The Cincinnati Reds will go for a win tonight that would guarantee them a series victory over the Dodgers. Last night saw the Reds come back from an 8-3 deficit and beat Los Angeles on a long walk-off single by Matt McLain to grab the first game of the 3-game set at Great American Ball Park. Tonight’s 1st pitch is set for 7:10pm ET. Tonight’s game is MLBtv’s free game of the day if you are out of market.

Starting Lineups

Los Angeles Dodgers

Cincinnati Reds

Mookie Betts – RF Will Benson – RF
Freddie Freeman – 1B Matt McLain – DH
Will Smith – C Jonathan India – 2B
J.D. Martinez – DH Elly De La Cruz – SS
Max Muncy – 3B Spencer Steer – 1B
Chris Taylor – LF Tyler Stephenson – C
Miguel Vargas – 2B Kevin Newman – 3B
Jonny DeLuca – CF Stuart Fairchild – CF
Miguel Rojas – SS TJ Hopkins – LF
Noah Syndergaard – RHP Brandon Williamson – LHP

Jake Fraley was in the originally posted lineup, but was scratched and replaced by TJ Hopkins (and the batting order shuffled).

Starting Pitchers

Pitcher IP ERA WHIP BB K
Brandon Williamson 21.0 4.29 1.33 11 18
Noah Syndergaard 52.1 6.54 1.40 9 35
Links: Brandon Williamson’s Stats | Noah Syndergaard’s Stats

Brandon Williamson

In his last start, Brandon Williamson allowed two earned runs in 6.2 innings against the Brewers while striking out six batters. It was a nice rebound from his previous two starts where he couldn’t get out of the 5th inning and struggled to consistently throw strikes.

Through his four big league starts this season, teams have been hesitant to put left-handed hitters into the lineup against him. He’s given up three singles and a walk in 14 plate appearances against lefties. Righties have found more success against him thanks to plenty of walks and plenty of power when they do find hits – but they haven’t done a lot of finding hits thus far.

Splits

Split PA H 2B 3B HR BB K AVG OBP SLG
RHH 77 14 2 1 3 10 15 .212 .325 .409
LHH 14 3 0 0 0 1 3 .231 .286 .231

Pitch Usage

4-seam Cutter Curve Slider Change
Velo 91.9 87.6 73.1 81.5 83.9
Usage 27% 30% 9% 18% 16%

Noah Syndergaard

One of the better pitchers in baseball from 2015-2019, Noah Syndergaard hasn’t quite been the same since missing the 2020 and almost all of the 2021 seasons. He found some success in 2022, but his strikeout rate plummeted. This season he’s just flat out struggled and has an ERA of 6.54 and has already allowed 10 home runs on the year.

When it comes to lefties and righties, both sides are hitting well. Right-handed hitters have just one walk in 92 plate appearances, but they are making contact often and hitting for average and a little bit of power. Left-handed hitters are making tons of contact, walking more than righties but still not a lot, and they are hitting for plenty of power. Not shown below in his splits is the fact that his road ERA is 9.90 on the year and he has allowed 37 baserunners in just 20.0 innings.

Splits

Split PA H 2B 3B HR BB K AVG OBP SLG
RHH 92 27 5 0 3 1 17 .310 .348 .471
LHH 137 37 7 1 7 8 18 .296 .336 .536

Pitch Usage

4-Seam 2-seam Cutter Curve Change
Velo 92.7 92.4 89.7 77.8 87.4
Usage 11% 32% 20% 12% 25%

When and Where

  • Game time: 7:10pm ET
  • Where: Great American Ball Park
  • Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv
  • Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
  • Forecast: 74°, sunny, 0% chance of rain

News and Notes

Is Christian Encarnacion-Strand next?

Earlier this afternoon I wrote about Christian Encarnacion-Strand over at RedsMinorLeagues.com after he had yet another huge night at the plate in Triple-A for the Louisville Bats. He fell a triple shy of the cycle, and he also walked for the 11th time in his last 10 games played. He’s hitting .352/.408/.716 through 38 games this year for the Bats and while there are some questions both about his defensive ability and where he will eventually fit into the lineup, one thing is clear: His bat is about as ready as it’s going to get for the big leagues.

Matt McLain is setting records

From today’s game notes:

Matt McLain has 30 hits in his first 20 MLB appearances. That’s the most hits by any Reds player ever in the first 20 games of their debut season (dating back to 1900).

Standings

Team W L GB Playoff Odds
Brewers 33 28 0.0 64.5%
Pirates 32 28 0.5 21.2%
Reds 28 33 5.0 2.8%
Cubs 26 34 6.5 11.2%
Cardinals 25 37 8.5 18.3%
Playoff Odds via Fangraphs

357 Responses

  1. JayTheRed

    Here I’ll start us off with the Newman bashing. Does the guy have to play every freaking day. Seriously.
    As I have said in the past, he has a nice place as a backup player on the bench but not an everyday player.

