Reds use pink bats to raise cancer awareness

CINCINNATI -- Three Reds players used pink bats in Sunday's 4-1 victory against the Rockies: center fielder Billy Hamilton, second baseman Brandon Phillips and catcher Tucker Barnhart.

Hamilton was particularly effective with his bat, dropping down a perfect bunt single to lead off the game (and advancing to third on an error), and later driving a triple to the right-center-field gap in the seventh inning.

Pink shoes, wristbands and bats were worn by many players as part of Major League Baseball's Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer initiative.

Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey actually received pink shoes from two shoe companies for the Mother's Day game. Because Bailey could not wear both at the same time, he gave one pair to Hall of Fame sportswriter Hal McCoy and asked McCoy to wear them in the press box Sunday.