It’s been a rare occurrence where the Cincinnati Reds (81-78) and the St. Louis Cardinals (69-90) meet for the final series of the season and it’s the Cardinals who have nothing to play for, but indeed, that is what we have in 2023.
The Cardinals were eliminated weeks ago and will finish with at least 90 losses this season. The Reds, however, still have a chance, even if it’s the slightest chance. Brandon Williamson gets the start, as the Reds need a series sweep (and some help) to ensure a playoff spot. First pitch is at 8:15 pm EDT.
Lineups
Cincinnati Reds
|
St. Louis Cardinals |
| 2B Jonathan India | 2B Tommy Edman |
| CF T.J. Friedl | 1B Paul Goldschmidt |
| LF Spencer Steer | RF Jordan Walker |
| 1B Christian Encarnacion-Strand | DH Luken Baker |
| DH Nick Martini | CF Lars Nootbaar |
| C Tyler Stephenson | C Andrew Knizner |
| SS Elly De La Cruz | 3B Jose Fermin |
| 3B Noelvi Marte | LF Richie Palacios |
| RF Will Benson | SS Masyn Winn |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Brandon Williamson | 111.0 | 4.54 | 1.29 | 37 | 96 |
| Jake Woodford | 46.0 | 5.09 | 1.65 | 21 | 29 |
| Links: Brandon Williamson’s Stats | Jake Woodford’s Stats |
|||||
Brandon Williamson
Brandon Williamson’s season had its ups and downs, but overall, it can be considered a successful rookie season for the 25-year-old left-hander. He increased his innings total by about 30 innings from the previous year. In 2022, he pitched 122.2 innings at Double-A. This year, it increased to 145 innings (and counting)– 34.0 at Triple-A and 111.0 at the MLB level. The ERA may not show it, but Williamson has had some promising starts in 2023. He’ll be heavily considered to be in the starting rotation in 2024.
One thing that helped Williamson is the development of his cutter. He has only gotten more and more comfortable using it as the season has progressed. He was only using it about 20 percent of the time after introducing it in May, but now in September uses it about 31 percent of the time. It’s become his secondary pitch after the four seam fastball.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 382 | 86 | 23 | 1 | 16 | 8% | 21% | .245 | .305 | .453 |
| LHH | 85 | 20 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9% | 18% | .270 | .345 | .338 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 92.5 | 91.9 | 89.1 | 73.5 | 81.7 | 84.1 |
| Usage | 41% | .04% | 23% | 8% | 13% | 15% |
Jake Woodford
Most Reds fans know Jake Woodford from the moment in April 2021 when Nick Castellanos scored a run at GABP and then stood over him at home plate. This year, the 26-year-old right-hander has been on and off the injured list this season with right shoulder issues throughout the season, and has appeared in only 14 games for the Cardinals.
Woodford started six games in April, but after a few bad starts, the Cardinals moved him to the bullpen when he returned from the injured list in June. He was the pitcher who could get them through two or three innings out of the bullpen, if needed. He’s made two appearances in September thus far, allowing only one run on five hits in 6.1 innings.
Lefties have hit him well in 2023. In 103 plate appearances, left-handed hitters are hitting .326 against him with five home runs. They’re getting on-base at a .379 clip. It’d sure be nice to have a certain first baseman in the lineup tonight who gets on base a lot, wouldn’t it? Joey Votto only has two hits and a walk in six plate appearances against Woodford, including a home run.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 107 | 25 | 8 | 1 | 3 | 13% | 16% | .275 | .374 | .484 |
| LHH | 103 | 30 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 7% | 12% | .326 | .379 | .544 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | 2-Seam | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 93.0 | 92.2 | 90.1 | 76.6 | 82.1 | 86.2 |
| Usage | 8% | 48% | 8% | 8% | 24.0% | 5% |
Details:
- Time: 8:15 pm EDT
- Place: Busch Stadium, St. Louis, Missouri
- Weather: 79 degrees, clear, 0 percent chance of rain
- TV: Bally Sports Ohio
- Radio: 700 WLW
News and Notes
Nick Krall, Brad Meador have been promoted
About 90 minutes prior to the game, news broke that the Reds had promoted Nick Krall to President of Baseball Operations and Brad Meador was promoted to General Manager. We wrote about both, and have some words from Krall on the moves from this evening.
Playoff Scenarios
The Reds have not been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs yet. It’s going to be difficult, but there’s a path. Redleg Nation has you covered with every scenario possible this weekend. You should be rooting for the Pirates, Brewers, and Astros too.