    • Lid

      Krall needs to do a Brad Pitt-Billy Beane .. you can’t start Newman tonight, he’s been traded ..start Hatteberg

      • D Ray White

        Yep. Newman is a sunk cost asset who needs to see the bench in favor of Barerro. That or Barerro needs to play every day in Louisville. They’re not getting a haul for Newman even if he goes in a heater. Dumb, so dumb…

      • Chris

        @D Ray White, you are wrong. He should play, and he needs to play so that we can deal him for something better than a bucket of balls. Barerro is not going to increase his trade value by playing because he’ll only get worse; just reference him being the WORST hitter in all of baseball last season. Don’t let your emotions cloud your judgement. Newman isn’t anything special but he is an actual proven MLB player who can bring back something in trade.

      • CI3J

        @Chris

        You do know Barrero was injured all of last season, right? Or are you conveniently ignoring that?

    • Optimist

      2 non-bashing thoughts on this –

      1 – obviously showcasing him for the trade deadline;
      2 – don’t all the other teams already know what they’d get without having these extra 50-100 ABs?

      That said, I’d get Barrero in the lineup somehow.

      • LDS

        Showcase? That’s funny. The league knows him. And since the Boston series, he’s started every day and faced mostly RH’ers and is 2-21. There’s a story here but without more data it’s all speculation. What is Bell’s motivation? And it’s certainly not as some have suggested that Barrero has already failed. If that were so, send him down or trade him but quit wasting a roster spot for a guy that doesn’t play.

      • oklared

        Why he has done nothing send to AAA get it together would be better. Think he will be asset but needs to get his mojo back.

      • Chris

        If you want this team to win, Barerro playing over Newman is a bad idea.

      • CI3J

        @ Chris

        Barrero hits RH pitchers better than Newman. Stats confirm this.

      • LDS

        @Chris, don’t care about winning this year. I want to see them develop a strong team for the coming years. Newman isn’t part of that future team.

    • SteveAReno

      Newman making you all look goofy again. Hit against a RHP and then a stolen base which is very difficult against this catcher. It’s like you don’t want our players to succeed.

  2. wolfcycle

    would have thought this would have been Green’s turn.

    • Kevin H

      Greene got pushed back to Sunday. Hip tightness.

  3. Nick in NKY

    Ah, the dreaded “late scratch.” Hope Fraley doesn’t hit the IL. Alternatively…hopefully Hopkins can shine a little.

    • DW

      And if he does hit the IL hopefully it won’t be the usual scenario of not playing for several days before being placed on the IL– thus leaving our bench short-handed for several days in between.

    • Doc

      It was announced when they called up Abbott.

    • Chris

      I hate to say it, but I actually want to see Fraley hit the IL. That’s the only thing that will get CES up here.

      • CI3J

        Why would they bring up an infielder to replace an outfielder?

        Plus, who do they remove from the 40-man to make room for CES?

        Finally, not cool wishing for injury to a player.

    • JB WV

      I’m just glad he didn’t break a bone on his hand when he got plunked last night.

  4. Jimbo44CN

    What is going on with Barrero? Has he even played since the grand slam game? He should be in center with Fairchild in right. sorry, not ready to get excited about Benson quite yet.

    • Indy Red Man

      Benson & Senzel on here? I don’t get it. I never got it?

      I will say Barrero looks good physically and you’d think somebody would take a shot at him at SS. Why not Colorado? Breaking balls don’t break as much. He does no good rotting on the bench

      • Indy Red Man

        Benson I like….mistype.

        Actually thinking about it, I’d would’ve played Barrero over Newman vs righties. Somebody needed to run into one and they have no power. Barrero atleast has some pop if he catches one

    • LDS

      He played the day after and was 0-4. Hasn’t started since. One defensive inning and one pinch runner. That’s it. He’s Bell’s new version of Akiyama.

      • Chris

        Good on Bell then, because Akiyama was HORRIBLE.

      • LDS

        @Chris, Akiyama horrible? Quite possibly. But, Bell never gave him a chance. But, Barrero still has a future, 400 ABs over 3 years with a significant injury in the middle tells us nothing. Neither does McLain’s 1st 100 ABs, anymore than did Aquino’s. Anyone that thinks they they do is fooling themselves.

      • earmbrister

        Akiyama WAS horrible. No one wanted him when he was waived. Bell has something against bad players.

  5. Dennis Westrick

    Piling on the Newman starting preference by the future ML Manager of the Year!

    Newman was O for 5 last night PLUS had a GIDP and left a small village on the base paths! So, he gets “rewarded” with another start tonight! Meanwhile, Barrero is banished to parts unknown!

    • Chris

      I’m no Newman fan, but taking a ball off the mouth and bleeding all game long might may not have benefitted him at the plate. Might should have pulled him.

    • SteveAReno

      He didn’t have a good night but the dude is batting fairly well and plays very good defense. Why don’t you pick on the Dodgers instead of the Reds?

  6. Old-school

    All of these players being talked about are irrelevant.

    EDCL, McLain, Steer and Abbott are bursting onto the scene.

    Joe Burrow is hitting home runs in BP at GABP batting practice today and talking about the excitement of EDLC and Reds, and FC and Bengals. Move on to Greene, Abbott, India, Lodolo, EDLC, McLain, Steer, Friedl, Fraley, Diaz, Stephenson. IF someone wants to complain about why CES isnt here, thats legit.

    • Jim Walker

      OS> I am not sure there is a place for Stephenson as soon as next year if he can’t catch 100-120 games. Marte could be knocking on the door along with CES and where does that leave for TS except behind the plate?

