Welcome Taylor Swift fans! Wait, that’s the stadium up the street. Today the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres will open up a 3-game series at Great American Ball Park. Due to the previously mentioned Taylor Swift concert tonight, the Reds game was moved up to a 5:10pm start to attempt to alleviate some of the traffic congestion.
Starting Lineups
San Diego Padres
|
Cincinnati Reds
|
| Fernando Tatis Jr. – RF | TJ Friedl – CF |
| Juan Soto – LF | Matt McLain – SS |
| Manny Machado – 3B | Jonathan India – 2B |
| Xander Bogaerts – SS | Elly De La Cruz – DH |
| Jake Cronenworth – 1B | Jake Fraley – RF |
| Gary Sanchez – C | Joey Votto – 1B |
| Matt Carpenter – DH | Spencer Steer – 3B |
| Rougned Odor – 2B | Tyler Stephenson – C |
| Trent Grisham – CF | Will Benson – LF |
| Seth Lugo – RHP | Graham Ashcraft – RHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Graham Ashcraft | 69.0 | 7.17 | 1.67 | 30 | 52 |
| Seth Lugo | 51.2 | 4.01 | 1.32 | 12 | 47 |
| Links: Graham Ashcraft’s Stats | Seth Lugo’s Stats |
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Graham Ashcraft
After spending two weeks on the injured list, Graham Ashcraft returned to the mound last week. The results were more of the same as his struggles since the second week of May continued – he allowed three home runs among his 10 hits allowed in 4.0 innings while giving up six runs.
Right-handed hitters have found success against Graham Ashcraft for his big league career. But for the first year and the first month of his career, left-handed hitters had next to no chance against him. In his first 25 career starts lefties hit .201/.270/.251 against him with two home runs. In the last eight games they’ve hit .484/.522/.766 with four home runs against him.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 178 | 47 | 7 | 2 | 7 | 18 | 26 | .307 | .390 | .516 |
| LHH | 143 | 38 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 12 | 26 | .295 | .359 | .488 |
Pitch Usage
| 2-seam | Cutter | Slider | |
| Velo | 96.7 | 96.5 | 88.5 |
| Usage | 8% | 54% | 38% |
Seth Lugo
After missing just over a month while on the injured list, Seth Leguo rejoined the Padres rotation two weeks ago. Tonight he’ll make his third start since returning. San Diego has lost each of his last four starts, scoring just 13 runs in those games.
This season the splits have been pretty strong in the favor of left-handed hitters against Seth Lugo. Lefties are hitting for a higher average, getting on base a little more, and they are showing more power. Both lefties and righties walk at about the same rate, with lefties striking out a bit more often but doing more damage on contact.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 117 | 29 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 22 | .264 | .308 | .364 |
| LHH | 101 | 27 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 25 | .287 | .337 | .468 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-seam | 2-seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 93.8 | 93.5 | 87.9 | 79.6 | 81.4 | 87.2 |
| Usage | 35% | 16% | 6% | 36% | 4% | 3% |
When and Where
- Game time: 5:10pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: Bally Sports Ohio, MLB.tv
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 87°, cloudy, 15% chance of rain
News and Notes
Nick Lodolo’s heading to Arizona for rehab
Good news on Nick Lodolo. He’s getting his boot off and is heading to Arizona to ramp up. Similar timeline to Hunter Greene.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) June 30, 2023
Ben Lively could return before the All-Star break
Bell also said Lively could return before the All-Star break
— C. Trent Rosecrans (@ctrent) June 30, 2023
The All-Star break starts on Monday July 10th. That would mean that in the next week-and-a-half the Reds are expecting Lively to return to the rotation.
Elly’s cycle was the most thrilling ever
Jayson Stark of The Athletic took nearly a week to write about Elly De La Cruz’s cycle, but once he finally did, he declared it the most thrilling cycle of all time and tried to back it up with plenty of data.
Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Reds | 43 | 38 | 0.0 | 21.1% |
| Brewers | 43 | 38 | 0.0 | 56.6% |
| Pirates | 38 | 42 | 4.5 | 5.4% |
| Cubs | 37 | 42 | 5.0 | 13.8% |
| Cardinals | 33 | 47 | 9.0 | 9.4% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
strong line up although I would consider switching Steer and India and Benson and Votto In the order at this point.