Today’s Roster Move
It was a minor one, but Daniel Duarte went on the IL and the Reds made a corresponding roster move.
The #Reds today recalled from Triple-A Louisville RHP Carson Spiers and placed on the 15-day injured list, retro to Thursday, RHP Daniel Duarte (right shoulder tightness). pic.twitter.com/aYzFXcKH4r
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 29, 2023
Ya think we’d better win today? 😉
No Votto, no Fraley verse a right hander who lefties hit well. Bell is am incredible analytics guy. Honestly we are most likely eliminated and I would have liked to have seen Votto start all 3 games.
Let’s go Reds and beat the devilbirds!
No Fraley I get. He needs that toe surgery sooner as opposed to later. Skipping Joey at DH? That’s a “classic” HDTBell head-scratcher.
Fraley hasn’t done anything since he returned.
For the record I agree on Fraley. At this point shut him down and call up Hurtubise. He is going to have to be added to 40 man anyway to protect him. Let him get his feet wet.
Regardless of what happens elsewhere, I really want to Kick this WLB Dirty Bird Pig right in the teeth … THREE TIMES!!!
You and me both. Cardinals would love to knock us out.
+10000
Pirates are helping us out right now.
It cone’s down to Reds taking care of their business, Pirates helping, and Cubs cub it up. It can very much happen.
Let’s get a little business out of the way right now, so it doesn’t slip my mind later this weekend.
I’m distributing +2,134,750 equally among my fellow RLN commenters, with a bias toward those who I have interacted with more. It’s been an exciting ride and it’s not quite over yet. Even this offseason should provide some solid fodder for discussion as we look toward what could be a very bright 2024.
Thanks all for seeing me through and putting up with the crap I sometimes dish out … 😀 😛 😉
+1000. It’s been a fun season and should be some.good debates through out this off season.
MM – you have always been my favorite. I assume we are talking dollars.
I wander if he will do direct deposit?
Pete and Melvin – it will be a crypto currency of my own invention. I’ll distribute via RLN once it’s up and running 😛
Maybe in gift certificates for meals at your house? 😉
MM why not, let’s give it a try.
That’s why Martini is playing over Votto and Fraley.
Maybe he should have been for the past week and a half then?
At least over Fraley. I think we’re all happy with the result there.
That’s the way to start things.
Can anyone explain Nick Martini to me?
You take a jigger of gin, two of vermouth, and maybe some vodka … 😮
Nice, I like one part vermouth, three parts vodka – shaken not stirred, two olives.
I’m not a martini guy. I just know some of the booze used in variations.
A curious case to be sure. Glad he’s in the lineup tonight, though.
Martini !!!!!!!!
Nice hit by Martini there. Good call by Bell to start him and keep JDV for the bench bat when/if needed
Looks like a new glove for Brandon.
I remember it taking forever to break in a new glove.
Gosh me too! I rolled & curved them. Put a ball inside and taped them up. Tried mineral oil on the exterior. Slept on it under my pillow! Tried everything!
Gabe Kapler is available.
I don’t know if I had TJ Friedl having a higher OPS than Goldschmidt on my bingo card for this season.
+500
Sweet Will!
The boys came to play. Now to India just to lift one a little bit (or a hit).
EDLC, Benson team up for another run. That’s the way I like it! Nice to have a lead early for once. Let’s keep it this time.
“That’s the way I like it”
Maybe you should write a song? 😉
I don’t wish to torment anyone.
Pirates still leading 3-0 in the 7th.
Thanks Melvin!
Let’s make it 5 or 6!!
Captain Jack India! Keep it going, guys. Pour it on.
Reds cannot lose this game. I don’t care what it takes but they must win. If it means emptying out the bullpen, so be it.
Dont understand the Benson had a bad 8 day streak while others scream he shouldnt bat 8th and bat 3rd instead
Whats obvious is he a corner outfielder against righties and India does his best castellanos crush woodford impression
Cool lead. Let’s not get TOO happy if you know what a mean. 😉
10000 % agree!!!
True. OK, how’s this: 🙁
( 😉 )
Just keep the enthusiasm in check buddy until the game is over. 🙂
Love this early lead then I remember the Reds blew a 9-0 lead to the Pirates a few days ago. i will never be comfortable with these guys but it is looking good so far.
Too true. Hopefully, they learned their lesson and don’t let up.
Better than the reverse, that’s for sure.
