Wednesday, October 31, 2012

VW admits 2013 Jetta Hybrid gets worse mpg than Prius but claims ...

2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HYBRID: EFFICIENCY WITHOUT SACRIFICE

The latest member of the Jetta family is the antidote to the common hybrid: fun to drive, yet frugal and competitively priced

  • Best fuel economy in the Jetta range, with manufacturer estimated highway mileage of 45 mpg
  • Starting price for Jetta Hybrid is $24,995: entry-level model includes standard premium features such as Bluetooth? technology and dual-zone climate control
  • Jetta range now extended to five different powertrains, providing a German- engineered compact sedan for everyone
  • The only turbocharged engine and dual-clutch transmission in the compact hybrid class
  • Best acceleration; sportiest handling; most rear-seat legroom; and largest trunk in compact sedan hybrid class
  • Exclusive Fender? Premium Audio System provides world-class audio in the Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium
Herndon, VA/Santa Fe, NM - Introduced for the 2011 model year, the highly successful
sixth-generation Jetta welcomes a new member to the family-the 2013 Jetta Hybrid. This advanced member of the Jetta range ushers in a new generation of hybrid vehicles, capable of achieving excellent gas mileage without the traditional sacrifice of driving enjoyment.

Exterior
The Jetta Hybrid retains the sleek, upscale, and timeless styling present in the rest of the model line. While the most obvious differences are the blue-highlighted VW emblem, hybrid badging, and unique wheels and front grille, the Jetta Hybrid adds a number of key features that help maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize road resistance.

A Hybrid-specific air intake provides a flush seal and controls the flow of cooling air passing through the engine compartment. A custom trunklid spoiler and front airdam have been designed exclusively for the Jetta Hybrid's aerodynamic needs, as have the extended side skirts. The differences carry over to the car's underbody, where additional trim panels and end plates serve to guide the back to a diffuser at the rear, which helps reduce turbulence and control the flow and separation of passing air. The result of these changes is a Coefficient of Drag (Cd) of 0.28-the standard Jetta has a Cd of 0.30.

The SE model is differentiated from the entry-level Hybrid by LED taillights, while the SEL gains 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The topline SEL Premium is marked out by 17-inch aluminum- alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights, and foglights.

Interior
The Jetta Hybrid's advanced powertrain is highlighted by a unique set of displays inside the car. Taking the place of a traditional tachometer is the Jetta Hybrid's "Power Meter", which is a novel rethink of traditional instrumentation. The dial starts at "OFF," (essentially zero rpm), which is followed by a green "regeneration" section (active during braking) before reaching the baseline drive-ready state, which is represented with a "0." This begins a blue section of the dial that signifies the most efficient driving style, alternating between electric and gasoline engine power; the half-blue section that follows it indicates times when only the gasoline engine provides power while charging the battery. At the dial's "6" position, the blue markings are gone and the vehicle is utilizing the gasoline engine's power without charging the battery. The final step is the boost mode at "10": marked like a traditional redline, this demarcates the point when the electric motor and gasoline engine are working together to achieve full system output.

Situated to the right of the Power Meter and between the two gauges is the car's standard Multi-Function Instrument, which shows ambient temperature, gear selection, the trip computer, a second audio display, and driver settings. In the Jetta Hybrid, this screen also presents the car's drive state and the "ePower meter," which includes the level of battery charge and the available amount of electric driving ("E-Max")

On the SE model and above, the radio/navigation system's touchscreen in the center console also doubles as a detailed visualization of the powertrain's operation. One example of this is the emissions statistics screen, which displays a bar graph showing the minute-by-minute percentage of zero-emissions driving in relative percentages (the previous 30 minutes are shown). The display also shows a diagram of the car and its underlying powertrain, with orange and blue areas (gasoline and electricity, respectively) representing exactly where power

is coming and going at any given time and in any given drive mode. The display also includes the monitor for the rearview camera on the SEL Premium model.

