The Cincinnati Reds (24-29) continue its two city road trip tonight with the start of a three game series against the Boston Red Sox (28-25) at historic Fenway Park. First pitch is at 7:10 EDT.
The Red Sox come into this series three games over .500, yet find themselves in fourth place and 9.5 games behind the division leading Tampa Bay Rays, thanks to being in the AL East, the best division in baseball. The Red Sox have won with with its offense. They are third in the AL in OPS at .762, fourth in batting average at .262, and third in RBIs.
The Red Sox’s pitching staff has what’s hurt them. Their team ERA is 4.68, with only the White Sox, Royals, and A’s being worse. Their staff has also pitched the least amount of innings in the AL and has given up 75 home runs.
Lineups
Cincinnati Reds
|
Boston Red Sox |
| CF TJ Friedl | RF Raimel Tapia |
| SS Matt McLain | 3B Rafael Devers |
| 2B Jonathan India | DH Justin Turner |
| DH Jake Fraley | LF Masataka Yoshida |
| C Tyler Stephenson | CF Jarran Duran |
| 1B Spencer Steer | 1B Triston Casas |
| 3B Kevin Newman |
SS Enrique Hernández |
| LF Will Benson | 2B Enmanuel Valdez |
| RF Stuart Fairchild | C Reese McGuire |
Nick Senzel was a late scratch from the lineup. Kevin Newman is now starting at third base.
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Ben Lively | 17.0 | 2.65 | 0.88 | 3 | 18 |
| Brayan Bello | 35.1 | 4.08 | 1.44 | 12 | 37 |
| Links: Ben Lively’s Stats | Brayan Bello’s Stats |
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Ben Lively
When Nick Lodolo went down with a calf injury, everyone wondered who would step up in his place. Through 17.0 innings and two starts, right-hander Ben Lively has done an excellent job. He allowed only two runs and struck out eight in 5.2 innings against the Yankees, and in his most recent start, Lively pitched six full innings, allowing only two runs (two solo homers) and striking out another eight batters.
It might be impressive that Lively’s only walked three batters in 17 innings, but actually he’s never really walked a lot of batters in his career. In his entire career, both majors, minors and KBO, he’s only had a BB/9 greater than 4.00 three times in ten years.
Career Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 288 | 68 | 20 | 1 | 7 | 5% | 21% | .258 | .307 | .421 |
| LHH | 301 | 78 | 14 | 3 | 14 | 10% | 13% | .293 | .370 | .526 |
Pitch Usage – 2023
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 91.2 | 91.7 | 89.0 | 76.5 | 80.5 | 84.9 |
| Usage | 32.1% | 19.1% | 4.2% | 8.0% | 26.0% | 10.7% |
Brayan Bello
Twenty-four year old Brayan Bello is in his sophomore season and having a fairly average season to date. He hasn’t been good, but he also hasn’t been terrible. His ERA is sitting at 4.08 in 35.1 innings. In his most recent start against the Angels on 5/23, he allowed two runs, both home runs, on six hits with six strikeouts and zero walks. He pitched seven innings that start, his longest outing of the season.
Bello has five pitches, but almost never throws his curve ball. He replies on his two-seam fastball, while mixing in a four-seamer, change up and slider.
Career Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 244 | 65 | 16 | 1 | 4 | 9% | 24% | .298 | .365 | .436 |
| LHH | 181 | 49 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 10% | 18% | .308 | .378 | .440 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 96.2 | 95.7 | 84.2 | 85.5 | 87.7 |
| Usage | 20.1% | 37.4% | 0.3% | 20.8% | 21.4% |
Details:
- Time: 7:10 pm EDT
- Place: Fenway Park, Boston, MA
- Forecast: 63 degrees, mostly sunny, 0 percent chance of rain
- TV: Bally Sports Ohio
- Radio: 700 WLW
News and Notes
Chattanooga pitcher Tommy Eveld received some accolades for his performance last week.
Stat of the Day
From the beginning of the season through 4/23, the Reds led baseball with 7 one-run losses.
Beginning 4/24 through last night's games, the Reds rank T3rd (w/ the Rays) with 7 one-run wins.
