The Cincinnati Reds (75-67) and the St. Louis Cardinals (71-69) are at it again in the second game of the weekend series. The Reds look to build momentum off last night’s 4-2 win and extend its lead over the Cardinals in the race to the second wild card spot.
Details:
- First pitch: 7:15 ET
- Location: Busch Stadium
- TV: Bally Sports Ohio
- Radio: 700 WLW
Starting Pitchers
| Name | IP | ERA | xERA | FIP | xFIP | WHIP | K% | BB% |
| Luis Castillo | 163.0 | 4.20 | 3.60 | 3.82 | 3.69 | 1.36 | 23.7% | 9.4% |
| Miles Mikolas | 21.1 | 5.06 | 4.30 | 4.05 | 4.82 | 1.41 | 17.9% | 7.4% |
REDS
Right-hander Luis Castillo comes into tonight’s game as the “roller coaster player” on the team. He started off the season in a terrible way, with ERAs of 6.29 and 8.04 in the months of April and May, respectively. In June, he completely turned around his season, with a 1.71 ERA and a 2.78 FIP in 31.2 innings. He continued that success in July with a 2.15 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 37.2 innings. However, he regressed in August, giving up 18 runs in 35.1 innings, including five home runs, but through one start in September, Castillo may be starting to rebound again. He gave up three runs against the Tigers, only one of which was earned, on four hits in six innings. He walked two and struck out seven, but didn’t receive enough run support to earn the win.
A few Cardinals batters have had success against Castillo. Paul Goldschmidt has hit three home runs off him. Matt Carpenter and Paul DeJong each have two against him, and Tommy Edman and Dylan Carlson both have better than a .300 average against him.
CARDINALS
Right-hander (yes, you read that right; the Reds are not facing a lefty) Miles Mikolas gets the start for the Cardinals tonight. After missing all of the 2020 season with a right forearm strain and most of the 2021 season with more right forearm tightness, the Cardinals activated him from on August 20th after a lengthy rehab stint for two minor league teams.
In his five starts this season, Mikolas has yet to pitch more than five innings. It seems the strategy for opposing teams is to score early against him. He’s given up five runs in five innings of the first inning of games this season, compared to 6.1 innings of scoreless baseball in the fourth and fifth innings.
Mikolas has made four starts since returning to the Cardinals, including facing the Reds at Great American Ball Park on September 1st. He pitched only three innings that day, giving up four runs on five hits and striking out three.
Lineups
Cincinnati Reds
|
St. Louis Cardinals |
| 2B Jonathan India | 2B Tommy Edman |
| LF Max Schrock | 1B Paul Goldschmidt |
| RF Nick Castellanos | LF Tyler O’Neill |
| 1B Joey Votto | 3B Nolan Arenado |
| CF Tyler Naquin | C Yadier Molina |
| 3B Mike Moustakas | RF Dylan Carlson |
| SS Jose Barrero | SS Paul DeJong |
| C Tucker Barnhart | CF Harrison Bader |
| P Luis Castillo | P Miles Mikolas |
Eugenio Suárez has hit .545 with two home runs and three RBI off Mikolas. Four other Reds batters have hit home runs off him as well.
News and Notes
Jesse Winker could start a rehab assignment on Tuesday.
Jesse Winker could begin a rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville as early as Tuesday. He hit on the field at Louisville Friday. #Reds
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 11, 2021
Take a minute and catch up on results of the Reds’ minor league teams from last night.
And because you can’t have too much Joey Votto content, here’s a look at this day in Reds history. The bat drop is my favorite part.
September 11, 2010: Joey Votto bangs his first career walk-off homer. #RedsVault pic.twitter.com/rR4MtyXtTq
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 11, 2021
Is that George Grande? Man, I really miss his positivity. He was the original Ted Lasso lol.
Time to feast on Dirty Bird in their own next again tonight. Let’s see Joey Bang and pile on some runs in support of LC.
A win today makes the cards likelihood of finishing 2021 ahead of the Reds pretty bleak
Win the day
Win the series
Go Reds
Suarez is hitting .545 with 2 homers against the starter, so let’s not play him. Genius!
The last time Suarez faced Mikolas was 2019. A whole lot has changed for both Suarez and Mikolas since then.
+100
I hope it’s bounce back game for Indian and Castellano. And if Joey bangs as he said he would the rest of the year, we’re having Birds for dinner, followed by some cheese coneys. Go Reds!
LC has to be the best 7-15 pitcher on the planet! Here’s a novel idea! Let’s score some runs for him and have the bullpen perform like last night!
Well, they gave him 4, and he couldn’t hold that lead. He’s 9 games under .500 in his career. He’s got a whole lot of people fooled.
Earth to the Reds FO! Let the kids play! Instruct the current and all future managers to insert Jose Barrero into the starting lineup at SS now and for the next 10 years! Most exciting young player to come up in years! Future looks bright with AA, TS, India and Barrero!
Already penciled in a win against Happ. This game is effectivly going for the sweep. See if we can start a Joey HR string again.
Moose needs a birthday present … apparently on his 2nd AB (much like Joey last night)
17 pitches in two innings for Castillo — keep up that rate per-inning! 🙂
Go RoY!!!
My wife says that Geno “massaging” India’s hair is what made that HR possible.
there you go India, see what happens when you put the count in your favor
Meet the NL ROY
His name is Jon india
Was about to say Castillo rarely gets any run support and the ROY goes yard.
Let The Kids Play
Sounds like something I would say.
Hello…. It seems that the second time through was the charm
Oh yeah … and all with 2 outs. Mikolas looks like a deer in the headlights.
A Blastellanos!!!
As there goes a drive into left center field by Castellanos. That’ll make it a 4-0 ballgame.
Long ride for Joey (who still bangs)
Votto had me reaching for the phone to call the FBI, nearly started witnessing a murder
So very close
Anyone opposed to sweeping the Cards and ending their season tomorrow?
All in favor say AY
AY
+500
Keep pumping in strikes Luis.Pitch down and to contact.
well the no-hitter ended loudly
Was hoping for a “laugher”, but alas …
Now that is a double play
+1,000 one for the highlight reels
Absolutely beautifully done — excellent plays by all three fielders, as John Sadak said.
Nice DP turn by the Kids!!! And nice pick by the Old Guy.
Nice pick Joey.
You know how many throws Votto has picked out of the dirt this year? He has constantly saved Suarez and Moose because both of them cant get it to first in the air with any consistency. His defense has been way better this year.
Sadak seems to be laser focused (or obsessed) on the Bird’s line-up, especially Neck Tattoo and Carlson. It may be time to change the audio feed …
That was not a double play
or is it….bader slides way outside directed at Berreros
and it is….. unconventional but… That is a double play
Good call. He didn’t even try to go at the bag.
DP, lol
Schildt isn’t happy … not happy at all.
The review got it right, though. Another DP by the good guys.
I like it when Schildt is unhappy.
Wow — very big call and good challenge by Bell. That was a give-away run by the Reds defense had it been allowed to score.
The smile on LC’s face was worth the trip
Man, that blue glove is distracting …
It’s beyond weird … not sure why it’s allowed.
That’s two VERY nice plays by Schrock in LF tonight. Never too his eyes off the ball.
Two VERY NICE defensive plays in left by Schrock. You really, really have to like him. Reds have six more years of control over him.
Jinx …
Let the kids all play!!
🙂
Nope – that’s getting reversed.
Sadak is right – that was one heckuva throw.
K.R.A.P!!!!
why is it on these plays that are opposing runs have the phase “gets by moose” in it alot. Suarez is much better at third
That’s not good … not good at all.
and that is on Barreros…. naquin must have been calling him off… a SS should know this. Now this game is tied
Naquin has to take charge there, that’s for sure. He might get the ball. Barrero was running a “curvy route” based on the replay, so I don’t think he gets it.
Did Naquin call him off? Did Barrero hear him if he did (or understand him)?
We were thinking Naquin was KO’d there. Good to see him up and moving.
They were both going for it. Neither could call because neither had it for sure.
Yeah … I’m afraid that was the case.
Now to get Neck Tattoo on this one.
Tough way to give up 2 runs. A infield swinging bunt, a hard hit ball and a cheap bloop to the outfield.
Not sure why Naquin was playing that deep. Oh well. Hope he’s all good.
True … probably a step or two too deep given the hitter.
Settle down. Center yourselves. Focus. Crooked Numbers …
Saw Elvis Andrus run deeper into CF then that and smash into Marte and both of those guys have been playing forever. It happens
Side note….real tired of the weekly lovefest Welch and Sadek give Castillo. “Throwing 100 mph and it looks like he’s just playing catch”. Omg he’s so dominating!
If he’s a dominate pitcher then why doesn’t he dominate? Last run bad luck….maybe O’Neils hit was lucky, but as soon as we get 4 then he gives 2 back.
Guy is 7-15 coming in with an era well north of 4. Thats unacceptable! He’s a more talent pitcher then Suarez is as a hitter. Thats not going to work!
I believe some of his bloated ERA is due to the early season, but in general I’m in agreement. He’s touted as a #1 and he’s not … especially not this season. Frankly, I don’t think we have a #1 in the rotation.
There were 2 cheap hits that were not on the pitcher. That happens when pitchers are throwing good. That is just bad luck. The double was hit hard.
So why is Tucker hitting there with a LHP on the mound? Seems like a switch to TySteve might have been warranted.
I agree because a number one doesn’t give up 4 run leads.Big big big game and now its tied.Anybody think we win this game?
Tale of the game here … can LC knuckle down and handle the 7th?
Nope and its a big mistake to send him back out there.This game is in the hands of the managers and well you know how this is going to turn out.
Yep … and in pretty efficient fashion as well.
Now for the Crooked Number Parade!!
With the BP usage, I understand putting LC back out. Also have the top of the lineup next inning. Hope this inning is clean
That would be a clean inning, sir …
Clevland No hit again by MIL this time in a combined no no
Lars Nootbaar … I can admit I’ve NEVER heard that surname in my nearly 58 years.
Sounds like something at the grocery checkout line.
Hey, buddy! You’re out of Nootbaars … Got any in the back?
Castillo gets it done in the 7th.Great finish.
+100
So what do guys think of Chris Welsh’s assertion that 86 is the number of wins that will get the second wild card spot? Made a lot of sense to me.
86 has seemed like a solid bet to get you to #163. I believe I’ve heard others say the same thing.
Here we go. I hope it’s Sims in the eighth.
Like sims here…. really need to get those runs in the top of the ninth. ML and Givins have been used alot reciently. makes it more likely of a Brach sighting
If the ball hits the ground before it hits the batter its not a HBP right?
Not 100 percent sure, but I believe a ball in the dirt that hits a batter is a HBP.
I’m confused – I thought the umpire awarded him 1st … glad he didn’t and K’d instead.
Very glad now …
Grooved that one to Goldy
Please walk Arenado.
You just can’t pitch to him there. Awful
K
Ouch
You CANNOT throw meatballs to Nolan A. You just can’t. That’s what the man does with them.
And now I think we’re sunk.
I actually don’t get it.
Thanks Lucas – absolutely awful !!!!!!
Don’t trust this guy when he come , EVER
I was surprised to see him consecutively. I do t think he’s still used to that after he DL stint.
What was that?
A hanging breaking ball own broadway to their highest pain 4 hole hitter?
Sims and Barnhart need to own that.
Ive lost confidence in Barnhart .
That cant happen
Horrific
Why did they pitch to Arenado and since they did why did they give him anything to hit?
I’m done. Good night friends.
Boneheaded pitch
Blew a 4-0 lead
I don’t like the direction this game has turned….
