Tonight’s game against Florida takes on even more importance since the Reds road trip now sits at 2-2, following a crushing 14-inning loss last night 3-2.

Aaron Harang pitched seven strong innings, and the Jared Burton/Mike Lincoln combo pitched four scoreless innings between them.  The Reds offense was a victim of bad luck more than anything else, hitting a couple line drives right at Marlins defenders…ending some scoring threats (Phillips in the 8th).

Alex Gonzalez went back to Cincinnati early with the always popular strained oblique injury that could land him on the DL.  Backup infielders are few and far between, and they are either not on the 40-man roster or barely able to hit AAA pitching.

One option could be to move Phillips to shortstop for the time being, and insert Hairston at 2B…with the occasional start for Janish at SS.

Unlike last year’s extra, extra-inning loss in San Diego, the Reds need to bounce back quickly before Milwaukee and St. Louis come to town later this week.