I don't blame you Brian Kenny, this is pretty dreamy. (Photo by Keith Allison/flickr)

It’s sort of like a prequel to Red Dawn, but with Last of the Mohicans. And the USSR wins. Summer Blockbuster, starring Zac Efron, or something. (Unless Zefron is no longer a thing. If not, some other young actor who is currently the thing with teenagers.)

The Reds didn’t need Efron to beat the Indians tonight, assuring a win of the three-game series, and cementing a two run lead over Pittsburgh in the central. Things were a little iffy in the first half of the game, as the Reds scored only sparingly at first, while the Indians threatened multiple times, loading the bases, and getting in a run here, and there.

But Latos did a good job getting out of a lot of tough jams with minimal damage: 7 IP with 2 ER and 7 Ks should be  a good solid confidence builder for him.

Offensively speaking, it was really the Votto and Phillips show. I’ve been loving all the national attention Votto is getting right now (although that also comes with downsides: “WHAT WHY AREN’T YOU TALKING ABOUT ADRIAN GONZALEZ RIGHT NOW?! YOU NEVER TALK ABOUT ADRIAN GONZALEZ. I’VE NEVER HEARD OF VOTTO BEFORE TALK MORE ABOUT ADRIAN GONZALEZ.” But as far as downsides go, internet commenter stupidity is hardly a downside at all.) During MLB Tonight, they talked a lot about Votto’s second at-bat, in which he never left the batter’s box, and barely even blinked while working a walk off Derek Lowe. I think Brian Kenny swooned.

But Phillips had a really excellent game, too- hitting two singles in addition to adding two insurances runs with a homer off Nick Hagadone.

Now, all that’s left is to take game three from the Indians before heading up to New York for a series with the Mets.