Recap: Bailey strong for 6, bats silent again, Reds lose 6-1

I had occasion a few minutes ago to check back on Homer Bailey’s two no-hitters. I assumed his fastball velocity tonight would be lower than those two nights. On a sweltering Cincinnati night in the summer 2013, Bailey’s fastball averaged 94.6 mph. He struck out 9 batters and walked one. The previous September, on a crisp, cool night in Pittsburgh, Bailey struck out 10 and walked one, but his fastball averaged just 91 mph. He threw fastballs on 77% and 72% of his pitches those nights.

Tonight, Bailey threw his fastball 54% of the time in the first five innings, then 21 of 30 pitches in the 6th. He struck out seven and walked none. His average fastball velocity was 92 mph. Make what you want…