      • old-school

        He is behind the plate 90-100 games and Marte is at 3b. Stephenson missed most of last year injured and has never played 145 games. Wait till next yr. India want good last year either

      • Jim Walker

        I agree Stephenson is not 100% back to what he was prior to the injury in 2022. It is just that with Steer, CSE, India, EDLC, McLain and Marte, there DH days are going to be as rare has hen’s teeth. And that’s presuming they don’t bring in a big LH bat or do something like making Fraley the DH vs LH pitching.

  7. Melvin

    With the Fraley scratch you would have thought Barrero but nope. Something’s going on.

    • Chris

      Barrero is the WORST player on the team. For that matter, he is among the worst hitters in the game over this and last season combined.

  8. Mark Moore

    Really hope Fraley doesn’t end up on the IL. That would be a major Stink. Fish. Pot!!! in my book.

    As for the Newman debate, I’m past it. He’s way down in the line-up tonight, so there’s that.

    Time to Kick the Trolley Dodgers Pig and guarantee a series win. Away we go!!!

    • Kevin H

      I brought it up earlier, however I tend to agree with you. Move on is my thinking

  9. Kevin H

    Actually interested to see what Benson can do leading off. He has been hitting well since his last call up.

    • CI3J

      If Benson’s OBP from the minors can translate to MLB, he SHOULD be leading off, or batting 2nd.

      I like it. Let’s see what he can do with it.

    • Mark Moore

      He has. I’m hoping we steal some bases tonight. Kind of surprised we didn’t attempt the running game last night. The stats say the Dodgers are terrible at throwing out runners. And we all saw the lack of control across that pitching crew.

    • Dennis Westrick

      I too am very interested in how Benson performs in the leadoff spot tonight!

  10. Bet on Red

    Gitting kind of mad that we are not getting more love in the playoff odds

    • Mark Moore

      Getting to the playoffs means winning the NL Central. No Wild Card coming out of our freakishly weird and weak division. But I am a little surprised we don’t get any kind of bump in the odds while others look like a “near lock”.

      Win the division and the stats projections don’t matter … 😛

    • 2020ball

      Our pythag is awful, they’ve actually been outperforming it which is a positive. But that’s where the low odds come from.

  11. Kevin H

    I watched David Bell get ejected and I admit him being fired up like that was great to see. Lets hope the home plate umpire is better tonight. I have said calling balls and strikes has to be very hard, however something needs to be done as its getting worse.

    • Mark Moore

      Hope is a Dangerous Thing, Keven … especially where improvements from the HP Chumpires is concerned.

  12. Mark Moore

    I just saw on the FB page it’s another “bark in the park” night. Lucky dogs get to see ELDC 😀

  13. Indy Red Man

    Exciting days, but remember we had vintage Votto, BP, Dunn, and Griffey and the Reds did nothing except play a bunch of 10-8 games. Pitching is always the boss

  14. Indy Red Man

    Another GABP special. I’m convinced it will keep them from ever reaching their potential. Scares young pitchers and keeps most FA pitchers from coming here

  15. Mark Moore

    Williamson isn’t fooling these guys with that stuff up in the zone. Better adjust and FAST.

  16. CI3J

    Williamson is getting clobbered. He’s very lucky to have not given up 3 HR to the first 3 batters.

  17. Daytonnati

    Williamson doesn’t seem to be fooling anybody yet?

  18. Melvin

    Hopkins not showing much of an arm there.

    • Kevin H

      Was he off balance, or did plant and throw, or just not much of a arm no matter what?

      • CI3J

        He bobbled the ball. Probably didn’t get a good grip on it before he threw.

    • Votto4life

      The Reds outfielders do see to have a hard time hitting their cut off man. I love Jake Fraley but he seems to misses the cut off man a lot.

  19. Mark Moore

    Hole not as deep, but it’s still a hole. Time to call down some Thunder on Thor and maybe chase him early.

  20. Votto4life

    Anyone know the story with Fraley? I know
    He got hit on the hand. I sure hope the Reds don’t play short handed for four or five days before putting him on the IL. Also, is TJ Freidle going to play sometime soon?

    • Kevin H

      Friedl is on the IL, hamstring injury and expected back Saturday. Fraley was a late scratch.

      • Votto4life

        That’s Kevin, I hadn’t realize TJ was placed back on the IL.

    • SteveAReno

      Fraley has a contusion, must sit out. Might PH.

  21. DHud

    Just one of these nights I’d like to be able to actually get the game turned on before we’re losing

    • Dennis Westrick

      Just Cruzing around the bases!

  22. Bet on Red

    That ball did indeed have a family

  23. SlippinJimmy

    I have a feeling that Elly may cost Toyota a lot of trucks…

    • Mark Moore

      Quite possibly. Frankly, it’s about time 😀

  24. Moon

    Holy Cow….I bet that ball ELDC hit looks more like a horseshoe now…

    • Ted Alfred

      Sadak said the HR was 115 MPH…highest by a Red this season… which followed his double last night at 112 MPH… which for all of 1 day was the highest MPH hit ball by a Red’s player this season…wow

      • Melvin

        Fastest home to second last night too. lol

  25. Kevin H

    Was Steer hit on purpose you guys think. Ugh I miss watching lol

    • VaRedsFan

      Yes, and Bell made sure they knew it .