Or India and Friedl. India hit much better when leading off. But what I’d really like to see is Ashcraft pickup a QS of 6+ innings
…But he never hit as well as Friedl in the leadoff spot. I’d pencil Friedl in at the top lefty or righty every darn night.
I’m actually not sure I’d hit India leadoff at this point. He may not even really deserve a spot at the top of the lineup anymore.
If I were making a lineup just based solely on the players’ production, this is what it should probably be:
RF Benson
CF Friedl
SS McLain
3B EDLC
DH Steer
LF Fraley
2B India
1B Votto
C Stephenson
Also, can we PLEASE move Benson back to RF? Has anyone heard a logical explanation why Bell decided to move the team’s best RF to LF? It really makes zero sense.
So is the cause of India’s lack of production due to his lineup spot or some other factor? It’s highly unlikely it has to do with his lineup spot, as he is only guaranteed one time to lead off an inning.
Of note, his BABIP is more than 100 points lower in June than Mar/Apr/May, indicating there’s a good deal of bad luck working against him of late.
@CIJ3, per Statcast, Fraley has the best arm among Reds outfielders with over 50 throws. Teams usually put their best arm in RF.
Trading India for pitching is still an idea I lean toward
@CI3J I like Benson in the leadoff with his high OBP and speed, but I also like him as the 9 hole. When the lineup starts to swing back he gives the 1-2 batters a good RBI opportunity. Currently I’m favoring a lineup like this.
EDLC, McLain, Friedl
Steer, Votto, India
Fraley, Stephenson, Benson
I’m not ready to push Votto to the 7 hole yet, but if he doesn’t turn it around soon, Fraley could certainly swap Votto spots. That is in my imaginary lineup that Bell will never do.
LDS I agree, I think they should consider moving both India and Stephenson for pitching.
They apparently don’t think Stephenson is the answer behind the plate and he doesn’t hit well enough to DH.
I would move Benson up to #2, and shuffle some guys around, but maybe leave Votto around where he is. Benson’s .472 obp in the last 30 days is all you really need for justification.
I too would switch Steer and India. I love Benson 9th though. What a nice way to flip over the order. On another note, we are in rough times starting pitching-wise when excitement grows that Ben Lively might be back sooner than later. LOL. No disrespect to Lively, what that guy has done so far is pretty cool, when you look back on his career.
I think that we all feel the same way. Lol
Although the batting order can be debated David Bell is again putting the best lineup he has of the guys on the 26 man roster. I give him credit for that.
That’s a pretty low bar to clear.
But then again, this is the same guy who thought hitting Newman leadoff against RH pitchers was somehow a good idea.
At the stadium. Dodged thousand of Swifties to get in here.
Ballpark filling up. Club level seats today. All the food you can eat.
Is this heaven?
No, it’s the Queen City 😛
May seem like it if we win. 🙂
Votto is in the lineup with his .185 average so I don’t think it’s the best possible lineup.
I’m not meaning to disparage Votto, but making a counterpoint to a declarative statement.
Very few ABs so far. His BA can spike up real fast.
Or plummet.
I guess we’ll see. lol This is not directed at you or anyone particular but I often feel like I’m pulling out the nails that others are pounding in Votto’s coffin. lol
A .185 BA? How could anyone possibly argue with that?
I’m also wondering if/when EDLC will get a crack at lead-off. Maybe it wouldn’t make sense if/when his power sets in, but until then, worth a shot?
Once his power sets in I see him as #3/4 hitter. Until his power sets in, he’s ok where he is since they don’t have, currently, any proven 30+ HR guys on the 26 man.
Robbed. Hard hit by De La Cruz.
I think with so much power and speed spread about the lineup, it’s mostly a toss up where to put everybody, but I like the idea of having the guys least likely to make outs bat the most.
It’s a good lineup overall. It’s game #2,000 for Employee #19. Let’s hope he celebrates that milestone in fine fashion.
Bench is good tonight as well. Let’s get through these prima donnas in the first part of the Friars lineup and do some damage early and often.
Time to Kick This Pig!!!
