Adam Dunn's eighth-inning walk with the bases loaded was the difference in the Reds' 4-3 win over the Indians in Friday's Interleague series opener before 33,433 fans at Great American Ball Park.
If the free bobblehead weren't enough, Brandon Phillips gave Cincinnati fans another reason to come watch the Reds play the Indians on Saturday. Phillips, facing his former team for the first time this season, hit his eighth home run of the season Friday to continue his recent hot streak.
Normally the cornerstones of the Reds' lineup, right fielder Ken Griffey Jr. came into Friday's game without a home run in his last 67 at-bats and left fielder Adam Dunn entered the night batting just .207. They have 11 home runs between them.
Why stop at giving your two cents when you can give 149,998 more? Ken Griffey Jr. owed Josh Fogg $1,500, and the Reds right fielder did exactly what he promised when it came time to pay up -- he paid in pennies.
Thursday's series finale between the Reds and Marlins was postponed because of rain. A makeup date has not been announced. Reds scheduled starter Matt Belisle will be skipped in the rotation.
Johnny Cueto is struggling, with a 5.91 ERA going into Friday. He'll have a tough assignment against the Indians, who lead the AL Central, in the Reds' first Interleague game of the season.
Closer Francisco Cordero blew a save for the first time this season during a six-run Marlins ninth inning but rookie Paul Janish's RBI single in the bottom of the 10th gave the Reds a 7-6 win Wednesday night.
The Reds placed Jeff Keppinger on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday due to a fractured left knee cap and recalled Paul Janish from Triple-A Louisville.
Jeff Keppinger is injured, so Jerry Hairston Jr. has to fill the offensive void. On Wednesday, Hairston went 3-for-4 with a walk and an RBI in a 7-6 victory over the Florida Marlins.
Jeff Keppinger has been Cincinnati's best hitter in 2008, but he went down with injury. His replacement, Paul Janish, has big shoes to fill, but Janish is excited for the opportunity.
Reds shortstop Jeff Keppinger exited Tuesday's game against the Marlins early with a fractured left kneecap that he suffered after fouling a ball hard off the knee.
Upheaval in the general manager's office isn't expected to shake up how the Reds approach their Draft selection decisions. New general manager Walt Jocketty is adhering to the organization's "talent rules" philosophy.