Thursdays Performances

GOOD
• Rookie first baseman Joey Votto drove in five runs, courtesy of a three-run double in the fourth inning and a two-run home run in the sixth, in the Reds' 9-2 win over the Cubs. Ken Griffey Jr. also slugged a three-run homer for Cincinnati in the seventh inning, the 596th of his career.
BAD
• Justin Verlander had yet another poor start, allowing five runs on seven hits in the Tigers' 11-1 loss to the Indians. In four starts, Verlander now has a 7.03 ERA.
UGLY
• Frank Thomas went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts and stranded four baserunners in the Blue Jays' 4-1 loss to the Rangers. Thomas has four hits in his last 31 at-bats, dropping his batting average to .179.