And I need to go put on my hat 😀
Their lineup is scary. Wish they’d won a few last series. I doubt they sleepwalk this weekend
I feel like if Ashcraft can just get one good start under his belt, that can be the confidence boost he needs to rediscover his early season form.
Hopefully today is the day that happens.
One pitch one out. That’s efficiency. 🙂
early start due to the Queen… Taylor swift showing up….
Seven pitches three outs. Very good. Very good. 🙂
That’s the way to start. I haven’t put my hat on yet and am wondering if I should … 😛
Got to start fixing some dinner.
7-pitch inning. Great start.
Knock on wood, Ashcraft is looking great so far.
I assume Ashcraft will eventually give up 7 or 8 runs, but these weak grounders have been nice to see. Baby steps.
Did we just trade for a pretty good starter without giving up anything? 🙂 Ashcraft looks like the guy tonight.
Love those 3 innings!!!!
Ashcraft is pitching the way he was earlier in the season.
1 hit, 3k, 0 BB, 36 pitches through 3 innings.
Hope he can keep it going. He looks fantastic out there.
Against a legit team.
Exactly. That’s why it would be crazy to give up on him.
Of course, not everybody can be a 300/400/500 hitter, but Stephenson’s line after almost 300 AB is worrysome. Votto should do better after a few more AB.
Back to Elly’s screaming liner. If he shows bunt once in a while, no way is Machado in position to make that play. Cleanup hitter yes, but not a normal one
If somebody could help him learn that skill … he certainly could cover a lot of the plate with his height and wingspan.
I’ll take that Odorous E-4 after the brutal calls on Steer. All I can say is Ashcraft better get the same treatment.
Again on Benson. HDTBell’s gonna get jacked if this keeps up.
I might be the only one but I like the nickname, “The Lt Governor,” for Benson.
Nice swipe by Benson.
50th for the month of June. Haven’t done that since 1912 (says Cowboy).
If Mr. Sadak is correct that’s 50 SB for the Reds in June.
58 steal attempts in a month….astounding
Really is. Make up for lack of pitching
That just ate MattyMc up 😮
Ashcraft’s gonna get that pitch too? I’m OK with that.
Wow, this ump is terrible, but at least he’s terrible to both teams.
This is the kind of night we need from any starting pitcher. Now let’s get busy and back him big time!
44 after 4. 🙂
A good start by Ashcraft thus far but the offense is lagging today. I like Ashcraft at 11-12 pitches/inning. His outcome s are usually better vs. when he’s SO a bunch.
There you go, India! Off the schneid (for now).
Feels like one of those games where all the contact is on borderline Hit/Errors. I remember the no-hitter we suffered in Oakland a few years back, and how unimpressed I was because of all the hard-hit balls called infield errors. I’d like to see some aggressive swings in a pitcher’s duel like this — and right as I say that, India with the first hit!
And that’s a too aggressive TOOTBLAN in my book.
Yep, got to know who is in the defensive positions. Tatis is an athlete with a gun.
Agree. Odds are ELDC would steal 2nd base on the first or second pitch anyways.
Oh, Elly, what was that?
Probably can’t play the “missed opportunity” card too many times. Padres will likely “wake up” and it could get ugly.
Meanwhile, back to the new and improved Ashcraft, right?
He’s not new and improved, he’s returned to form (so far).
Didn’t miss a beat!
Bad one Elly. Just take the single and steal the base on the next pitch!
Friedl with the Say Hey catch!
Great defense there.
A fine line. Cost us 1st and 3rd one out. Hope Cowgill didn’t send him , but it looked like EDLV had his mind made up.
55 in 5 🙂
Someone in this organization (I know it’s not likely to be a certain person even though I believe it’s supposed to be part of his job description) needs to have a serious chat with the players about finding a good balance between “aggression” (as a certain television personality likes to call it) on the basepaths and “playing smart fundamental baseball” (as I like to call it).
55 pitches through 5 for Ashcraft. How long has it been since we’ve seen that kind of performance? And no extreme high or low count innings either.
But we’ve GOT TO BACK THE MAN!!!
Aggressive: good
Reckless: bad
If they hurry the throw to second and it’s mishandled, India scores. I don’t mind EDLC finding that out through aggressive trial and error. He’ll learn where his limits are – and aren’t.
Slider working for Ashcraft today
Keep it up(or depth more appropriately).
