In Cincinnati, Reds and Giants go to extra innings tied 1-1

The Giants must have been thrilled when Reds starter Homer Bailey got lifted for a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the seventh inning, and eventually that move might work in their favor.

So far, though, not so much. In the eighth inning, Sean Marshall worked around a hit batter and got lucky when a line drive went straight to right fielder Jay Bruce. In the ninth, closer Aroldis Chapman blew the Giants away. And so after nine innings, the Giants still have just one hit.

Also after nine innings, the Giants are still tied with the Reds, one run apiece. Because Cincinnati scored one run in the bottom of the first, and haven’t scored since. Giants starter Ryan Vogelsong lasted just five innings, but a quartet of relievers have kept the Reds off the board since then. Most recently, Sergio Romo set the Reds down in order in the bottom of the ninth.

So on we go to the 10th, with the Giants’ season on the line. And the odds are against them, since they’ve already used four of their best relievers and the Reds just two of theirs.