BY ADAM RONIS
Corey Patterson's batting average has been dipping at a rapid pace recently, but you can't blame the 0-for-1 to him today. The Red batted out of order in the top of the ninth against the Mets when David Ross hit instead of Patterson. The Mets caught it so, Patterson was hit with an out and Ross got to hit again in his designated spot and he singled. If it can go wrong, it will for the Reds.
Jose Reyes went 3-for-5 with two runs and two steals -- he has 12 on the season. Luis Castillo left the game with left quad soreness. His health is a major concern.
Carlos Beltran could be ready to go on major hot streak. He went 2-for-5 with two runs, a homer and three RBIs.
It was another poor start for Reds starter Johnny Cueto. He went 4 2/3 innings, allowing eight hits, six runs, three walks and struck out five. He is 2-4 with a 5.91 ERA. That's why you should never fall in love with rookies. Almost all experience inconsistency. Don't give up on Cueto, though.
Oliver Perez was very good for five innings before losing it in the sixth. The lead was big enough where it didn't hurt him. He went six innings allowing three hits, three runs, four walks and struck out eight. He is 3-3 with a 4.61 ERA.
Maybe the Mets can take a cue from the Marlins and beat up on the Nationals. Dan Uggla hit two home runs and has 11 homers and 27 RBIs. Scott Olsen wasn't as good as usual, but he bounced back after a rough start. He lasted six innings and allowed six hits, four runs, two walks and struck out one. This was the third time he has faced the Nats this season and he has faced a struggling Brewers offense twice. Sell high!!!
Ervin Santana had his worst start of the season against the Rays. He allowed nine hits and five runs in 5 2/3 innings. He walked just one and struck out seven. He was due for a bad one.
Ryan Ludwick hit his eighth homer. Pick him up while he's hot.
Ryan Braun looks like he is turning it around. He homered twice and has seven homers and 25 RBIs.
Salomon Torres was brought in for the save in a 5-2 game for the Brewers, but was removed and allowed a run. Lefthander Brian Shouse was brought in to get lefty Adam Kennedy out for the final out and the save. Torres, Mota and Shouse will all get chances while Gagne is temporarily sidelined from closing.
Brian Bannister had a good start for the first time in a few starts. He threw eight scoreless innings against an Orioles lineup that looks like a Triple-A one lately.
The Rangers placed Kevin Milwood on the 15-day DL with a strained groin.
Due to cold and rainy weather, Carlos Zambrano and Randy Johnson were scratched from their starts.