Man, If Graham is consistently back, awesome for us.
Stephenson, two nice aggressive first pitch hits (well almost, one was ruled error).
Stink! Fish! Pot!!!
2X that after the dinger. We need Crooked Numbers, please!!
Oh man. Rangers got Chapman.
“The Rangers announced they’ve acquired Aroldis Chapman from the Royals. Left-hander Cole Ragans and outfield prospect Roni Cabrera are going back to Kansas City in return”.
MLB Trade Rumors
I don’t know about the players KC got in return but if we could have beat that without giving up the farm we’re going to regret it.
Chapman traded to Texas, so now we can become obsessed with someone else. I am shocked — shocked — to learn that trades are able to occur more than 10 minutes before the trade deadline. People keep telling me it’s impossible.
Chappy to TX. pooh:(
One more zero and I think we’ll get to Lugo. They played yesterday too so our pen should have the advantage
Genuinely concerned about this series with the Friars! They are currently on a 5-game losing streak and their bullpen melted down twice against the Pie-Rats!
Need to be cautious with Juan Soto as he was a Reds Killer when he played for the Washington Gnats!
One good thing is that we won’t be facing Musgrove, who I consider their best SP in this series!
Or not
There goes the shutout.
Hopefully it doesn’t rattle Ashecraft and he can keep going.
Again, the Reds’ decision-making is driving me nuts. Elly should have stayed at first and then (probably) attempted to steal second. Steer should probably have attempted to steal second, because then he probably scores on a single. (Worst case scenario is he’s out and TS is out, and then Benson leads off the next inning.) Their sense of risk/reward is generally at odds with mine.
Good play by Votto against the net.
That girl and her mom seemed to enjoy the show!
Sadak opens his mouth and says Ashcraft has been untouchable and home run next pitch. I wish he would keep his adjective filled commentary to a minimum. Kiss if death.
Graham hating on that black heat drawing jersey – I’m guessing.
Is it evil of me to really love it when Machado whiffs like that?
Nah!! Lol ?
Ashcraft strikes out soto and machado back to back
What a performance
Reds needed this
Yes they did… this pitching performance by Ashcraft gives me hope…much more important than the result of this game
Yes.
Yes. And his confidence, swagger is back.
Time for the youngsters to put together all they have learned and score a run or two.
The friars think they are ok but the never say die Reds are coming for them.
Starter has gone good for 6 innings. Bell’s trend – take him out.
I say keep him in. It’s only been 73 pitches. Ashcraft probably has more in him. Maybe on a short leash, sure, but send him back out. We have to get rest for the bullpen.
If he can go SEND HIM OUT.
Keep him in…not even a question.
This ump is truly, truly awful.
Calling strikes a mile off the plate.
We got the Pad’s right where we want them. Come from behind territory.
You were saying?
Right on cue! Lol
This home plate umpire sure has a wide strike zone.
Almost like his calls determine whether the game is a pitchers’ duel or not.
You watch, there will be some runs scored later if he widens the strike zone a little.
That’ll do, Jake!
This umps strike zone is huge and inconsistent…brutal
Time for JV to show up
Fraley comes through again. I sure would like to let him maybe hit ninth for awhile against LH pitching to see how bad he really is. I’ve never seen him look that bad in his swings.
Votto robbed again. Good hard hit.
BTW, I pulled the trigger on the DC trip. Monday evening and Tuesday AM game. Seats out near the Reds bullpen both games.
+1000
WOW! Hope that’s the only one that gets away like that tonight. Almost “hit the bull”, Crash Davis!
Is the zone changing (again)?
Pitch 4 is clearly a strike
Losing focus here … bear down or yank him. I’m good with a switch here to get a reset.
After those 2 (or was it 3) wild high ones after being up in the count on the 1st walk, I might have actually gone and got him.
That’ll do, Lucas. You picked him up. Now back to the boys to pile on.
Good start by Ashcraft finally. Too bad the offense has been AWOL today. At least get the win.
The Pads do have one of the better staffs in the league. This pitchers have been one of the better pitchers in the league against us.
True, but if the Reds are truly competitive, now is the time to show it. SD is in 4th place in the West. Got to put them in their place. And I see Stephenson just put them up.