      • Ted Alfred

        This is the part of Bell that has been missing. If this is him turning over a new leaf then I’m all for it…keep on showing more emotion

    • Mark Moore

      I doubt it. But you just don’t know.

  26. Indy Red Man

    So glad they kept McLain and Elly at AAA for an extra month. They’re obviously not ready

    • Ted Alfred

      And CES probably isn’t ready yet either???

  27. Mark Moore

    For those listening to him, did Sadak lose his mind on that moon shot?

    • VaRedsFan

      His head exploded…still is squawking…
      He might even get a pass from you on that call?

      • Mark Moore

        Minor pass. I was stunned watching it.

    • earmbrister

      That was one heckuva moon shot! So glad I”m able to get the game tonight.

    • Votto4life

      Sadak also has EDLC in the Rookie of the Year conversation after 5 major league at bats.

      • earmbrister

        I’m not betting against Elly. Health might be the only thing that slows him down.

      • 2020ball

        and Abbott, lol. No mention of any other players.

    • Melvin

      He hasn’t woke up yet from passing out. 🙂

  28. Mark Moore

    That’s disappointing. Looking like a bullpen game at this point. Might not be a bad thing.

    • Kevin H

      My only concern if they go to bullpen early is will Ashcraft be hung out to dry tomorrow if he struggles

  29. CI3J

    Are they using juiced balls tonight or what??

    • VaRedsFan

      Might have a little to do with starting pitchers.
      As long as our hitters keep up, might be a fun game to watch.

  30. Dennis Westrick

    Williamson NOT fooling any of the Dodger hitters so far!

    • earmbrister

      Tough top of the order. Getting Betts was big ahead of the 2-4 hitters.

  31. Indy Red Man

    How do have a 6 era at AAA and get promoted anyway? Let’em learn the hard way I guess

    • Mark Moore

      Lack of options/choices. It’s a thin pool to choose from.

    • JB

      The Pickins are a little slim down in AAA. Most of the games are high scoring.

    • VaRedsFan

      Attrition at the MLB level.
      Cupboard is bare.

  32. Mark Moore

    That blast gave me thoughts of the one Dunn hit in Ohio that came to rest in Kentucky. Stuff of legends.

  33. Kevin H

    De La Cruz absolutely crushed that ball. Just Wow

    • Mort

      The legend of Elly grows. I am not sure that I have been this excited about a rookie ever.

      • Melvin

        I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this excited about the Reds period. 🙂

  34. JB

    Syndegard isn’t fooling anybody either. Newman with a hit. Need that from bottom of order.

    • SteveAReno

      He hit off a RHP and his steal was a miracle. So hard to do on this catcher.

  35. VaRedsFan

    I hereby dub thee Elly De La Boom

  36. Kevin H

    Some interesting decision to be made soon. Votto, Friedl, Senzel, Myers all coming back at some point, and CES waiting his turn to be called up.

    Who goes down, who gets released, or traded Good decision’s to have I think.

  37. Mark Moore

    HP Chumpire’s erratic zone and calling means somebody’s gonna get tossed again tonight.

  38. Dennis Westrick

    Another runner stranded at 3rd base! The Reds had 13 LOBs last night but still had a miracle finish in the bottom of the 9th to win! Need t

  39. Mark Moore

    Freddie Freeman … professional hitter.

  40. Mark Moore

    Will Smith with a GABP wrist flick special

  41. Dennis Westrick

    Freeman just continues to torture the Reds! Just like he did when he was in Atlanta!

    • Indy Red Man

      Another GABP special. I hate GABP. Pretty park but the bandbox aspect hurts way more then it helps

      • Daytonnati

        Designed for Junior to break Aaron’s record.

      • Kevin H

        I totally agree, I say it alot and just frustrating and yes Reds get cheapies too,

        So I suppose it works both ways, however frustrating to watch

    • SteveAReno

      Votto needs 100 ABs in Louisville to get back in shape.

      • 2020ball

        I’m certain he’s “in shape”, maybe you mean his hitting mechanics but he’s for sure in playing shape with his work ethic.

  42. Kevin H

    Growing pains of a young pitcher. Sigh LOL

  43. JB

    Got to get somebody up. Williamson struggling. Let’s not wait tonight until we are down five or six runs

  44. Dennis Westrick

    Watching the game for free on MLB.tv! It appears that the HP umpire is not helping Williamson on the close pitches! Robo Umps please!

  45. LT

    Agee. Let’s empty the BP now while the game is not getting out of hands (trailing by more than 5 runs 🙂 and hope that Greene will go the distance tomorrow.

    • Indy Red Man

      Ashcrash time tomorrow baby))

      • LT

        Are you sure? It seems he crashed just a couple of days ago. Are we starting our worst pitcher at the moment in short rest? Is it a new strategy?

    • Kevin H

      No it has been covered already. Abbot got called up and the pitchers got pushed back so Greene could have extra rest for a tight hip issue

      • LT

        Got it, thanks. We’re really screwed then.

  46. Indy Red Man

    Stoudt with the call-up again as soon as he’s off 7 day DL. Atleast he should be

  47. Dennis Westrick

    This is getting out of hand! Stop the bleeding please Mr. Bell. The deficit is manageable at this point!

