Todd Frazier played real-life hero Monday. Tuesday, he went 2-for-4 with two RBI in the Reds' 8-1 win over the Pirates.
But what Frazier did Monday was getting more attention.
Frazier and teammate Ryan Ludwick were having a dinner at a downtown Pittsburgh restaurant when they saw a man choking.
Two women with the man were unsuccessfully trying to perform the Heimlich Maneuver.
"We're just eating there, talking," Frazier said. "I looked in the corner of my eye. I said, 'Ludwick, I think that guy's choking.' Next thing I know there's two ladies, one on each side, trying to pop it out. (Ludwick) said, 'Get over there.' I was the closest one.
"I ran over there and said, 'let me try it.' I tried it twice. It popped out. It was a monster piece. The guy was very thankful. The lady he was with was crying. It was surreal. I'd never done it before in my life."
Frazier doesn't know the man's name.
"Ludwick kept saying, 'Dude, you saved the guy's life,' " Frazier said. "It was weird. We just went back to eating. He went back to eating, too. I don't know if I could have."
NOTES, QUOTES
Votto isn't a deep thinker at the plate anymore
--1B Joey Votto leads the major leagues in doubles with 21. That's no accident. Votto thinks he overemphasized home runs last year after hitting 37 in 2010. "Just because I hit 37 home runs one year, (it) doesn't make me a home run hitter," Votto said. "Just means I hit 37 one year. I tried to switch my approach in general. I thought I was a home run hitter. I had to be that way. That got me into big trouble."
--RHP Homer Bailey threw a complete game to the beat the Pirates 8-1 Tuesday. He allowed only four hits. He threw 103 pitches, 77 of which were strikes. That's eight quality starts in 10 outings. "He's getting been getting progressively better every outing," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "He had great command of his fastball. He threw some outstanding breaking balls and changeups. He minimized his pitches."
--RF Jay Bruce went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a walk. He has hit in four straight games since ending his 1-for-31 skid.
--C Devin Mesoraco is 7-0 in his last seven starts. He started the year 2-11. Homer Bailey and Reds manager Dusty Baker both gave him credit for calling a good game.
--LHP Bill Bray (back, groin) resumed throwing Monday. He's simply beginning his throwing program, so it will be some time before he's actually pitching. He threw from 60 feet Monday.
BY THE NUMBERS: 6-0 -- RHP Homer Bailey's career record against the Pirates.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "The guys didn't turn it off with the rain delay. When it was time to play, they came out and played. ... That was a big game for us tonight. We had a lot more energy than (Monday). Everybody was dragging to have that day game right away." -- Reds manager Dusty Baker
ROSTER REPORT
MEDICAL WATCH:
--RHP Nick Masset (right shoulder inflammation) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 26. He threw on flat ground May 24 for the first time. There is no timetable for his return.
--LHP Bill Bray (strained left groin) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 19. He began a rehab assignment with Class AAA Louisville on April 29, but he moved back to extended spring training in Goodyear, Ariz., after one outing. He resumed throwing May 28, but there was no timetable for his return. --3B Scott Rolen (strained left shoulder) went on the 15-day disabled list May 12. He had yet to resume baseball activities on May 29.
--RHP Ryan Madson (Tommy John surgery in April 2012) went on the 60-day disabled list April 4. He is out for the season.