So will Lucas Sims go out in the 8th inning go back out for the 8th inning? I would be in favor of that but the way David Bell operates the bullpen in regards to Sims I doubt it.
Regardless, this was an absolutely huge…huge…huge outing for Ashcraft. He looked totally different, his stuff look better. Like Barry keeps saying, his he’s coming more over the top and his stuff is more on a downward plane instead of side to side and I think it’s creating a lot more ground balls Etc.
I really don’t understand what TS has been doing today. Ump is consistently calling strikes a few inches off the plate and a few inches low, and TS seems to be setting up in the strike zone almost every time. Sims gets the K on a pitch right down the middle. Glad it worked out, but I don’t get it…
For anybody in the ballpark, just how hazy is it? Long camera view looks pretty bad.
I know pollution is bad, but I like the haze. Makes the game feel timeless, like you’re watching something from far in the past.
The haze seems to come and go. That is how it was in my neighborhood about 55 miles NNE of GABP Thursday and at times there was a hint of a “smokey” odor but not as noticeable here today,
It has been this way off an on for over a week with maybe a break of day or so once or twice
Ruh roh. The umpire had been calling the third and fifth pitches to Steer strikes.
If he has expanded the zone the Reds can get some runs
ARGH!
Steer, ya dingus!
STEPHENSON!!!!!
Pretty good lineup when you have Stephenson and Benson at the end.
Stephenson! I did not see that one coming.
Makes that pick-off unfortunate, but we’ll take a lead.
I like to think of the Butterfly Effect on those occasions. With no pick-off, maybe we don’t that exact pitch and swing a little while later!
Wow.
TS sure waited and worked for his pitch.
Since I’m such a Debbie Downer… Again, maybe it’s time for *someone* to have a chat with the guys about finding a balance between “aggression” on the bases and “smart fundamental baseball.”
Especially late in the game when you aren’t ahead yet. I’m with you.
Come on Jobu!!! Wake up those bats!!!
😛 😀
I am loving Will Benson at #9. Puts together a nice chain of threats as the line-up turns over.
Me too.
Yay yay! Tyler’s swing paths have looked good today. Even tho that one was a hanger.
Dare I say, does Sims return?
Um… maybe that chat should happen NOW.
TWO pickoffs in ONE INNING!
YEEEEESH!
I don’t know about y’all … but I am NOT happy about how we got picked off 2x that inning. By two different pitchers no less.
That was pretty embarrassing.
Two pickoffs and an I’ll conceived 2-strike bunt.
2 PO’s in one inning? That can’t happen.
Boy, 3 running mistakes tonight.
Not to leave out, from what I could tell, on a pitch or two, with Stephenson at the plate, Bell had Steer going on the pitch. Why didn’t he have India do that against the Braves in the 9th in that one game?
I bet that’s the first time in the history of major league baseball that an inning has included two pickoffs, a foul bunt for strike three, and a solo home run. Check the record books!
Dealing
Insurance runs please.
OK, boys. You know what to do. I’ve bet on you enough to shell out a couple hundred for a trip into enemy territory next week. Show me you love me as a fan as much as I love you as a team.
Let’s do this thing!!!
Not sure what happened there…. but I can report Bell did indeed leave Sims in for the 8th inning
Indeed. Yay!
Sims threw 5 pitches WEdnesday , had the day off yesterday and was ready to answer the bell today. Great job.
Yes sir.
Diaz throwing? I nominate him for the Wayne Simpson All-Star break memorial award.
For all his other shortcomings and reasons I’d never be a fan, the man has a solid glove at third. That’s all I’ve got to say about that.
HDTBell’s either forgotten to shave or is growing a beard 😮
That haze must be heavy … I thought he’d crushed that one.
Thought that was gone by De La Cruz.
Yep…like like it off the bat
Good job by Votto knocking it down to keep it from going into the outfield.
Now the zone is shrinking back … the Flex-o-Zone on full display again.
Those TOOTBLANS may come back to haunt us yet.
I think the Reds have run into a strong defensive team. And they weren’t impressed with the pressure. That’s a good lesson for the Reds. There are some teams who have struggled with the Reds’ level of aggression.
And we’re back to needing a comeback win. Plus we’ve got to get out of this inning first.