All Jetta Hybrids are well equipped, with high-quality materials and plenty of chrome accents. The entry-level Jetta Hybrid has Climatronic? automatic dual-zone air conditioning, which is able to operate without the engine running. It also incorporates a "Max AC" feature, which removes any guesswork and simply achieves the desired temperature as quickly as possible. The cabin's cooled air is subsequently fed into the hybrid battery pack for cooling. Other features on the Hybrid include standard Bluetooth connectivity and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.

The SE model adds a Media-Device Interface (MDI) with iPod? cable, the Premium VIII touchscreen radio, keyless access with push-button start, and SiriusXM? Satellite Radio. The SEL has a six-way power driver's seat and the RNS 315 radio/navigation system, while the SEL Premium has the Fender Premium Audio System as standard equipment. The result of an exclusive collaboration between Volkswagen and one of the music industry's most iconic brands, this 400-watt system features a 10-channel amplifier. In turn, this feeds four tweeters (two mounted in the A-pillars, two mounted in the rear doors), a 50-watt woofer installed in each door, and a 100-watt subwoofer box mounted under the rear shelf.

Engine and Transmission
The star of the Jetta Hybrid show is unquestionably a powertrain that's unique in the compact hybrid segment. Combining a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 27- horsepower electric motor, the Jetta Hybrid is able to achieve a perfect balance of power, efficiency, and cleanliness.

The gasoline engine is one of Volkswagen's latest EA211 series of small engines. This features many improvements over the previous EA111 generation, including lightweight aluminum construction, an integrated (into the head) exhaust manifold, and a toothed-belt drive for its double overhead camshaft valvetrain that incorporates variable intake timing. In fact, the only aspect to be carried over from its predecessor is the 82 mm cylinder spacing. The cylinder bore was decreased by 2 mm (to 74.5mm) while the stroke was increased to 80mm, a change which not only helps compactness, but also increases torque and presents an ideal canvas for adding boost (turbocharging or supercharging)- something the engineers at Volkswagen have spent many years perfecting.

The 1.4-liter TSI? engine in the Jetta Hybrid features a 10.5:1 compression ratio, direct fuel injection, and turbocharging to produce 150 hp at 5000 rpm. This engine's turbocharging system offers incredible boost response thanks to its cleverly designed intake manifold, which enables the use of a surprisingly small, single-scroll compressor. The intercooler, uniquely, is integrated directly into the injection-molded induction pipe. This design generates maximum torque of 184 pound-feet at 1600 rpm.

A hybrid also needs electric power. For that, the Volkswagen engineers employed an innovative hybrid module-a single, integrated unit that incorporates both the electric motor and the clutch that connects it to the engine. This water-cooled motor can add 27 horsepower (20kW) to the mix, as well as a constant 114 lb-ft of torque. Combined, the system puts out 170 hp at 5000 rpm and184 lb-ft of torque at an impressively low1000 rpm, giving the car incredibly smooth acceleration. (The maximum torque is limited by the transmission.)

An 11.9-gallon fuel tank provides gasoline for the engine and a high-voltage battery placed above the rear axle powers the Jetta Hybrid's electric motor. This 60-cell system produces a total voltage of 220 V, rated energy of 1.1 kWh, and pulse power of 32 kW. This battery pack is equipped with high-tech cooling and management systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and
reliability.

An industry first, the Jetta Hybrid connects its powerplant to the pavement via a seven-speed, DSG? dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This DQ200 transmission is the most efficient unit in Volkswagen's DSG arsenal and employs a dry-clutch design, as opposed to the wet-clutch arrangement seen in many other Volkswagen products. This unit can be operated as a pure automatic ("D" mode) or shifted manually. There is also a sport setting ("S" mode).

Thanks to the refined powertrain and features such as a newly designed exhaust system, an acoustic windshield, and thicker front side windows, the Jetta Hybrid is the quietest car Volkswagen has offered in the compact sedan class.