  48. GPod

    enough already! it’s batting practice

  49. Daytonnati

    I wonder how far EDLC would hit one off of Williamson?

  50. 2020ball

    Well we can all agree on one thing, Elly is gonna be fun to watch.

  51. Indy Red Man

    They’re wrestling each other at the bat rack

  52. AMDG

    Williamson doing his best Ashcraft impersonation with 6 runs given up in 3 innings.

  53. Dennis Westrick

    What is Bell’s number? A 5 run deficit, 6 runs, 7 runs, or 8 or more?

    • GPod

      He has nothing…got lucky on that 2nd out….that was a bullet

  54. Kevin H

    Tough situation going to bullpen this early and then who will be left tomorrow? At some point the young reds starters gotta go deeper into the game.

    I assume Williamson will be out of the game going into top of the 4th

  55. Mark Moore

    My wife says I need to continue watching on the big screen, so I’ll do that. I suppose it’s warranted given our ability to crawl back out of these holes. I wish no ill will to Williamson, but his night needs to be done.

  56. Mark Moore

    3 bags for MattyMc!!! He never doubted that was his final destination.

  57. Melvin

    McLain = Awesome again with a triple. 🙂

  58. Mark Moore

    Betts doesn’t even pretend to attempt a throw 😀

  59. Dennis Westrick

    Wow! A sac fly and an run batted in! Somebody find my defibrillator!

      • Dennis Westrick

        Funny, my late wife said the same thing! On more than one occasion! God rest her soul, she knew to avoid me when the Reds were playing, especially when they were losing or had lost!

  60. Melvin

    Hahaha Easy triple for De La Cruz. = Awesome

  61. Mark Moore

    Trying to work the cycle backwards?

    This is why I listened to my wife.

  62. LT

    Unreal. HR off a fastball and triple of a curveball. He is no one trick pony.

  63. Melvin

    I don’t think Sadak is going to make it through the season now. hahaha

    • Beaufort Red

      Who keeps a clock
      on these runners? It’s almost comical. When we bring up CES he’ll have a stroke.

  64. Mark Moore

    I know we won, but where were these steals last night?

  65. Bet on Red

    i guess its that type of game tonight

  66. JB

    EDLC fastest time home to third in the league and he just got here.

  67. JB

    I thought people said Stephenson was done, overrated?

  68. Mark Moore

    Maybe TySteve is back in the groove.

    My wife reminding me she said to stick with the game and put it on the TV. Did I mention she was correct?

  69. Indy Red Man

    Double triple hr in his first 12 innings. Baseball Nerd alert:
    Someone research if that’s been done before

  70. Melvin

    Alright Stephenson!!! It’s contagious!!! Go back to catching PLEASE.

  71. Mark Moore

    Larkin will need a hazmat suit and full face gear for when Sadak spontaneously combusts and explodes.

    Thrall and Cowboy are having a great time of it.

  72. Kevin H

    On De La Cruz triple :” Is he for real” I laughed lol

  73. JB

    Like I said last night , Dodgers ERA is next to last on the road. Reds are going to be dangerous with Friedl and CES in the lineup. Won’t be an easy out with Stephenson at catcher and Fraley in lineup as well.

  74. Mark Moore

    The 14-year-old brings us back to Earth orbit. But we’re pressing Thor pretty hard. Roberts already has their BP up, so he might be done.

  75. Kevin H

    I think you gotta bring in a new pitcher and hopefully he can give you two innings and so on and so forth.

  76. 2020ball

    Potential 5-tool big leaguer, and those tools may challenge for the best in the league at the same time. And he’s young. Buckle up y’all, gonna be fun.

  77. LT

    Look like TS is back to hacking the way we know he can. Fun to watch

  78. Optimist

    Good to great teams need an ace; a stopper to win 1-0, 2-1 games. They also need 5th starters who keep it tied into the 6th. Do it Brandon.

  79. Indy Red Man

    Not a good night for Stewie so far, but this Coors Field east stuff is fun

  80. Kevin H

    Williamson needed that for sure. Nice inning

  81. Indy Red Man

    Can’t wait to see EDLC righty now. Kershaw tomorrow if he doesn’t get a lefty tonight. Can’t walk him either with these steal rules. 100 games left so 20/20 with 10 triples seems almost like the floor

    • Mark Moore

      I was thinking we might get to see him from the right side. Maybe somebody wins a Tundra tonight 😮

  82. Melvin

    Honestly, forget about CES for now. If we had just McLain and EDLC the past month we could easily be in first place right now.

    • 2020ball

      The pitching is why we arent my friend, not the offense.

      • Melvin

        We’re close enough that a few runs here or there could have done it.

      • VaRedsFan

        Mostly true…maybe 70% bad pitching. The myers, Barrero, Benson…catchers…weren’t producing anything.

      • 2020ball

        To just ignore the biggest weakness on the team is disingenuous is all my point is. I disagree a few runs here and there change as much as everyone thinks. Plus they cleared super 2 with all these players except McLain which will benefit the long term of this young core even if you dont agree with it now.

      • Melvin

        Okay 2020, maybe if we had them for a month AND A HALF. 🙂

      • Melvin

        Starting pitching is the biggest weakness no doubt.