I thought that was a three run homer. Ball not carrying to RF it seems. Tie game.
Sure wish Elly had hit that ball just a touch harder…
First blown save for Diaz … had to happen at some point. Now let’s pick him up for a walk-off win.
That first picked off runner may have just cost them the game.
The Padres seemed to have a pretty good sense of how to use “aggression” on the bases in that inning.
No one said a young team learning how to win would be easy.
See what they do against Hades.
I’m counting on Senzel to end this.
Instead, we get the check swing strike three. Yet another of my pet peeves.
Senzel for Votto. Hmm If you want to know what the guys on The Riverfront podcast think about Votto being pinch hit for just listen to their latest broadcast.
Switched to the TV and the app won’t let me play the WLW feed. Now we really need to end this now so I don’t have to listen to my favorites for very long.
Larkin defending the aggressive moves with “you create your own luck”.
At least Steer waited out a walk. Come on TySteve!!!
It’s too bad Diaz fielded the bunt because Steer was right there for a much easier play right as Diaz is feeling it. As soon as I saw how rushed Diaz was I knew he was going to be off balance throw in the dirt and that’s exactly what happened. We just needed Elly’s ball to travel another 3 ft in the 8th
Barry has interjected more so today, nice.
Sadak rightly calling that the “Bizzaro Zone”
My wife is LIVID over that call and even she realizes that kind of crap is detrimental to the game.
It’s really sad when you get professional umpires that are this off when it comes to the strike zone. It is just a determining factor in who’s going to win and lose the game. I am really looking forward to the automated strike soon because I am worn out watching these umpires continually screw up balls and strikes…and you can’t question them because they’ll get their feelings hurt.
How had David Bell not gone nuts over this strike zone?!
He did, somehow he wasn’t ejected.
He doesn’t want to get tossed because the team would be lost without him.
I hope that Hader goes only one inning today.
*has
So a ball 3 inches below the zone is a strike and a ball 4 inches above it is too. Glad we’re all on the same page.
Sometimes…and that is the key
It’s almost like the Wayne Simpson comparison came back to bite the Reds. Let’s hope the comparison ends here.
Need to see the best Gibault possible here.
I wished we had not given the 3 outs away on the bases.
And we’re set up for the come-from-behind win AGAIN … I need to check my BP. I’m sure Dennis is on life support by now.
Mine is up too. Headed for my Avalide bp med now.
The Reds ghost runner will be a catcher unless a pitcher is used. Maybe someone other than people who comment on this blog ought to consider the logic of this roster construction.
Well, now the ghost runner is moot, so I stand corrected.
Not really sure why he went slider away there 0-2 when Tatis hhas been swinging at high fastballs all game long
And it’s getting away from us … those TOOTBLAN pickoffs are looming HUGE. Wasted a great start by Ashcraft.
This game is just a total giveaway against a not very good team that wasn’t playing very well and really didn’t play well again today. Can’t believe Diaz made that throwing error on the bunt and that cost us the game.
I can’t see Williamson beating Wacha tomorrow either. Brewers up big over pirates early
Spencer Steer getting picked off first cost the reds this game. Terrible home plate umpire hasn’t helped.
I think he just made up for it.
Anybody still wondering if India has the arm to play 3rd?
Still have Benson at the plate with TySteve on 2nd. Time for Wil to mash one to the river.
Nope. It’s Benson. Can’t wait to see the OF shuffle if we somehow tie this.
Ah … no.
The score stands Four-to-Two, with but one inning left to play…
No need to overreact — two out of three would be great — but this sure would be an ugly loss. Can’t spoil that sort of a gem from Ashcraft.
+5,000
Maile for Benson. Another Hmm Hope it works.
At some point I really wish Bell would let Benson hit against LHP. It took him a long time to figure out that Friedl can hit LHP, who knows what Benson can do?
Well, he did let him do it the other day when it came down to Benson or Casali, and Benson tripled. But apparently Bell didn’t notice it.
Agree. Sadak mentioned how Bell had only one man left on the bench — Casali — whom I wouldn’t be surprised if Bell used, lol. I know Benson bats left, but he seems like just the kinda kid who WANTS to make the difference-making play. Call me crazy, but (with all the work Benson has done) I want his explosiveness over a back-up catcher’s dominant hand.
