The Reds missed big chances to put up crooked numbers in the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings. They didn’t miss their chance in the 7th inning, scoring eight runs, capped off by a Michael Lorenzen pinch-hit grand slam. The Reds ended a streak of seven consecutive losses to the Brewers. The Reds set a team record with 18 strikeouts in a 9 inning game. Tyler Mahle had 12 of those strikeouts in just 5.2 innings. The Brewers brought their catcher in to pitch in the bottom of the 8th inning, and the Reds added two more runs.
| Final | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cincinnati Reds (34-48) | 12 | 15 | 2 |
| Milwaukee Brewers (48-33) | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| W: () L: () S: | |||
| FanGraphs Win Probability | Statcast | Box Score | Game Thread | |||
Biggest Play of the Game
According to Fangraphs WPA statistic (winning percentage added), the most important play of the game was Scooter Gennett’s RBI double with 0 outs in the 7th inning, tying the game at 3 (Votto advanced to 3rd). That play increased the Reds chances of winning by 25.1% (from 55.4% to 80.5%).
Player of the Game
Michael Lorenzen hit a grand slam. Of course he did. This guy is just incredible and might be the easiest player in the history of this franchise to root for.
Positives
Tyler Mahle struck out a career high 12 batters, despite only pitched 5.2 innings. His defense didn’t do him any favors, as 2 errors lead to 2 unearned runs. Mahle got off to a hot start, striking out 8 batters through the first three innings. His fastball was touching 98 MPH late in this game. Mahle finished the month of June with a 2.18 ERA, and struck out 37 batters in 33.0 innings.
Scooter Gennett had 3 hits, and raised his season slash line to .332/.372/.526.
Eugenio Suarez, Adam Duvall, and Tucker Barnhart all had a 2-hit afternoons. Barnhart got his 2 hits off the bench.
David Hernandez pitched a shutout inning, striking out 2.
Negatives
The Reds had a potential big rally stall in the 4th inning. Joey Votto was thrown out trying to go first to third on an incredibly accurate throw from right-field by Hernán Pérez. It seemed like the correct decision to go for third, and you just have to tip your cap to Perez for a great throw. The Reds would have had 2nd & 3rd with 0 outs and Suarez up, trailing 1-0 at the time.
The Reds missed more big chances in the both the 5th and 6th innings. They loaded the bases with 0 outs in both innings, and the result was only 2 runs. But, everyone found out in the 7th inning that if you keep kicking at the door, eventually it will fall. That is why it is far more important to be looking at things like how many times you get on base, keep rallies going, etc., than harping on batting average with runners in scoring position.
Eric Thames continues to kill the Reds. He now has FOURTEEN career home runs against the Reds.
Not so random thoughts……..
I think the talk of playing Michael Lorenzen in CF is a little far fetched. However, when you are looking at Lorenzen and his overall value, his hitting should definitely be something considered in making him a starting pitcher. It would be easier to get him pinch-hit chances on days he doesn’t start, plus the obvious 2-3 at-bats when he starts.
…..and no, Lorenzen should not start at DH in a couple weeks against the Indians. That would certainly be fun to see, but he is not a better hitter than Duvall, Schebler, or Winker as much as we might like to think he is.
Up Next:
Brewers at Reds
Sunday, 1:05 PM
TV: FOX Sports Ohio
Matt Harvey (5.28 ERA) vs Freddy Peralta (1.59 ERA)