— Jamie Ramsey (@Jamieblog) May 30, 2023
Final Thoughts
This series has me reminiscing about my trip to Boston and Fenway Park exactly a year ago. If you ever have a chance to visit Fenway, I would highly recommend taking that opportunity. It’s a magical place, and worth every penny to see it.
Since the Reds are in Boston, here's a throwback to when the Reds were at Fenway exactly one year ago. Boston is now one of my favorite cities I've visited, and Fenway is in my top 5 favorite ballparks. pic.twitter.com/zpWxacugep
— Ashley Davis (@AshleyDavis32) May 30, 2023
Benson starting? Bell and his handedness. Oh well, maybe he’ll get his 3rd hit
I’m just hoping A) Senzel is okay and B) Newman continues his recent hitting trend.
As for Benson, the Green Monster will have the final say on his performance tonight.
Most of Newman’s hitting has been against LH’ers. I’ve not seen anything on Senzel. I’m sure Bell just planned this day off a couple of years ago
Senzel was in the posted line-up earlier. As noted above, he’s a “late scratch”.
I guess one positive is that this removes the temptation for Bell to use Benson as a pinch hitter.
Self discipline.
@Harry>> Fairchild is probably celebrating they don’t have a LH bench bat to sub in for him, especially given his OPS is virtually identical vs LH and RH pitching.
haha 🙂
He played 28 games for Cleveland; maybe he’s played the Monster before?
It was reported that Senzel has a sore knee.
Pretty sure Benson saw your comments!
Myers is hurt, Fraley is DH. Benson may well be in for his defense, and the Reds don’t have a surplus of outfielders.
Yea that darn Bell and his handedness. To this point Benson is 3-3.
Benson has 3 hits tonight.
He did get his third hit….tonight. 🙂 You just never know. 🙂
Like eating crow? Like bashing our guys and then they have a great game to make you look really bad? Coac.hing staff knew Benson would tear up Boston
Heading up to Boston on Thursday. Can’t wait to see Fenway for the 1st time, and see it while flame-throwin’ Green takes the mound.
hope you have a great time. I’m going up in July for a game. You picked a good pitcher to watch. Hopefully he doesn’t let the green monster intimidate him.
Fenway is awesome. It’s like going back in time. When you walk up the ramp to get out to the seats, you’ll swear you see and hear old guys chomping on cigars telling guys their bums. Enjoy!
PS, if you’re driving, leave plenty of extra time to get into the city. It can be a full hour getting off the highway to parking.
Take your credit card. Everything expensive at Fenway.
Ben Lively will be challenged by the heavy left-hander lineup of Boston, he has been hard hit by lefties so far. Hopefully the offense could continue being hot and taking advantage of the Fenway Park and the theorically weak pitching it will be facing
Fairchild has been doing well his last 15 games with 46 ABs he’s hitting .304/.340/.435. At least he’s in the lineup tonight.
Old Friend Adam Duvall is starting a rehab stint tonight (broken wrist) with the Red Sox AAA team versus the Louisville Bats.
I was there to watch Worcester take on the Bats. Bats couldn’t hit hardly at all. Had all of two hits after 8 full innings. They did take many walks. Elly De Le Cruz hit a walk-off HR to put Louisville in the win column. He had so much joy on his face rounding third and raising his arms to the crowd.
De La Cruz just walked and stole 2B then 3B. 🙂
😮
Words fail …
And then scored on a wild throw to 1st. But Abbott has already coughed up a solo shot in the top of the 2nd. score tied at 1
Here’s hoping that the ‘Little 3’ – Williamson. Lively and Weaver – can hold on long enough to give Abbott some more AAA time.
He generally gives up a HR every now and then but not much else.
CES just walked again. That was the last thing to check off before being ready in some fans eyes.
As if Chuckie Robinson isn’t naturally slow enough, my screen pulled a drag on the GIDP he just hit into 😉
Bats game tied at 1 after 2 complete.
I always like the Green Monster
Between that and the fence that’s about 2′ tall … 😀
Frankly, I prefer the Cookie Monster. 😉
Memories of the 1975 World Series, and Tony Perez launching a breaking ball off Bill Lee, far, far over the Green Monster and into the Boston Night.
