Cincinnati Weekend

We finally made it to Cincinnati over the weekend. I had tentatively planned to go to the St. Louis series in July because it was the same weekend as a flea market in Burlington, Kentucky but it didn't work out. This was a much better series with the Pittsburgh Pirates but no flea. Oh well, maybe next year. The Reds were in first place in the Central and the Pirates 3.5 games back going into the series. So, obviously a big series. It didn't disappoint.

We left Friday morning and made great time. Seth slept most of the way and missed lunch so we ordered a pizza before even going to the ballpark. this worked out perfectly since the food at Great American is just so so. I thought the gates opened two hours before the game so we left for the ballpark around 4:30.

One of my favorite views. Rounding the curve with the city in view.

The Cincinnati skyline has changed a lot in the twenty years we have been visiting.

Crossing the Ohio River.

We got there before five o'clock but the gates didn't open until 5:30 so we waited. We're used to getting to the ball game before the gates open. It was good to see a crowd already gathered too!

We made our way in, watched the Pirates' batting practice and found our seats. For the first time Seth didn't go to get any autographs. The lineup for Friday's game. Notice: no Votto (DL after knee surgery), no Phillips (injured calf), and no Bruce (terrible stats against the left handed pitcher.) Hmmm, I wasn't sure if the Reds could win without their best players.

It was pretty hot but there was a slight breeze occasionally. Thank goodness for the glorious clouds!!

The breeze off the river was great but it was pretty much blocked from our seats.

When the sun did appear for a few minutes before the game started I walked around to watch some of Reds Live. We pretty much watch this most nights before the games so it was interesting to see it taped live.

Our seats were in the outfield so we had a good view of the outfield players. Both games we went to were sell outs! The Pirates best player Andrew McCutchen played center field.

Luckily, the Reds pitching shut him down and he wasn't a factor in the series.

Mat Latos pitched for the Reds. And pitch he did.

Chris Heisey hit an in the park home run which is almost unheard of in Great American. This made the score 1-0.

Mat Latos pitched well. Every time a Reds' pitcher struck out a player fire came out of the smoke stacks.

Not only did Mat Latos pitch well but he hit a  two run home run!!

Luckily, we got to see Aroldis Chapman come in to save the game.

One of his pitches was 102 miles per hour!

And this one belongs to the Reds!!