Haranged

The Red Sox ran into a buzzsaw in Cincinnati last night, as Aaron Harang, who's had a rough season, pitched seven solid innings and allowed just one run as the Reds went on to win , 3-1. Harang, who went into the season as the ace of the staff, is now 3-9.

Jay Bruce hit Justin Masterson's second pitch of the game for a home run, and Adam Dunn also added a home run in the fourth off the Red Sox rookie. Masterson pitched another splendid game, going 6 2/3 and allowed three earned runs while striking out 9. It was his first road start this season and his first loss. It continues to impress with his poise and pitch selection. He pitched well enough to win, but Harang was just a bit better.

Manny Ramirez left the game in the seventh with a sore hamstring, and will get the day off today as the Red Sox play the Reds this afternoon in a Fox Saturday game. Tim Wakefield takes the mound today against hotshot rookie Edinson Volquez.

It was nice to see the Reds fans (as well as the many Red Sox fans) give Sean Casey a standing ovation in his first at-bat last night. Classy move, and Casey acknowledged the applause by removing his cap to the fans. The Mayor is still a beloved figure in the city he played seven years of his career in.