CINCINNATI SPORTS LAST WEEK

To start the week, the Reds split a two game series with the Brew Crew in Cincinnati. Then two games were mirror images of each other. On Monday, Eric Milton pitched not too badly but got the loss in a 10-6 whipping. The relievers gave up seven runs to Milwaukee including a grand slam. Josh Hamilton had his 3rd homer of the season. On Tuesday, Matt Belisle had his first bad outing of the year but the bull pen did their job and the offense scored seven runs in the 7th and 8th to seal a 11-5 win. Ryan Freel had four hits and scored three runs. He played third base for the first time this year.

UC Bearcat basketball recruiting took the spotlight in midweek. Yancy Gates of Withrow High in Cincinnati verbally committed for the 2008 season. The 6'-8" power forward was all-state this year as a junior.

On Thursday, Mick Cronin picked up a signed commitment from Anthony McClain for the upcoming season. McClain, a 6'11" center, was one of the last top 50 players in the country not committed. He joins a class that also includes Larry Davis, a 6'3" shooting guard; Rashad Bishop, a 6'6" small forward and Kenny Belton, a 6'7" power forward. They also have a verbal commitment from 6'6" small forward and top 50 rated recruit Jason Henry. Things are looking up in Clifton.

The Houston Astros buzzed into town for a two game set. On Wednesday, Harang pitched six innings of 3-hit ball and left ahead 2-1 on Brandon Phillips' and Josh Hamilton's fourth homers of the season. The relief corp flushed it all down the toilet and the Reds lost 7-2. On Thursday, Bronson Arroyo, junk-balled the Texans for seven innings to the tune of a 6-2 lead. Brandon Phillips hit a 2-run homer and Josh Hamilton hit a 3-run job. Yes, the same guys as the night before. And what did the relief crew do? The same thing as the night before. Reds lose 8-6.

The Bengals signed defensive tackle Michael Myers, a free agent from the Denver Broncos. He started every game for the Broncos last year.

Friday night the luckless Phillies opened a weekend series at GABP and gifted the Reds with an exciting win. With two outs in the ninth inning and the Phils leading 1-0 on an unearned run, Scott Hatteberg hit one into the seats in right. In the bottom of the 10th, Brandon Phillips singled in the winning run. Kyle Lohse had gone seven innings in another sterling performance by a Reds starter. Saturday night, before a sellout crowd, the Reds' anemic offense was sick again. Cole Hamels looked like Sy Young, striking out 15 Reds on the way to a complete game 5-hit 4-1 victory. Another lefty, another loss for the Reds. Eric Milton actually pitched pretty well in the loss and Jeff Conine homered for their only run. The Reds David Ross, who is hitting way less than his weight, hit into the first triple play the Reds have hit into in 10 years. When it rains, it pours. Sunday afternoon, the Reds again looked sad at the plate and Matt Belisle wasn't real sharp on the mound. The Reds lost the game 9-3, were 4-5 on the homestand, and 1-3 with the Phils. They end the week with an overall 9-10 record and in 3rd place in the central division.