez to come back strong if the team wants to make a legit run at the 2009 baseball playoffs.

Edinson Volquez Injury Update (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: EveryJoe

Edinson Volquez Set to Return for Reds

This weekend was the first time that the Cincinnati Redlegs played at Yankee Stadium since sweeping the Yanks in the 1976 World Series. Can this please not be the last? They’re on a 6 game winning streak in this stadium dating back to that time. A friend of mine (a Yankee fan) said that the Reds were more excited to be there than the Yanks. Whatever. A win is a win and they don’t come often in Redleg country. And this happened on the debut of Daryl Thompson. How would you like to get your big league debut in Yankee Stadium and beat the home team?

Now I have a proposition. Being a Reds fan, how bout instead of tearing down Yankees Stadium, we keep it up for Redleg away games. The Yankees can have their new stadium too. The old one can be the Reds home away from home. Just trying to get a winning season here.

[Image via Newscom]

Post from: EveryJoe

Can The Reds Play ALL Away Games At Yankee Stadium?