  83. Moon

    It has been fun seeing these young Reds play down in AA ball for Chattanooga when they come to Huntsville for games. Lodolo, CES, Greene, Abbot, EDLC, McClain, Salazar, Hopkins, and more. I don’t remember seeing so much talent moving to the Reds from AA so quickly. Going back for the series here over the 4th of July weekend for the next round of games.

  84. Melvin

    De La Cruz had better not have a “scheduled day off” tomorrow. That’s all I gotta say. lol 😀

  85. Mark Moore

    Anybody else seeing an increase in plate discipline overall (I know MattyMc just K’d)? Not sure how/when that happened or if I’m imagining it.

    • Melvin

      Wouldn’t be surprised that McLain has something to do with that. It’s contagious.

    • 2020ball

      The team’s approach seems different this year, and I think they emphasized that because of the new shift rules. It’s a credit to the coaching staff for sure, even if you still dont like them because that’s just one aspect.

      • Kevin H

        I have noticed that as well. I think you give credit as you said to the coaching staff, and the new hitting coach or coaches

      • Gfelt

        I’ve been wondering if the hitting coach in AAA is helping a lot. Seems like everyone is raking/improving there.

      • 2020ball

        I think its a franchise wide philosophical change, all the way down the minors.

  86. Kevin H

    Even though I said a month or so again Myers ” Will be fine” I don’t see how he plays for Reds again. Fraley, Friedl, Senzel, Hopkins or Fairchild as 4th outfielder.

    • 2020ball

      I’m glad they didnt DFA him, our OF depth is paper thin right now.

  87. LDS

    6 runs in 4 innings. Why is Williamson still pitching

    • Kevin H

      I mean you pull him early and use up the bullpen then tomorrow’s game if Ashcraft struggles then what? Williamson has now pitched 2 innings of shut out baseball. I was for pulling him after 3 innings, however I also said the young pitchers have to figure it out and go deeper into the game to save the bullpen.

      In hindsight it was a good move not going to the pen after 3 innings

  88. Indy Red Man

    CES with defensive runs saved? Not so says RLN who convinced me he was another Edwin Scissorhands

  89. Soto

    The more I watch McClain and EDLC the crazier it makes me that CES is not up yet. Turn ’em loose!

  90. MBS

    5th inning over 200 comments, Doug must be happy!

    • Melvin

      He probably should take EDLC to dinner. lol 🙂

    • LDS

      Depends on how his traffic costs scale. Ad sales up, etc. Hopefully, profits are up. And there’s always his minor league site and signing up for a subscription

  91. VaRedsFan

    Who else got Reds tickets lately?
    I’m going June 30 – July 1st games….Padres

    • Mark Moore

      I burned my Delta e-credits a month ago. A trip to Cincy would be a major expenditure at this point.

      • Melvin

        Very happy I purchased an 85″ tv a few months ago. 🙂

      • VaRedsFan

        Got an 85 TCL on black friday melvin.
        Love it!!!

  92. MEGGO

    DE LA CRUZ MUST SEE TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  93. redbone

    I will be there for the 30th against the pads. Taylor Swift concert at the same time so it’s gonna be crowded.

  94. MBS

    Phillips is smelling blood in the water. 6IP, 1H, 1BB, 9K’s 88 Pitches so far. AAA promotion might be around the corner.

    • Mark Moore

      A kid performing like that should make Kuhnel nervous for his valuable spot on the 40-man.

      • MBS

        Need just 10 more to get through a 123 7th with a K. I’d say that’s all we’ll see of Phillips tonight. 7IP 10K’s!!!

  95. JB

    Score sheet of last night’s ump Torres

    Called 176 of 196 pitches correctly

    7 fewer correct calls than average ump

    Favored the dodgers by 0.25 runs

    5 of a 130 true balls were called strikes 96 % true accuracy

    15 of 66 true strikes were called balls. 77% true accuracy.

    • Mark Moore

      I’d love to see year over year stats overall and on some of these guys who seem to get it wrong a bunch. I’ve said many times before, they don’t appear to be learning from their “mandatory review”.

  96. Mark Moore

    Anybody who had Williamson lasting almost 6 and holding the Dodgers down after the early implosions, please raise your hand?

    Anyone … anyone … Bueller … ?

    😛

  97. Old-school

    i think I would stay with the 6 man rotation a bit. It’s not like the bullpen is deep.

  98. Indy Red Man

    Bell got all he could get with this kid. Already near bottom in starter innings so can’t keep pulling them in the 2nd-3rd

    • Kevin H

      Williamson showed some toughness I think, and it can only help him in the long run.

  99. Mark Moore

    Pregame total run projection 11.

    Current in-game projection 16.5.

    Over 2/3 of the way there.

  100. Dennis Westrick

    NOT a stellar outing by Williamson but he gutted it out for nearly 6 innings and shut the door after the disastrous first 3 innings!

  101. Bet on Red

    What….. now we got to make room for Joe Burrow on the field

    • Daytonnati

      Exciting time to be a Cincinnati sports fan.

  102. HoF-13

    Williamson pulled it together after that awful start. I think he’s learning something up here. Even if he does go back to AAA next week, he’s shown he has some real potential.