He let Casali and Newman bat for themselves against a righty in the 7th recently four runs down when he had Votto, Fraley, and Benson on the bench. There is NO understanding David Bell. I don’t think he wants us to. 🙂
And it comes down to this … you up to it, MattyMc?
You really needed to ask?
Apparently I do not … silly me.
Maybe it is a destiny year.
Biggest problems I see with this 2023 Reds team is too many strikeouts with RISPs.
Secondly, the base running is just horrendous! Little league mistakes!
And, finally, lack of consistent starting pitching has required way too many innings by the bullpen!
Wasted a great start by Ashcraft!
Not wasted quite yet…
O ye of little faith. Spoke a little too soon!
That dude is something else
One time I’m not unhappy that I’m on the Bally feed … Sadak’s head exploded. Larkin seems in awe.
McLain!!!!!!! Ties it up!!!! Two run Homer!!!!! CF!!!!!
I scared my dog to death!
I love Matt McLain!!!
Absolutely. Clutch.
Unreal. Just unreal. Can’t describe this.
Yeah, so about that third catcher this team so desperately needs…
I scared my dog to death! On Matt’s bomb!
India ALMOST had it.
That means EDLC starts on 2nd next time. If the bullpen can stop the Pads from scoring here, I like the Reds’ chances.
India starts on second. EDLC starts at the plate.
When did the Swiftie concert start?
Warm-up act was at 6:30. Gates opened just after 4:00. She’s supposed to come on stage right about now.
That kid is such a stud. As great as Elly’s talent is I really believe McClain is going to be an 7-8 time All Star if he stays healthy. He’s got such a great mental demeanor to play the game at a consistently high level. He is going to be FFFunnnnn to watch for the next decade.
+10000
I said earlier that the Reds need to pitch carefully to Juan Soto, perennial Reds killer! So, what has Soto done tonight? He’s 3 for 5 with a RBI. Slow learners I guess!
Well, we know it won’t come down to a pitcher batting for us, right?
Ate him up the way that one did to MattyMc in the first inning.
Bike helmets … bike helmets … bike helmets … I’m calling it.
Nope – but we got one.
I really hope the handedness doesn’t bit us in the @$$ here. Young was still fresh.
I guess Farmer is being saved because he’s tomorrow’s closer, or something like that?
No idea. Pitchers have to be baffled as hitters on a night like this where the “Bizzarro Zone” is on display (TM John Sadak).
Remember way back when Ashcraft pitched 6.2 innings for a quality start? Was that yesterday, or last week?
It seems like it Mark
Time to put up or shut up here.
The one night we get some good starting pitching, the pen is going.
Need EDLC to get on base here one way or another to score the winning run.
This organization has some really good hitters in AAA right now, and some of them aren’t catchers…
Reallly?
End this, Elly.
Good enough.
Elly with the big double.
This team. Wow.
ATTABOY ELLY!!!!
EDLC is a pretty good baseball player.
De La Cruz with a double!!! Ties it up!!!
Safety squeeze. Come on.
Perfect execution by Newman. Show us your stuff, Nick.
Good bunt by Newman. Winning run at 3B.
What!!!?????
Oh Holy Crap!!!
Blocking the plate rarely gets overturned here. Maybe tonight.
Plate blocked. Is it legal?
Yep. Still a tie game. De La Cruz was blocked.
Maybe next time you try the safety squeeze.
Home plate ump is doing everything in his power to screw the Reds.
Yeah … Larkin explained it well. No blocking call in effect when it’s a hard-hit to a drawn-in infield.
Steer time.
Boy, is that 4 or 5 running errors tonight?
I mean, I do believe he was blocking the plate, like I believe all of us. But, it was called an out.
He’s clearly blocking the plate with his leg. Runner scores easily without that. Run counts. Game over.
And it doesn’t matter anymore!!!!
Steer for RoY!!!
BTW, Larkin explained that doesn’t come into play for a drawn-in infield. But do we care?
It’s a crappy rule…why wouldn’t a catcher just stand there and prevent the runner from scoring? The runner should have access to the plate. Terrible rule.
Casali will be pinch hitting next inning….
Or not!
For the record, that was solid aggressive play, not reckless in my book.