I was in college then, and a bunch of the guys were Boston fans and hated the Reds. I was lucky to live through the World Series.
Try to keep my excitement low because Reds have a tendency to let their fans down (I.e splitting series with Cardinals) But I hope Reds play well and win the series. Let’s play balls.
Winning one at Fenway would be an accomplishment for a young team that doesn’t play there very often. I’m completely with you on the tempered expectations.
McLain ! That cat can hit!
The hitting/on base machine does it again. 😉
Run up that pitch count. Kind of looks like Bello is more concerned with the ball than his pitching.
For those that are old enough to remember, this game has such an aura about it. The feel of that 75 World Series and the atmosphere it brought is something that will never be forgotten in all of us. The field , the crowd, the uniforms, every pitch, every swing it felt like you were right there. To me it was so much different than the following year against the Yankees. Magical moment in time.
I was 1. LOL
MLB used to sell the dvds of all seven games of that world series in a box set. It’s great. The games are interspersed with interviews with the former players. I break it out every few years.
Pete breaking up the double-play in, I believe, the 6th inning in Game 7 is maybe the most overlooked play in Reds’ history? It enabled Perez to bat against Bill Lee and we know what happened next.
Even today some Sox fans feel they won the Series with Fisk’s homerun in the 6th. game. Sorry Boston, the Reds won it in game seven with the help of Bernie Carbo. I preferred the 1976 sweep of the Yankees since it was payback for the 1939 and 1961 World Series.
I was in middle school, a Reds fan growing up in Connecticut, right in the middle of Red Sox and Yankee fans. ’75 and ’76 were great years. To me, that 75 series still is the best I’ve ever watched.
A ton of empty seats….I thought the Sox sold out everything
Maybe still mourning he choke job the Celtics pulled last night? 🙂
Hey Now. There are some Reds/Celtics fans on here!
Stepped away to type an e-mail and we went 1-2-3 … how about that for a good start.
Benson with a single. woohooo
That might have been Benson’s best swing of the year.
Fairchild keeping the good hitting up.
That works, TJ.
Friedl may be hurt.
what happend?
Injury running to first.
He stayed at in the game, but wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an off day tomorrow.
“wouldn’t be surprised if he gets an off day tomorrow.”
Injured or not. 🙂 Hopefully not.
Hard to double up the Reds runners. Speed kills
I LOVE watching this kind of baseball
Wow, that was a high strike
Reds are blowing up this kid pitch count.
Mclain K was a ball
59 pitches through 2
So was the strike call on Newman
Umpire must of got tired of standing behind the plate. McLain hosed again.
Nibble those bases loaded! That never backfires.
Why dose Louisville only have two bench players? Anyone know?
Because they have 93 pitchers and most of them are terrible.
Lively says no problem
Not a terrible pitch count and avoided damage. Now to get back to the task of chasing Bello and putting up crooked numbers.
It’s beyond me how the ump is setting up on the inside corner to Steer and calls the inside pitch a strike and it was clearly a ball
It’s a recurring theme with the Chumpires. I get they “guess” at the outside stuff, but missing ones you are sitting right on top of and refusing to learn from the mistakes is pathetic.
Robo-umps and the challenge system, please.
Tough break for Newman
Gotta feel like the Reds are gonna break through very soon.
Blue Jays 7-2 over Brewers. Houser 10 hits 7 runs in 3 innings.
NL Central stinks
Blue Jays are good
True True unrelated.
The fact the Blue jays might be good has nothing to do with the fact the Brewers arent and the NL Central isnt. Both can be true and are true.
Agree on both accounts LOL
Break out Will Benson!!!!
Looks like Benson was the right choice tonight.
Somebody asked why Benson was playing?
It was the same people always cutting on our guys. Tough dudes behind that computer screen trying to pull the rug from under the Reds.
And it’s up to the Kid to make this work.
Ump misses another one
P-thetic
Well that stinks LOL
Nuts … Double Nuts … Stink! Fish! Pot!!!
