DRT 5.08.09: Big Weekend Series

Last night the Reds managed to bounce back from the nutdragging they received on Wednesday night, beating Milwaukee 6-5. The most noteworthy thing from that game was that they scored 6 runs without the services of Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto, who are both battling the flu. No word yet on their status for tonight's game.

This upcoming series against St. Louis may qualify as the first big series of the year for Cincinnati. They currently are 15-13, which is 3.5 games behind the first place Cardinals. Luckily for the Reds, they will be bringing the trio of Cueto, Harang, and Volquez to the mound during the series. Cueto (2-1, 1.65 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) gets the start tonight against Joel Pineiro (4-1, 3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP).

Taking 2 out of 3 this weekend isn't a must, but it would go a long way in showing that the Reds are a truly competitive ballclub. Getting swept would be a disaster this early in the year. Hopefully Phillips and Votto will recover in time to take the field tonight and the remainder of the weekend.