Reds Series

Game 1: Reds 7, Phillies 3
Length of game: 2:34; W - Cueto (8-2) - 8 IP, 1 ER; L - Kendrick (4-3) - 6 1/3 IP, 5 ER; Howard, Werth, and Ibañez get 2 hits each for Phillies; former Phillie Rolen knocks in 3 runs for Reds; Zagurski allows 1 run in 8th inning, raising ERA to 2.70

Game 2: Phillies 9, Reds 6 (F/10)
Length of game: 3:01; W - Lidge (1-0) - 1 IP, 3 ER; L - Rhodes (2-2) - 0 IP, 3 ER; Blanton throws 7 2/3 innings, allows 3 ER; Lidge blows 2nd save of season, allows 3 run home run to Votto (17) to tie game in 9th; Phillies score 3 runs in 10th, take lead of RBI double by Ibañez

Game 3: Reds 4, Phillies 3
Length of game: 2:23; W - Rhodes (3-2) - 1 IP, 0 ER; L - Halladay (9-7) - CG (8 IP), 4 ER; Phillies led game until bottom of 8th innings; Phillies score only runs on home run by Sardinha (2); Reds take lead on 2 run home run by Bruce (10) in 8th inning

Final Analysis: The N.L. Central leading Reds (44-35) simply outplayed the Phillies(41-35) in this series. Brad Lidge is returning to his 2009 form and blowing saves left and right. With the very vulnerable Mets and Braves also losing games, the Phillies are blowing a huge chance to take back the lead in the N.L. East. With recent injuries to Chase Utley and Placido Polanco, things are not looking good for the Phillies over the next couple of weeks. However, they open up a 4 game series against the Pirates in Pittsburgh tonight, where 3 of 4 or a sweep could go a long way towards improving the Phillies' current position in the standings.