  103. Dennis Westrick

    OK, we know the script by now! Get nine (9) more outs and hold the Dodgers scoreless while scoring one or more runs in the bottom of the remaining innings!

    There is NO QUIT in this team!

  104. 2020ball

    Glad the coaches didnt panic with Williamson. He was up with everything for three innings, but those are important innings he gutted out.

    • 2020ball

      I could go either way with pulling him early, if you thought he should thats not necessarily wrong either. But the long term matters in this sport and not knee-jerk panic.

      • Kevin H

        Yes, and that is what I believe and saying on here. They need to learn how to pitch and stop the momentum of the other team.

        Good Post

    • Kevin H

      I sure was LOL.

      However agree 100%

  105. Mark Moore

    I personally need a win from our boys without going to the 9th. Long day of driving tomorrow and I need to shut it down early.

    • Melvin

      I’ll try to make a call to the dugout for you. See if I can get through. 🙂

  106. Soto

    Anyone else notice that Fairchild tends to move his back foot when swings and misses?

    • JB

      We all noticed that quite awhile ago. It’s crazy isn’t it?

      • VaRedsFan

        Altuve does it too….He hits pretty good.

    • Old-school

      I pointed that out when he came up, but I’ve noted lots of guys commit all in to the front foot. Bryce harper has his back foot off the ground completing his swing. Some guys commit everything all in and maybe thats why Fairchild strikes out too much. He has 2 home runs in over 150 plate appearances yet still strikes out 30% so its not working for him

  107. Soto

    By the way, I have to admit that I was screaming at my TV to take Williamson out in the 3rd. He just wasn’t fooling anyone. Even most of his outs were hard hit balls.

    • Dennis Westrick

      I guess that’s why we are watching from our recliners and are not in the dugout!

    • 2020ball

      Those are growing moments for young players, so I’m glad they left him in but could’ve gone either way on taking him out. Williamson has stabilized the back-end of the rotation even if it isn’t pretty, may as well show a little confidence in him.

  108. Soto

    Nice to see Benson hit the ball with authority.

    • JB

      I tell you when he hits it ,it’s a rocket

  109. HoF-13

    That was a shot by McLain – unfortunate DP.

  110. Dennis Westrick

    Pirates lost 2 out of 3 at home against the worst team in MLB this year, the Oakland Athletics! Go figure! Baseball is truly a funny (and unpredictable) game!

  111. Kevin H

    De La Cruz 2 strike outs. He is human after all. LOL.

    • 2020ball

      He’s probably going to strikeout a lot, especially early. That doesnt matter much if you’re crushing the ball too.

    • Mark Moore

      He’s a bum. Ship him back down.

      😛 😀 😮 😉

    • Melvin

      I knew we called him up too soon. smh….:)

  112. Soto

    Dennis, I think the Pirates are about to come back to earth. They are definitely better than they’ve been but I still think that they will finish in the bottom half of a weak central division. The Central is there for the taking.

  113. Mark Moore

    JB – how much drift from the wildfires are you getting at the southern tip of Seneca Lake?

    • JB

      It’s terrible here. We registered at a 460 today out of a possible 500. Hazardous conditions. You could smell the fire burning here from Quebec. Visibility is low and the Sun was out today but you couldn’t see it. Outdoor sports and activities cancelled.

      • 2020ball

        I had to evacuate two summers ago, I know your pain.

  114. HoF-13

    This umpire isn’t bad. I generally would prefer not to get robo umps but seems like there are a lot of umps now that are just plain awful.

    • 2020ball

      A challenge system is a workable compromise IMO

    • Mark Moore

      Perhaps a little more consistent. That’s my assessment. His zone is still off more than a few times.

  115. LarkinPhillips

    We need to get this win. I don’t feel great about tomorrow and 2 of 3 from the dodgers would be huge.

  116. Indy Red Man

    Stewie was really bad tonight. Platoon partner w Fraley is wide open I think

  117. Old-school

    Fairchild 0-4 with 3 K’s. Does anyone need more data? Hes playing everyday while Barrero sits. He’s had 158 PA and is 27. Put barrero in CF. Its not like they have one.

    • 2020ball

      Fairchild is probably the better defender right now. That matters IMO.

      • old-school

        Let me rephrase that. Fairchild isn’t any good. He strikes out a ton and career OPS isnt good. Reds need a different outfielder playing everyday.

      • 2020ball

        His OPS has been fine for a bench player. I dont know what to tell you, the Reds OF depth is really bad.

      • 2020ball

        drop a catcher, I’ve been saying it since ST

      • 2020ball

        Plus is Barrero really going to be taht much better? I could probably sub his name in to your last comment.

  118. SteveAReno

    Kevin Newman, another hit, and this time it’s a strong double. A single will bring him in since he’s such a good runner.

  119. JB

    Hershiser just said Diaz releases the ball closer to home plate than any other pitcher in baseball. Therefore his pitch is looking even faster. Alot more interesting facts by Hershiser than the odd junk Sadak delivers.

    • HoF-13

      Brantley has a lot of good insight. I often listen to the WLW feed while watching the game.

  120. Mark Moore

    It’s missing those calls that really gets me. He’s set up right on that line and still can’t make the right call.