For once, I’ve got no beef with the “aggression.” I do have a beef with the lack of a safety squeeze, but Steer has made me forget all about it.
Steer says he’s got this covered.
I do not believe this team. Not at all.
This Team is unreal!!! another win
STEER!!!! HR!!!!!! REDS WIN!!!!!
Woosh!!!!!!
most heart attacks i have had in a game good win though
Oh my goodness. Steer clear the fence. This is the most fun since the mid 70s
The long ball saves the Reds again.
Get more of it.
OMG..Steer said let’s end this thing with a bang!!!!
Could that boy BE any whiter?
What?
I acknowledge that I’m a Southerner, but what’s that all about, Mark?
Why make that weird, Steer has a Farmer’s tan
Now I get it.
My misread.
Not trying to be overly PC, but I guess I would use ‘paler’….if I were writing on a message thread.
There is a related expression down here. Not a complimentary one,
Great hit. Great win. But what?
This is like the ’99 team all over again.
Incredible.
Did anyone else notice if Joey was in the dugout for McLain’s game-tying home run? I understand he is competitive and doesn’t want to be pinch-hit for, as he and Benson both were in the 9th. But Joey needs to be out there with the rest of the guys if he wants to fit in with this iteration of the Reds. Team Ball, Steele, to quote an 80’s hoop movie starring Robbie Benson.
He could have been in the bathroom or something. I wouldn’t worry about it.
Stop! He was there, and cheering on his team. I don’t understand this kind of crap. Just enjoy, will ya.
That was CRUSHED!!! Out in every park, I do believe.
Would have to be.
Maybe even the old polo grounds!
Waite Hoyt, the Red’s former broadcaster, used to call the Polo Grounds the bandbox because down both foul lines was less than 300 ft. each with centerfield extending out at least 450 ft.
Well, G** D***!!!
I believe Lance has said, “They are never easy!”
This game finish being a devastating loss to Padres. Only a good team makes winning this kind of weird game where the ump was sent from hell to call tonight
He was pretty worthless, wasn’t he?
+5,000
I love these young guns!!
That’s the way a 1st place team wins.
Yes it is.
To quote Brantley: Perhaps a “Team of Destiny”
They are so so special. They seem to be.
The hundred loss season is in the past. A lot of credit to GM Nick Krall for the trades to restore the Red’s farm system which has brought exciting baseball back to Cincinnati and the Metro area.
Why not us or It is us?
Just incredible!! What fun this team is. These young Reds can compete with anyone. What a great year this has been. I don’t see them slowing down. Great outing by Ashcraft too. Just what we needed!
Mucho Kudos to Ashcraft. This performance was a good sign.
Yes. A great sign & sorely needed going forward.
Pirates coming back on the Brewers. 4-3 in the 5th.
Casali seems like a nice guy, and I think he was the MVP of the Karcher game, but PLEASE let this be the last three-catcher game of the season…
That really needs to happen.
Classic Ashcraft: 8 ground outs, 7 Ks.
I hope he’s on the way back.
Sam with the cap on backwards … 😀
Wow! It was really nice to see Ashcraft rediscover his mojo!
Great come from behind win. Believe it, and live it!
This team NEVER ceases to amaze me! First blown save by Diaz, down 2 runs in the bottom of the 10th and then BOOM! Another 2-run BOOM in the bottom of the 11th!
Who needs fireworks when you have these kids never giving in or giving up!
Too bad about Diaz’s save streak ending! Maybe that will keep them from using him in the All Star game! Just kidding!
Excellent use of the bullpen by Bell in the 2 extra innings! There, I said it!
Streak over, but we still won. Now, he doesn’t have to drag that weight around. Start a new one!
Dumb reporter just asked McClain what he thought of EDLC. I mean the guy just hit a game tying 2 run homer with 2 put.
Called it
Per the bullpen, is it new news or out there earlier that Aroldis Chapman going to the Rangers from KC? Just saw the flash on MLB network.
It was confirmed. Here’s the MLBTR blub on it. Apparently KC saw what they wanted in the Tejas prospects.
https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/06/rangers-acquire-aroldis-chapman.html
That’s kind of sickening to me but have to move on.
As I’ve said all along, it wasn’t going to take that much. Great deal for the Rangers.