Cincinnati Reds: Griffey returns, HR lifts Reds past Nationals in 11

Despite the rainy conditions, the Cincinnati Reds decided to activate OF Ken Griffey, Jr. from the DL on Thursday. It appears that was a good move. Griffey did all he could by making a diving catch in the game only to see Reds closer David Weathers blow a 1-0 lead in the top of th 9th inning. As the Reds blew their chances, including having a runner at 2B with no outs in the bottom of the 9th, the Nationals took full advantage of the Reds bullpen with 3 runs in the top of the 11th. After Washington took the 4-1 lead I shut off my Internet feed of the game in disgust, but I was pleased to be wrong as ESPN's Baseball Tonight flashed the highlight of Ken Griffey Jr.'s walk-off HR in the bottom of the 11th to win the game for the Reds 5-4.

With the win the Reds are now 23-12 which remains the best record in the National League and one full game ahead of the St. Albert Pujols Cardinals.