By MIKE ROBERTS
No doubt about it, this past week was a rough one for the 9-7 Cincinnati Reds, who played a four-game road series against the Miami Marlins and a three-game home series versus the Los Angeles Angels. Things started out great for the Reds, as they won the first two games of the Miami series then dropped four of five to close out the week. That included a three-game losing streak – the longest of the young season – falling in the final two contests with Miami, then dropping the series opener with the Angels.
With the Reds losing four of their last five games heading into today’s off day, there’s some obvious disappointment. This is no time for Reds fans to hang their heads. In fact, here are a few reasons for Cincinnati fans to be optimistic:
It’s a Long Season
The Reds have struggled lately, especially when it comes to starting pitching. Andrew Abbott (0-2, 5.85 ERA, 1.70 WHIP), the team’s best pitcher with ace Hunter Greene sidelined due to injury, allowed a career-high seven earned runs in three innings during the Reds’ 9-6 loss in the series finale against the Angels. Plus, Cincinnati has had one of baseball’s worst offenses so far this year (ranked 26th in batting average).
However, the Reds are only 16 games into the season. That’s less than 10%. There’s a long way to go, and plenty of time for the Reds to turn things around and return to the playoffs. Also worth noting: last season, through 16 games, the Reds had an 8-8 record. This year? 9-7! Improvement!
Cincinnati’s bats showed signs of life during the Los Angeles series. The Reds plated seven runs, a season high, in their lone win in the three-game set with the Angels.
Road Warriors
The Reds started the season 5-0 on the road for the first time since 1990. What’s the big deal about 1990? That, of course, was the last time the Reds won a World Series, as well as the last time they’ve even reached the Fall Classic.
If you’re a lifelong Reds fan, you can recite the stars of that team in your sleep: guys like Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, Chris Sabo, and the “Nasty Boys” of the bullpen. Those Reds swept the Oakland A’s 4-0 to win their first championship since the “Big Red Machine” days of the 1970s.
They’re Not Quitting
During the second game of the Marlins series, Miami pitcher Sandy Alcantara headed into the top of the ninth inning, looking to finish off a shutout with a two-run cushion. But the Reds had other plans. Cincinnati’s Matt McLain (.217 AVG, .595 OPS, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 3 SB) doubled, Sal Stewart hit a sacrifice fly, and Nathaniel Lowe singled. Later, McLain hit a two-run double and Elly De La Cruz (.281 AVG, .924 OPS, 5 HR, 10 RBI, 5 SB), added an RBI grounder as the Reds rallied for an impressive 6-3, 10-inning victory.
On Sunday, the Reds were down 9-0 at one point during the series finale against the Angels. Yet, they refused to be shut out and attempted an epic comeback. In the eighth inning, Cincinnati’s TJ Friedl walked, followed by back-to-back singles from De La Cruz and Stewart. Friedl, De La Cruz, and Stewart eventually scored. Later, De La Cruz later hit a three-run homer. Although the Reds ended up losing the game 9-6, they showcased their ability to fight back, which is always a good thing.
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Reds will remain at home and play a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants, starting Tuesday. Then they’ll hit the road for a three-game series vs. the Minnesota Twins that begins Friday.
Here’s a look at the upcoming schedule, including TV information and probable pitchers:
Tuesday, 4/14: 6:40 PM, MLB.TV, Robbie Ray (SF, 2-1, 2.08 ERA) vs. Brady Singer (CIN, 0-1, 7.71 ERA)
Wednesday, 4/15: 6:40 PM, MLB.TV, Tyler Mahle (SF, 0-2, 4.30 ERA) vs. Rhett Lowder (CIN, 1-1, 3.31 ERA)
Thursday, 4/16: 12:40 PM, MLB.TV, Landen Roupp (SF, 2-1, 3.24 ERA) vs. Chase Burns (CIN, 1-1, 3.31 ERA)
Friday, 4/17: 8:10 PM, MLB.TV, TBD
Saturday, 4/18: 2:10 PM, MLB.TV, TBD
Sunday, 4/19: 2:10 PM, MLB.TV, TBD