Full Suite of Hybrid Functionality
The powertrain management and integration truly makes the Jetta Hybrid stand out among other hybrid offerings. The powertrain provides a full suite of hybrid functionality, including use of the electric motor to boost power output, exceptionally efficient regenerative braking, and all-electric, zero-emissions operation.

Electric Mode: The Jetta Hybrid starts up as an electric vehicle and will remain like this up to speeds of 37 mph, dependent on how hard the driver wants to accelerate and on the
topography. In this mode, the gasoline engine is stopped and is actually entirely disconnected from the drivetrain to eliminate any loss in efficiency through parasitic drag. Even though the

engine isn't working, the HVAC and electrical components like the audio system continue to operate. Although not designed for long-range, all-electric driving, the car can remain in this mode for more than a mile, given the right circumstances.

If the driver selects the "E-Mode" button to the right of the shift lever, the zero-emissions, electric mode is maintained up to 44 mph and allows for more aggressive gas pedal inputs. This mode requires adequate battery charge and temperature: if the battery is depleted, the system will reactivate once it has regenerated enough power.

Turbo Power: Above 37mph (44 mph in E-Mode), when the battery level is low, or there's a demand for additional power, the Jetta Hybrid taps into the turbocharged engine. Once the
driver has depressed the gas pedal the required amount, the clutch immediately and seamlessly closes, thus starting the gasoline engine. Once operating, the engine delivers more power than is needed in order to charge the battery pack.

Boosting: If maximum acceleration is needed (either through kickdown in "D", or with the shift lever in "S" or in the manual gate), the system will begin "Boosting". In this mode, the
electric motor works in conjunction with the gasoline engine, assisting it to achieve the total system output of 170 hp.

During these periods of "active boost" assistance, the primary role of the electric motor is to increase the powertrain's output. There is also a "passive boost" state, in which the electric unit takes over accessory power, leaving the gasoline engine to focus on sending all of its power to the transmission. (Theoretically, this is the same as eliminating the parasitic drag created by a conventional car's alternator.)

Regeneration and Coasting: While the gasoline engine charges the battery during non-boost states, this requires energy and thus, fuel (albeit a minimal amount). The only truly "free" way
of sending charge back to the battery is through regenerative braking. This process occurs whenever the driver applies the brakes, causing the Jetta Hybrid to convert the kinetic energy (in the form of heat) generated by braking into electricity in the battery. The Jetta Hybrid increases the amount of regeneration by decoupling the engine from the drivetrain, reducing drag caused by engine braking and also increasing the amount of retardation needed (and thus heat).

The engine is also shut off and is decoupled from the driveline to eliminate drag caused by the engine's torque at higher speeds-up to 84 mph-when the driver releases the gas pedal. This helps to save fuel when, for instance, the car is going down a gentle slope or is coasting to a halt.

Frugal ... And Sporty: The Jetta Hybrid is able to achieve excellent fuel economy: the manufacturer estimated combined figure is 45 mpg. Despite this impressive efficiency, the vehicle is still able to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 8.6 seconds, and continue on to a top track speed of 125 mph (electronically governed in the U.S.).

To emphasize the Jetta Hybrid's sporty credentials, a modified car set a number of records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during the Southern California Timing Association's World Finals in October. The car now holds the H/PS class record-for production-based cars with engines of less than 1.5 liters that use forced induction-at 186.313 mph, as well as the highest top speed ever recorded for a hybrid, at 187.607 mph. These are impressive numbers for a car with such a small engine that also utilizes a full hybrid powertrain-and proof that the 2013 Jetta Hybrid isn't your typical offering in this segment.

Suspension
The Jetta Hybrid features a suspension designed for lively handling, as well as comfort and stability. The front end employs damper struts with lower control arms and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, the car uses a multi-link, independent layout featuring gas-pressurized dampers and separate coil springs. Combined with Volkswagen's latest electric power steering system, the Jetta Hybrid offers predictably precise, sporty road manners without sacrificing smoothness or comfort. This is an especially noteworthy achievement in a segment that has historically stressed efficiency at the expense of an enjoyable drive.

Safety and Security
Like the rest of the Volkswagen family, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid places a strong emphasis on safety. This begins with an extremely strong body structure that uses hot-formed steels and is meticulously designed to optimize the vehicle's performance in front, side, and rear impact crashes.

The Jetta Hybrid comes standard with front and side airbags for front-seat occupants, as well as Side Curtain Protection? airbags for both front and rear seats. It also features numerous electronic driving aids and safety systems, including Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Brake- Pressure Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). Additionally, the Jetta line employs Volkswagen's Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), which unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard lights, as well as shutting down the fuel system in certain types of collision.

The 2013 Jetta Hybrid is offered with the Carefree Maintenance Program at no extra charge. This covers all scheduled maintenance during the car's standard new car limited warranty period of three years or 36,000 miles.

Model Line-up

Jetta Hybrid
Available exclusively through special order, the Jetta Hybrid begins at just $24,995. It includes all interior and exterior Hybrid-specific features, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, Climatronic dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system.

Jetta Hybrid SE
The Jetta Hybrid SE starts at $26,990, and adds several significant features over the Hybrid. These include LED taillights and keyless access with push-button start, as well as the Premium VIII touchscreen audio system with color energy flow display in the center console. Also included is the Media-Device Interface with iPod? cable and SiriusXM? Satellite Radio.

Jetta Hybrid SEL
The Jetta Hybrid SEL variant starts at $29,325. This takes all the features of the SE trim and adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a power tilt and slide sunroof, the RNS315 touchscreen navigation system, and heated seats with power adjustment on the driver's side.

Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium
The top-tier Jetta Hybrid is the SEL Premium, starting at $31,180. This includes all the specifications of the previous versions, but adds Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs and the Active Front-Lighting System (AFS), foglights with cornering lights, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a rearview camera, and the exceptional Fender Premium Audio System.

COMPETITIVE SET
Ford C-Max Hybrid
Honda Civic Hybrid
Honda Insight
Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
Toyota Prius

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, Golf R, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Notes: This press release and images of the Jetta Hybrid are available at media.vw.com.
"Climatronic", "DSG", "RNS", "TSI", "VW", "Volkswagen", all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. "Carefree Maintenance" and "Side Curtain Protection" are registered trademarks of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. "Fender" is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. "iPod" is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. "SiriusXM" and "SiriusXM Satellite Radio" are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio, Inc.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

Where stated, fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release.

MSRPs exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) will only activate in a collision where the airbags deploy or safety belt pretensioners activate. Not all collisions cause airbags to deploy or safety belt pretensioners to activate.

Source: http://green.autoblog.com/2012/10/30/vw-admits-2013-jetta-hybrid-gets-worse-mpg-than-prius-but-claims/

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Monday, October 8, 2012

Yes, Facebook is still free (so ignore the price grid hoax)

6 hrs.

Despite what your friends are claiming now?? and?despite what they?were claiming a year ago?? Facebook is still free. The social network hasn't released a membership?"price grid" or announced that it will start charging its users.

A hoax which has been floating around since Facebook launched the Timeline design is driving folks into a frenzy once again, most likely due to the?"promoted posts" the social network is testing right now.?(Some users are able to promote personal posts for a fee, to make sure that more of their friends see them. This is completely optional and not part of some sort of monthly membership fee.)

According to?Graham Cluley of?Sophos' Naked Security blog, there's not much to the hoax beyond a bunch of annoying messages, along these lines, which are being reposted at an increasing rate:?

FACEBOOK JUST RELEASED THEIR PRICE GRID FOR MEMBERSHIP. $9.99 PER MONTH FOR GOLD MEMBER SERVICES, $6.99 PER MONTH FOR SILVER MEMBER SERVICES, $3.99 PER MONTH FOR BRONZE MEMBER SERVICES, FREE IF YOU COPY AND PASTE THIS MESSAGE BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT. WHEN YOU SIGN ON TOMORROW MORNING YOU WILL BE PROMPTED FOR PAYMENT. IT IS OFFICIAL IT WAS EVEN ON THE NEWS. FACEBOOK WILL START CHARGING DUE TO THE NEW PROFILE CHANGES. IF YOU COPY THIS ON YOUR WALL YOUR ICON WILL TURN BLUE AND FACEBOOK WILL BE FREE FOR YOU. PLEASE PASS THIS MESSAGE ON...

It's not particularly surprising that some folks?are falling for this. After all, Facebook's been in the news a lot recently?and it's easy for someone to overhear a little detail?? such as something about promoted posts?? out of context and panic. But think about it for a second: Does it really make sense at all that pasting a message, especially one written in ALL CAPS, would get you out of a $10-per-month fee? Correct answer:?No, it doesn't.?

So don't copy and paste this message. Be part of the solution not the problem. Rather than respond thoughtlessly to a prankster's fear tactic, politely share a link to this blog post with your friends ??just to reassure them that while Facebook may be trying to make money off of you in lots of different ways, a monthly subscription isn't one of them.

Update: A Facebook spokesperson has reached out to NBC News with a simple statement, to emphasize the message of this story:

We have no plans to charge for Facebook. It's free and always will be.

Want more tech news?or interesting?links? You'll get plenty of both if you keep up with Rosa Golijan, the writer of this post, by following her on?Twitter, subscribing to her?Facebook?posts,?or circling her?on?Google+.

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/technolog/yes-facebook-still-free-so-ignore-recurring-price-grid-hoax-1C6327492

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KidSports Wrapup Oct. 7, 2012: Hockey, football, basketball, skiing ...

[unable to retrieve full-text content]Nashua Boys and Girls Biddy Basketball registration forms are now available online at www.gonashua.com, City Hall, all public schools, Nashua Public Library, Bright Spots, Jeannotte's Market or the Park and Recreation Department office at ...

Source: http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/sports/kidssports/978367-457/kidsports-wrapup-oct.-7-2012-hockey-football.html

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Beijing to more accurately monitor air quality

BEIJING (AP) ? Beijing authorities have completed a network of monitors that will more accurately measure air quality in the smog-ridden city after being pushed into it by public pressure and pollution reports from the U.S. embassy.

The Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center said Saturday that another 15 monitoring stations had begun releasing real-time data on small particulates known as PM2.5. The tiny pollution particles that may result from the burning of fuels in vehicles and power plants can penetrate deep into the lungs, so measuring them is considered a more accurate reflection of air quality than other methods.

Chinese citizens have prodded their government into publishing more detailed pollution data since the U.S. Embassy started publishing PM2.5 readings taken from its rooftop on Twitter.

Beijing started releasing PM2.5 data in January. It now has 35 monitoring stations set up in central Beijing and its suburbs, including near tourist favorites Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven and the Beijing Botanical Garden.

The monitors will run for a three-month trial, and then the city's environmental protection department will formally use PM2.5 to evaluate the city's air quality, rather than relying on the larger particles it currently measures.

White mist sat stubbornly among the captial's skyscrapers on Sunday as people traveled home on the final day of an eight-day public holiday that had brought with it mostly blue skies as industry shut down.

"Is it fog or is the PM2.5 higher than normal?" Zhao Yiyi, at Beijing Airport, wrote on the popular microblogging site Sina Weibo. She added, "Such air quality, it's horrible."

Just after lunchtime, the U.S. Embassy, which measures the air from its rooftop, tweeted that the PM2.5 reading, at 137 micrograms per cubic meter, was unhealthy.

The Beijing environmental monitoring website reported a similar reading from a nearby station for that hour, but it didn't interpret the data. Guidance on the website suggested that such a reading would be termed satisfactory if it became part of the daily air quality roundup. The U.S. Embassy rates pollution levels according to a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standard, which is more stringent than the one used by the Chinese government.

Appearing frustrated with the dueling standards, the Chinese government told the embassy to stop publishing the data in June. It said it wasn't fair to judge Chinese air by American standards because China is a developing country and noted that U.S. environmental guidelines have become more strict over time.

U.S. consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu also post readings of the cities' air quality on Twitter.

Last month, the U.S. ambassador to China indicated that its remaining consulates in Shenyang and Wuhan would also monitor air pollution levels.

"We've been criticized by the Chinese government for having such a monitor, but we feel it's a duty ? our duty to inform our dependents and our Americans of the air conditions there so they can make appropriate decisions regarding the health of their children and themselves," Gary Locke said, according to the transcript of the event at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, D.C. "We're expanding this to all the different consulates throughout China."

Explaining PM2.5 to the audience, Locke said: "It's the really invisible stuff that can really cause a lot of damage to respiratory systems and health. It's almost akin to being exposed to secondhand smoke constantly, or even smoking several packs a day."

___

Associated Press researcher Henry Hou contributed to this report.

___

Follow Louise Watt on Twitter at http://twitter.com/louise_watt

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/beijing-more-accurately-monitor-air-quality-083848332.html

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Arroyo gem puts Reds up 2-0 on Giants in NLDS

Cincinnati Reds' Ryan Ludwick hits a solo home run in the second inning during Game 2 of the National League division baseball series against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Cincinnati Reds' Ryan Ludwick hits a solo home run in the second inning during Game 2 of the National League division baseball series against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo (61) delivers in the first inning during Game 2 of the National League division baseball series against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

San Francisco Giants center fielder Angel Pagan (16) can't get to the ball after Cincinnati Reds' Ryan Ludwick hit a solo home run in the second inning during Game 2 of the National League division baseball series in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Cincinnati Reds' Ryan Ludwick rounds the bases after he hit a solo home run off of San Francisco Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner, right, in the second inning during Game 2 of the National League division baseball series in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Bronson Arroyo (61) delivers in the first inning during Game 2 of the National League division baseball series against the San Francisco Giants in San Francisco, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

(AP) ? Dusty Baker walked down the hallway in his former ballpark to cheers from Giants fans. He smiled, waved hello, offered handshakes, high-fives and hugs ? even a few hang loose signs.

Baker is still beloved in the Bay Area 10 years after managing the Giants within six outs of a World Series title before falling short. That didn't change even after his Cincinnati Reds routed San Francisco 9-0 on Sunday night for a commanding 2-0 lead in their NL division series.

This time, it's the Reds riding some serious postseason momentum. Two years ago, the Giants made an improbable run to the city's first World Series championship and Cincinnati got swept out of the first round by the Phillies.

"You're not comfortable at all until it's over," Baker said. "We've been there before. It's hard to take the last breath out of anything."

Game 3 in the best-of-five series is Tuesday at Great American Ball Park. Homer Bailey (13-10), who pitched a no-hitter Sept. 28 at Pittsburgh, takes the mound as the Reds try to close out the series against Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong (14-9).

The Reds headed home to Ohio on quite a roll, thanks to a bunch of memorable firsts.

Bronson Arroyo won his first game in seven tries at San Francisco. Ryan Ludwick hit his first postseason home run, while Ryan Hanigan had his first playoff RBI.

More than anything on this night, it was Arroyo's turn to celebrate on what he figured to be a fun flight back to Cincinnati.

"We couldn't put ourselves in a better situation," he said. "It doesn't mean you're going to close it out, but for us personally, I know the fans are going to be as jacked as they have ever been in that ballpark since it has been built, which is going to be nice."

Arroyo retired his first 14 batters and delivered a gem a day after 19-game winner Johnny Cueto went down with a back injury.

A pair of Ryans provided the big hits. Ludwick connected leading off the second inning and Hanigan hit a two-run single in the fourth and a later RBI single. Jay Bruce added a two-run double and Joey Votto had three hits in his first multihit postseason game.

"Coming on the road, you think about getting one as a success and victory," Bruce said. "To be able to come here and get two is very important."

Many fans didn't stick around until the end to see the Giants get handed their worst playoff shutout in franchise history.

The Reds got their first playoff victory in 17 years by taking Game 1 without their ace Saturday night, and now they're going back home looking for their own sweep after the Phillies eliminated them in a frustrating three-game first round two years ago.

The Reds will try for their first postseason sweep since beating the Dodgers in the first round in 1995. Cincinnati got swept in the NL championship series that year by Atlanta to start what became a seven-game postseason losing streak.

The shaggy-haired Arroyo, the right-hander with that high leg kick slightly resembling the familiar motion of Giants Hall of Famer Juan Marichal, went untouched before Brandon Belt's two-out single to the gap in right-center with two out in the fifth. San Francisco didn't get another hit until Pablo Sandoval lined a double off the right-field arcade with two outs in the ninth.

"You hate to get beat like that, especially at home," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "It happened. We know where we're at right now. We know our backs are to the wall. We have to come out and be ready to play once we get to Cincinnati. I know they know what's at stake. They've done a great job all year bouncing back."

The 35-year-old Arroyo worked ahead and had four straight strikeouts during one stretch to baffle the Giants.

Arroyo's seven innings marked his longest postseason outing in five starts and 13 appearances ? and he couldn't have picked a better moment to do it.

Cueto threw all of eight pitches in Saturday's 5-2 win before leaving with back spasms, and Mat Latos and a patchwork pitching staff handled the rest.

Baker said he picked Arroyo for Game 2 here in part because the righty is susceptible to giving up home runs after he allowed 26 this year. And AT&T Park is "one of the most forgiving ballparks in baseball."

Arroyo thoroughly outpitched Madison Bumgarner to beat the Giants for the first time since 2008. He had gone 0-2 with a 2.42 ERA in four starts since, getting two no-decisions this season.

And he took the hard-luck loss in Game 2 against the Phillies in 2010 as the victim of a blown save.

Boy did he give the bullpen a break with this one. Baker might have left him in longer had it not been a long inning before.

"A no-hitter in this type of environment is nearly impossible," Arroyo said. "A win for the ballclub is the pinnacle, nirvana."

Cincinnati beat San Francisco's two best pitchers on the Giants' home field. Matt Cain lost Game 1.

Bumgarner had pitched a one-hitter June 28 against the Reds at home, but was nothing close to that dominant this time.

The last time Baker managed in a playoff setup like this season ? with the higher seed opening on the road for the first two games ? he was on the other end. In 1997, while managing the favored Giants, San Francisco lost the first two games in Florida and the Marlins completed a three-game sweep of the NL division series at Candlestick Park en route to the World Series title.

Baker has felt good about these Reds all along, even more so after recently missing 11 games while recovering from a mini-stroke, including when they clinched the NL Central.

"He's kind of the heartbeat of this team," Bruce said. "To have him back for the last series and starting the playoffs, especially in San Francisco, where he obviously has a ton of history and is a storied manager here, it's good. It gives us a vibe that's pretty easy to play for."

He is getting contributions from throughout his lineup and a ready-for-anything pitching staff.

On Saturday, it was Brandon Phillips with three hits and a two-run homer, and Bruce with a solo shot. The Reds added on late in Game 2 against the Giants' typically reliable bullpen with Bruce's eighth-inning double, a run-scoring triple from Drew Stubbs and an RBI single by Phillips.

Ludwick, who came in just 1 for 16 lifetime against Bumgarner, silenced the orange towel-waving sellout crowd of 43,505 AT&T Park in a hurry when he sent the first pitch of the second inning over the center-field wall.

The Reds sure made the Giants' pitcher friendly ballpark feel long-ball friendly the way they hit in these two games.

Many of the fans quickly made for the exits after the Reds went ahead 6-0 on Bruce's two-run double in the eighth.

"We need to go to their place and play aggressive and try to change the momentum," Giants second baseman Marco Scutaro said. "Keep fighting, you never know what's going to happen. Their momentum is really good right now."

Associated Press

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/347875155d53465d95cec892aeb06419/Article_2012-10-08-NLDS-Reds-Giants/id-475a6d451af0421b821cc670486bb23f

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