How in God’s name do you NOT score a runner from 3rd with NO outs!
You K twice for one thing. Oh well. At least we’re only one down. Lively pitching pretty good again.
One up
haha Yeah. Da. Even better 🙂
Just for the record. We are up 2 now. 🙂
Friedl out. Thought so. Unfortunately.
A man on third with no outs and can’t score. It’s so frustrating.
Well, Lively 4 shutout innings…not too bad
Lively has been a God send. He isn’t going nowhere
Home plate ump is bad
He’d have to be better to be just “bad”
Reds need a home run in a home run park. this isnt a manufacture runs park. who gets it done?
Say again?
Alex, Ill take who is Jose Barrero for $200.
Aggressive move by India. Glad it paid off.
Great doubles park. Would love to see what Nicky two bags would do in this ballpark everyday
Fraley was due for a hit there. Glad he came through
So will Friedl end up on IL. I would think De La Cruz will be called up if that happens
Hamstring tightness is why he left game. With Senzel knee soreness, I wouldn’t think you want a thin bench
But…they have Kevin Newman.
You’ll find out in 6 days when they make a decision on TJ.
I laugh, however sad but true
Reds over 3.5
Lively over 3.5 Ks
1-0. Lively humping it up to 93-95 tonight
I took Benson under 0.5 hits -120.
You’re welcome Benson…I got you going.
Ben Lively and the Reds folks.
Barrero to McLain to Stephenson awesome
More than a little “press your luck” there … and he got a Whammy!!
Nice 5 innings from Lively. Let’s play add on and get one more from him.
Great play off the wall for Barrero. Not bad for never playing there. Great throw by him and McLain
Great play there. Good throws by Barrero and McLain. Cut him down at the plate.
Will Benson for President.
Benson with three hits tonight after only getting two all season. LOL Good for him.
Benson makes Bell looks like a genius.
That’s a rather tall order … but it appears to be the case tonight.
You know luck is on Bell’s side when Barrero came in, had a nice defensive play and then worked walk.
And Barrero with that walk, has more BB this season than in the last 3 years combined. Is McKeithan responsible? Do they finally have a hitting coach?
Lively really has some movement on his pitches.
Benson making a statement tonight. With Friedl and Senzel gimpy, somebody has to step up. I’m with others who wonder if we’ll se an IL stint here.
The number of runners the Reds leave on 3rd base is nothing short of amazing!
Friedl injured again? Benson has three hits? And Lively still has a shutout? Who are these guys?
Modern version of The Twilight Zone!
Of course in this unpredictable season,,,barrero works a walk.
Red Sox implosion is always welcome
India can end this
Routine GIDP … NOT!!
Nothing like throwing a laser to the 2nd baseman 20 feet away. Lol
Red Sox playing like the Cubs. 🙂 Meanwhile Lively pitching like an ace. lol
And a’s beat braves lastnight. Unrelated, lol baseball is a odd game lol
And Cubs shutting down Tampa for 13 innings and counting. That’s why baseball season is 162 games
India robbed on a call and then can’t recover and drive anyone in.
Something about that inside pitch that the ump loves calling a ball
Great at-bat for Barrero. No chases w 2 strikes.
E Hernandez is a warning for Bell that you can’t just throw guys at diff positions like fantasy baseball
Sox gonna Celtic?
As a Celtic fan, I resent that
By my count, that’s 3 runners left on 3rd base by the Reds tonight thru 6 innings!
My advice, Dennis, is to stop counting. Your blood pressure will likely thank you. 😀
Almost as annoying as first batter walks huh? 🙂
There’s not a small chance Hunter Greene outhits Jake Fraley versus left handed pitching.
EDLC TATER!!!!
Bats lose.
apparently i can’t spell win
Or win. Maybe they win. 😀
Yep. A HR, two BB, two Runs, two Steals, two RBI, TOO long in AAA? 🙂
.304/.395/.644
I see what you did there Melvin. +1000
Good Lawd, EDLC walk-off 2-run HR.
Lively is dealing. I asked about his stuff about twice/year the last few seasons and nobody knew anything. Not even Doug.