The kids are showing attitude so far
Goldy doesn’t look amused out there. Nice play to save what was probably a triple.
Our boy Steer has by around 11 rbi’s now too.
Wee this!!
The Reds own this poor kid!
Woodford looking in to Oli Marmol for relief … and that’s gonna happen.
Probably not the end to his 2023 season he envisioned. Wonder if he’ll avoid the post-game presser. I know I would.
I’d just go ahead and pack up and hide in a corner, a really dark one.
I wonder if Votto is hurting again. Seems odd that he didn’t start and this following the last game against the Guardians where he didn’t play when there were clear options for him to pinch hit. Not a complaint at all, but seems like a strange time to start going off performance if that’s the reason.
Bell said he’d be available off the bench. You know he’s likely hurting pretty good.
Steer! What the heck is going on? Nice to see, but I hope it continues for the next three days at least. Too many times we’ve seen occasional offensive outbursts like this, and then the bats go dormant for the next X number of innings. Hopefully this is not one of those times.
“Clean up in the Bally Ohio visitor TV booth … Sadak’s head has exploded … again.”
It’s a shame that he has a bag of replacement heads.
Kind of like Tony Shaloub’s character in Men In Black
Hard to make a worse play than that. Stop it guys. RIGHT NOW.
No time for sloppy play.
Elly’s card reads: “Aim at chest.”
Did you hear me guys? STOP IT NOW.
I’d like next years infield to be CES, Steer, McClain and Marte. Outfield Friedl in center and figure out the rest.
Who to you put at SS and 2B in that mix? Is Steer your everyday 2B? It could work.
Steer at 2nd, McClain at SS.
Hinds has a cannon too and projects as RF in the big leagues. How about Elly in center, when/if Hinds is up in 25?
Elly is in my infield. I have Elly at third, Marte at short, Mac at 2nd, CES at 1b.
Steer in LF, Bellinger in CF and Benson in RF.
That’s better. 🙂
Got to love timely Bike Helmets after some sloppy play up the middle. Lucky rebounds on both of those plays.
What has Brad done for you!
It’s a joke:)
Up 7-0? Why is it that we Reds fans aren’t comfortable?
History and HDTBell. Deadly combination.
And cookies like that.
So, it begins …
On the backs of 7-8-9
Here it comes. Stop it NOW.
OK, Cardinals get two runs. But that’s it. We need this game too much.
India a little wild, but Bike Helmets anyway to hopefully turn the tide. Nice stretch by CES.
Marlins tied it up the scores now 3-3
Really a bad inning from Selby …
things going bad in Pittsburgh
That’s good. 🙂
A moon shot and he extended his hit streak. 14 games I believe is a Reds rookie record.
Noelvi machado homers
Way less ego than Machado. More like Miggy at the start.
Miami leads 4-3 in the 8th.
They had bases loaded and the Pirates got out of it. Time for some Pirate runs?
Marlins take the lead in the eighth inning, it’s now 4 to 3 and they are still batting.
I’m afraid that apart from a complete collapse by the Snakes and that mythical 4-way tie for 2 spots, Sunday is our last game. I know that’s not positive energy, but the math and that score in Pittsburgh works hard against us. Maybe the Phish have to go back to play that last little bit against the Metros. But, again, that’s a lot of “ifs”.
Could be. Likely, in fact. Reds are in this situation (needing help) through no one’s fault but their own. They didn’t take care of business when they needed to a week or so ago. But we can still enjoy the moment and hope for the best.
Exactly, RedsMonk65. This is where many of us would recall games with choices made or not made by a certain field Manager that could have added even a couple of wins (which take away losses). May not have won the NLC, but we could be sitting much closer to Philly’s spot.
I like Marte & his Miggy personna too.
OK, 9 more runs and we can relax — maybe.
+1,000
We MIGHT win this game….might. 😉
Mac land!!!!
Leadoff man on for the Pirates in the 8th.
David Robertson’s coming on glued too. Have to give it to the Pirates they areplaying with everything they’ve got!
Pirates are a pesky young team (as they showed the Reds last week). Can’t count on them inhabiting last place in the division in 2024. They come to play.
Poop. DP
Goes to the 9th. Miami 4-3
Hey, that CES kid can hit. Maybe he’s our “big stick” cleanup hitter as we move forward……
OK, let’s get 12 more.
Wow, now 14-2. I was just kidding. At this rate, we might actually score 24 runs.
3rd deck blast … