Louisville, KY – Facing one of the best teams in the International League last Wednesday, the Louisville Bats once again rode Homer Bailey (7-5, 2.83) to a victory, as Bailey threw eight shutout innings in leading Louisville to a 6-2 win over the Norfolk Tides in game three of a four-game set.

In the victory, Bailey scattered seven hits over his eight innings, allowing just one free pass while fanning seven, helping Louisville move their record, to what was at the time, a season-best five games over .500 (35-30).

Since being optioned back to Louisville on May 24th after one start with the Reds, Bailey has been strait nasty in four starts, allowing just one earned run in 31.1 innings of work. Three of Bailey’s appearances since coming back to Derby City have resulted in the right-hander not allowing a run, and at one point his scoreless inning streak had reached 20.

Since being drafted in the first round by the Reds in 2004, the native Texan has at times looked to like he could emulate everyone’s favorite Texas-born pitcher, and Robin Ventura beater, the Ryan Express. While Bailey’s consistency has at times wavered in his career, he hopes to continue his current run of success, as he has twice earned IL Pitcher of the Week honors in 2009.

For more on the Bats, go to Jason Stella’s Louisville Bats page on examiner.com.

The Reds have an open spot in their rotation on Saturday, so if everything aligns right, we could see Homer pitching with Cincinnati on Saturday at Cleveland.  There is a chance that this could be your last opportunity to see Homer Bailey throw for the Louisville Bats.

So come out to Louisville Slugger Field, drink some beer, eat a fried bologna and watch Homer pitch tonight.  Gates open at 5:50 and first pitch is set for 7:05.