Maybe his stuff was considered so ordinary he was an afterthought
Yep I’ll give that to you ,Indy. You asked about him. That’s your boy. He has great movement on all his pitches.
I just went off his 4.80 era in the bigs. Seemed like DeGrom compared to Minor and some of these guys they’ve ran out there
Lots of good movement from Lively. Hung that one and put a capper on his night. My wife is questioning why given they’ve got 2 outs and the lead.
Bats game ending . . . it’s time.
This right here is why I get frustrated with David Bell. No reason to take Lively out!!!!
Duran is Spencer Steer versus righties and Curt Casali versus lefties!
Ah okay. Thanks for that information
Have no issue with him taking him out there and bringing in a lefty
Thanks Jim.
I look at the pitch count and think of a bullpen being overused. It worked though…
I really believe this is where the manager has information that we don’t. Lively had a resigned look and probably understood.
I wonder if he has a physical limitation. Maybe a recent arm injury and is on a pitch count. Either way I think the manager has earned trust enough that he knows more than we do.
Yep, another valid point.
It’s called the left handed batter up doubled off the wall last time and it’s time to bring in a lefty. Lol it was a good move
EDLC with a 2 run home in the 9th to give the Bats the win
Bell has quick hook for starters but slow in taking relievers out. Just an observation not a critique
Nice job by Stewie making that out. Ball looked to be diving a bit.
Walkoff 2-run HR for EDLC in Louisville.
Milw next series. Their only offense is Yelich and Tellez. Have to call up Abbott for L vs L imo
Steer is a stud in my book. Plays a great first base and can hit.
EDLC walk off bomb 98 mph heater. Not calling up McLain earlier had to cost 2 wins minimum. Don’t waste anymore heroics from this kid at AAA
Yeah. We MIGHT be able to use him. 🙂
Will Benson is only a double and a homer from the cycle. Just saying.
Not sure why Cora left Rodriguez in. Newman kills lefties. I know the lefty Benson is coming up but Newman could have lit him up if he threw a strike.
And we get another shot at scoring. Let’s see how hot Benson is in his 4th AB.
Nice job by Benson to beat that out.
Stuart Fairchild is only a double, triple, and a homer from the cycle. Just saying.
That’s why they aren’t pitching to him.
Oh yeah? Well Newman is just a single, double, triple and HR away from the cycle. So there.
Man this team is so different from the past years. Not having to watch the station to station crap anymore.
Nice patience by Stewie. Let’s see if Barrero can catch a little lightening.
you might say he did just that.
Grand Salami for Jose Barrero.
8 -0 Cincy.
A little? 🙂 OMG Barrero!
Yeah, I think Stu really wanted to take a shot at lobbing a mortar over that tall short porch. Did what he needed to do but did not seem happy they almost pitched around him with the bases loaded.
Barrero Says I am here to stay!!! Grand slam!!!
Barrero baby. I believe in you kid even if others don’t
JOSE WOW
You couldn’t have scripted that any better. Cowboy said, “There is the dagger.”
How’s that, Dennis? Absolute moon shot!
That wasn’t a bad hit by Barrero there. Grand Salami off the light pole. 😀
Still going up when it hit the light pole.
Get your playoff tickets. This team is special. No quittin’!
Stealing the opener in Fenway by crushing them would be extra sweet. I’m thinking the exit turnstiles are spinning like mad about now. You could probably power the entire island that houses Logan airport with that action.
Alot of “F” bombs too
More than a couple for certain.
That must have felt good. Great job Barrero!
trending…Cincinnati Reds!!!
Dever’s robs MattyMc on that hot shot.
Man I know Barrero has been largely a disappointment so far, but he has got such a sweet swing. When he does makes solid contact it looks and sounds really good. Hopefully a shot like that will be a confidence boost.
Yep! Need to send Barrero back down to AAA! Here’s an idea, try playing Barrero more!
You were right. We are in the twilight zone
Good for him! He needed that badly for some confidence. ESPN listed his HR at 333 feet. Seemed bigger and further than that.
333 feet? Yeah right. lol
Bell out managing their guy to death tonight. Their lefty with the 8 era gets Fraley to end the inning before, but why leave him in to get hammered and end the game?
In terms of cycles, maybe better if Barrero had started with the triple, but need the HR somewhere. We’ll allow it.
Is this real life?
No … it’s Iowa 😀
In a bit of weird irony, Mr. Redlegs just one the “mascot race” during the commercial break. I guess when you’re on, you’re on.
Wow! Stepped out to fuel up my car, came back and a 3-0 lead ballooned up to 8-0! Maybe we won’t have to use Diaz tonight?
Earth to Cruz! NO WALKS PLEASE!
Didn’t walk him.
EDLC does not get cheated on his homers. Dude hammers them.
Brewers losing 7-2 in the 9th.
Yes, I’m actually scoreboard watching.
Part of baseball is about dreaming. Might as well. “D
Can we pull Cruz now Bell?
Maybe Bell should have gone one (1) more inning with Young?
This is no time for Bell to start channeling Dusty B. with a lack of urgency.
Never any sense of urgency by Bell. He is a reactive manager who, more often than not, is a batter too late for pinch hitting situations or one run too late in making a pitching change!
Just watched EDLC’s walk-off. Such an easy swing. He pretty much danced around the bases like he was having the time of his life.
Do have to wonder if he makes his appearance at Fenway or we get a different move (or any) for Senzel and/or Friedl.
Naw. We don’t need a bench. 😉
Bet if they need to make a move, it will be Reynolds or Vosler cycled through again versus one of the prospects,
No!!!! Lol you are right. I am sure
Nice job by Cruz! NOT! But, everybody has to play, even your worst BP pitcher! Cruz has an ERA of 7+
It was 8-0….when do you want him to pitch?
A 7 era would make him a stud on the Louisville squad.
Too bad…Cruz got his first two batters. Won’t be long and he will back to his former self and pitching very well again.
55 hits (so far) in the last 4 games.
The mission now should be to avoid using Diaz. Don’t even make him warm up
+5,000
Wrong, he needs more warm-up to get the kinks out. Perfect time to bring him in and do just that. He’ll keep working on it.
Tyler Stephenson tripled?? Wth is going on. Lol
Fenway triple that was misplayed.
Thanks Mark
To his credit, TySteve never slowed down.
Fenway triple for TySteve.
Stephenson triples. Queue the Michael Scott GIF
“ITS HAPPENING”
Sitting right on the edge and STILL misses the call.
You have to admit he is very consistent with that call.
Consistently wretched!
Why we using Buck in a 6 run game?
Maybe he needs the work?
Talking heads on MLB said the Reds are starting to look like a surprise team like the Orioles in 2022.
Boston Tootblans
+500 😀
Stewie with the great read and a DP on the over-confident Yoshida.
What happened to TJ Friedl?
Hammy early on in the game.
Thanks Mark!
HDTBell having a little word of prayer there?
My boy with a broken bat single. He will probably be on the bench tomorrow.
Not unless they call up a player or two. I’m guessing Friedl isn’t playing and Senzel won’t start.
I really hope Senzel is in there tomorrow. The guy doesn’t need another injury.
I’m right there with you. Never can tell when it’s a “late scratch” like that.
It comes to this. 3 more outs. Quick ones, if you would, please.
haha
never heard that…thanks
Cowboy saying Kevin Youkilis speaking very highly of MattyMc.
I wonder if Barrero is starting tomorrow?
Definitely vs a lefty. Thursday is a lefty too
Walking batters with a six run lead in the 9th not good.
It’s mandatory for most of the Reds bullpen pitchers!
Walk scores.
Can we please get 2 more outs! Please!
That’s the kind of play that eats you up if you don’t play Fenway as your home park.
How about a pair of bike helmets to end this one?
Bell handled the position players pretty well thus well. But he still can’t manage a bullpen. Young 4 pitches and out. Let’s Cruz get hammered. How long on Salazar?
Hate to say it, but need to get Diaz up! Somebody wake up Bell!
He’s up now.
Devers had been ice cold until his last two AB’s
Can’t take a chance on losing this one. Unfortunately “DIAZ TIME”.
