We see it this time every year. A late summer Reds surge that gives fans hope for ... next season. Wednesday's 5-3 win over the Pirates, completed a 4 game sweep of Pittsburgh, Cincinnati's first since 1975 and ushered them out of town after a 5-2 homestand.
Drew Stubbs is one of the Reds' most exciting young players since Joey Votto debuted in fall of 2007. He had three hits in Wednesday's win, including his 3rd home run in 7 games. Brandon Phillips with three hits of his own, including his 19th home run of the season.
So another September to remember is underway. 2-0 so far, with hopefully more to come. We've been down this primrose path before though and you wonder if any of it will carry over to 2010. Young players like Stubbs burst on the scene as opposing teams add youngsters of their own and as veterans are winding down in anticipation of the off season. Enthusiasm only goes so far.
What is most encouraging this time around, is Homer Bailey. He struck out a career high 8 batters Wednesday, in winning his 5th game of the season. He's shown signs of the light going on in his last three starts. Maybe he's turned the corner.
Then again, maybe he was facing a Pirates lineup, destined for last place. They are three losses shy, of becoming the first professional sports franchise in American history, to suffer 17 straight losing seasons.
Still for long suffering Reds fans, wins of any sort will fill the void ‘til the Bengals debut.