In other news. Moreta pitches ANOTHER scoreless inning and picks up the win for the Bats. Would be awfully cool to have some of that.
Cards bullpen is as bad as ours at least. Of course, the Reds have made every bullpen look good lately.
Going to lose because Buckeyes lost and that’s how my day is going to go.
Lucas “Box of Chocolates “ Sims ….
Reds stopped hitting and it cost them.No way and I mean no way do you pitch to Arenado in that situation.Game on the line,he’s been hot and well like I said game was in the hand of the managers.Yeah Sims threw the pitch but he never should have faced him.Bell says well you know I kind of felt this or that and well you know blah blah blah.Just ain’t going to win if he has to manage late in the game.Other managers don’t even have to manage they just wait until Bell hands it to them
Tucker Barnhart is overrated as a catcher.
ill take Stephenson and the Olympian in AAA.
And he’s great at it !
In response to Roger …
Stephenson. Come on. You’re down 2. Take the walk.
already figured we were winning tomorrow, so not too off on this game…. speaking of that I am missing tomorrows game to watch (some of) our other guys in Black and Orange. Someone is going to have to cover the But charge if Votto homers.
Horrible at bat Stephenson.
Reds camera showing Reds bench and Akiyama is laughing? What’s funny? I am out
Akiyama is having a great time . I’d cut him tomorrow. It’s funny the Reds are losing.
Yes, 100% Akiyamas fault they’re losing.
Not his fault.. but your not having a jolly old time after you blow a lead against your arch rival.
Really? Are you defending Akiyama laughing on the bench after the Reds just blew a game in a playoff race.
Cmon… get a clue
I don’t see a problem with someone laughing while playing a kids game. Definitely when the man never even got a at bat during the game.
I disagree but thanks for responding. I dont view it that way.
Alrighty then fella.
Yeah I don’t like that kind of stuff either.
Down 2 with no bunt attempt from Moose. Also a L.
These dudes are sleepwalking and have been for some time now
Last 4 innings-No hits and one walk.Offense is not getting it done.No homer and no score.Same story over and over but up 4-0 ought to have been good enough.
Just watched the replay again of Sims
giving it up … unbelievably stupid pitch call
So, if Welsh is correct, we need to go 11-8 the rest of the way. I’m not feeling it.
when Castillo pitches well the Reds don’t give run support to him but when they do it then he can’t protect the lead… Although this offense continues struggling, just one productive inning , no more…and bullpen giving the runs up to lose… it’s hard to climb a playoff berth in this way…
Sure glad Bell thought the best option was someone without a single hit as a Red instead of your young stud who was the clutch time hero last night. Way to show confidence in the kid. /sarcasm
I am so done with Bell’s terrible decision-making.
Bell’s not making any decisions, his computer is.
What kind of chip does he have in that computer? A Dorito?
He just told everybody when Farmer gets back then Barrero sets.Of course we know that.Bell is just not good at all in the late innings.
This team has blown games late all year, nobody should be surprised. Leave it to Reds and Castillo to blow a 4-0 lead. The Reds could have buried the Cards with a win tonight. But as usual the Reds never add on to the lead and the bullpen pitcher gives up a crushing homer late on surprise,surprise a hanging breaking ball.
I’m sick of watching this bunch choking games away.
I heard that! I knew Castillo wouldn’t hold that lead. No chance. And yes,..they are chokers.
Reds will have to hit and they are not.Just can’t leave it in Bell’s hands with the game on the line.I realize players play and its their job to perform but Bell is just not a good in game manager.Every team has players that you just can’t let them beat you late in the game.Its one thing to pitch to a guy with nobody on but its entirely different with men on base and even more so with 2 outs.Nobody pitches to Arenado in that spot and Bell let Sims do it.
Every Cardinal and every fan in the stands wanted Arenado to bat right there.Does anybody think if it was Joey up and was on a roll that he would have been pitched to with a rookie on deck?Of course not?