As I sais earlier this is why Bell frustrates me.
Bell’s bullpen hijinks are about to cost the game.
Yep, Reds will be lucky to win now. No way it should have gone to the tying run at the plate with only 1 out before Diaz was on.
If winning is your top priority, you have to go with your best.
Got a BAAAAAAD feeling.
Get Diaz in there now
When did Salazar join the team?
For all the good Bell has done lately, his bull pen handling tonight has stunk.
Fire Bell tonight. Tying run at the plate after starting the inning up by 6. That’s management malpractice. Has let two pitchers get hammered tonight
Jeez Louise. A couple weren’t hit that hard, but still? Have to go with the Bell haters on this one. 2nd/3rd w 1 out and I’m going with Gibault or Sims when it’s still 9-3. Atleast 9-5 with 1 man on
If the Reds blow a 9-3 lead and lose this game, no one to blame but Bell!
That would be “blow an 8-0 game”.
How is Bell to blame? The bull pen almost blew a 6 run lead. It’s Terrible we had to use Diaz.
How is he not? He decides who pitches when. He pull d Young on 4 pitches. He let Cruz and Salazar throw batting practice. Who made those decisions if not Bell? That the pitchers didn’t perform is on them. That Bell ignored their poor performance is on him. It’s really not that complicated
You’re right it’s not complicated. Bell handed the ball to two players who should have be able to protect a 6 run lead. They didn’t and he had to use our closer. Would like to save wear and tear on our relievers especially our one lefty in a game we are winning handily. Having your best relievers ready and rested when needed in high leverage situations is critical. They are not all the same as we seen.
@JimT – I acknowledge that the two pitchers didn’t deliver. The issue isn’t their bad pitching. The issue is Bell sticking with them when it’s obvious they weren’t pitching effectively. That’s on him. Period.
I know it’s a save opportunity. but I’m not thrilled about using Diaz again.,
Without him fully having warmed up.
Yikes!
You just can’t leave relievers in the game to give up runs at Fenway. It’s a doubles ballpark and things change quick.
Wow, just wow.
Reds win
Well it’s definitely crunch time now. 🙂 9-8 Runner on 3rd.
Miracles do happen. Diaz finally warms up and sits down their Rookie (who isn’t hitting his pant size).
Night all.
Diaz Does It Again! 🙂
Frustrating as hell to come a long way back to lose by 1 run, right? Thank you for giving us some free entertainment Bell.
Diaz saves the day again. An inexcusable game by Bell. When a pitcher is getting shelled, they usually don’t get better by letting them pitch longer. This started by pulling Young after only 4 pitches.
Can’t agree. Young is our only lefty in our pen. Red Sox have a lot of left handed hitters saving Young was a good move. The rest of bull pen must hold that lead and save the game. It’s a shame we had to use Diaz.
+1,000! No reason NOT to bring Young back for the 7th inning!
Of course, Bell will say nothing but his usual platitudes during the post game.
His incompetence is staggering.
Pull Young after 1 batter and Farmer after one inning and stand by and watch as Cruz and Salazar get pummeled.
Don’t know about the rest of you guys following the Reds on this site, but I am at my wits end with Bell’s shenanigans of using one reliever per inning regardless of how that pitcher performed the previous inning, number of pitches thrown, etc.!
As I stated I have no issue with how Bell has used the pen. Actually they have pitched well. We have one lefty in our pen not good when you’re facing a team with a lot of LH hitters. Using Young had nothing to do with Cruz and Salazar not being able to hold a 6 run lead.
Why not leave Farmer after his 12 pitch inning?
Sorry…Why not leave Farmer in after his 12 pitch inning?
I don’t know about everybody else but Salazar shows me nothing.
Can he show you his 16.20 ERA?
The Reds are 3.0 games out! Congrats on winning 4 in a row and making sure it’s a winning road trip. Cruz and Salazar need to be better than they were tonight but it’s always tough to win in Fenway.
This team is a lot of fun to watch. Congratulations to the staff for pushing the right buttons lately.
Bell’s incompetence is second to none. Almost snatching a defeat from the jaws of victory.