    Moot point with that long fly out. Time to put this one away so I can call it a wrap and head for bed.

    • Melvin

      Sorry. Phone is still ringing in the dugout.

  121. Kevin H

    Dodgers haven’t had a hit since 3rd inning, and only 1 base runner since the 3rd inning

  122. Mark A Verticchio

    Fairchild should be sent to AAA and bring up CES. I would rather play Barrero in CF until Freidl is back.

    • 2020ball

      So no true CF on the team? Not sure I like that plan.

  123. JB

    Hopkins quicker than I thought . We going to do it again?

  124. Melvin

    I would take a bunt here from Benson knowing who is coming up.

  125. Soto

    Benson. Is killing the ball!!! The future is bright.

  126. Bet on Red

    Benson getting in on the act… another comeback

  127. Melvin

    I don’t think Sadak is going to sleep tonight.

  128. earmbrister

    Man, this is getting special !!!

  129. LDS

    Two in a row over the Dodgers – now that’s funny. Fraley was scratched but was available to pinch run?

    • SteveAReno

      Yes, legs are fine, arm-wrist area had a contusion hit by ball

    • Jim t

      He was hit in the wrist. Didn’t affect his ability to run is my thought

    • LDS

      I only saw he was scratched, not the reason. Thanks

  130. Mark Moore

    Oh. My. Word!!!

    Absolutely crushed it!!!

    I can only listen to the WLW feed tomorrow and will likely miss some of that due to being in an area with no service. But to take the first two of this series with the Trolley Dodgers is freaking AWESOME!!!

    Benson is dialed in. It’s his and Elly’s world tonight … we’re all just living in it.

    • Melvin

      By the way, Mark, just so you know. I finally got through to the dugout for you. 😀

      • Mark Moore

        Worth the wait. Now I can shut it down a happy man.

  131. Dennis Westrick

    Yes! Yes! Yes! Unbelievable!

  132. Tampa Red

    Hey maybe y’all think Bell knows what to do or nah, just gonna stick with the script?

  133. Dennis Westrick

    Need the early season Ashcraft to show up tomorrow!

  134. SteveAReno

    So happy for Benson after all the posters here being bad fans.

    • Brian Rutherford

      That kid deserves that Hr. For those who don’t know it, some folks here should look up Mike Tyson’s comment about internet trolls and tough guys.

      Three cheers for Benson and for Bell for sticking with him.

    • TR

      I knew nothing about Will Benson but Iiked his acquisition from Cleveland in spring training. He’s built like a major leaguer, has speed, and reminds me of Dave Parker. Benson hits and throws from the left side. We’ll see, but the Reds just might have found their right fielder.

  135. DaveCT

    Dodgers remind me of the USSR Olympic team in 1980.

    “Who are these kids?”

    • Mark Moore

      Great comparison. Tonight I’m believing in miracles … ice or no ice.

  136. Soto

    TR, I am no Bell fan, but he has done a nice job in this series. I loved the fire yesterday and he made a great call sticking with Williamson tonight. Saved some of the pen for tomorrow’s possible sweep. Hey, even Bell is hot. One thing I know about coaching, the better your players are, the smarter you become. I hope his good decisions continue. Give him CES and he will be an even better manager.

  137. west larry

    Lost in all of this is willianson’s game performance after being awful the first three innings. We didn’t need to use most of our relievers, as the dodgers did, Great team victory-and Cruz is living up to all the hype, Go Reds.

    • Dennis Westrick

      Looks like we want the Dodgers to use their bullpen!

  138. RedsMonk65

    AWESOME

    These guys (kids?) are really fun to watch right now.

  139. Doc

    Amazing how the opinions changed about players from the beginning of the thread to the end. I believe that with the exception of Fairchild, every position player raised his average tonight, and that includes Benson and Newman.

  140. Mark A Verticchio

    I just feel like they need to let CES join in on the fun, he is a major part to this teams future.

    • 2020ball

      Soon my friend. Enjoy the wins in the meantime.

  141. Indy Red Man

    Steer is pretty much forced into the OF when CES/Votto arrive so what do you do with Fraley, Freidl, and Benson? Good problem to have.

    Say what you want about Bell and I’m often critical too, but he was really good tonight. Of course when your pen is nails then it makes you look good and sticking w/Williamson worked as well

    • MBS

      That OF is getting crowded too. Friedl, Fraley, Benson, Hopkins, and if Steer is per a toy added, that rolling 5 deep.

      • MBS

        Permanently, an odd auto correct “per a toy” lol

  142. Soto

    This team should invest in pitching and extensions. I don’t think they should spend any money on position players that are not already in the Reds system. Extend our promising players and try to find some pitching help from the outside.
    EDLC, McClain, India, Steer, Friedl, and CES should be off-limits in any trade discussions. Lock them up and go on an extended run. Take me back to my youth and the Big Red Machine Days. That’s not too much to ask is it?

  143. Soto

    After watching EDLC’s homer, his back foot movement looks much different than Fairchild’s. Elly’s back foot moves because of his epic weight transfer. It seems in unison with his body. Fairchild’s foot seems to go backwards and doesn’t lead to power transfer. It just looks weird. Nothing like Altuve or EDLC. But then again, it might look that way because he doesn’t put the bat on the ball enough.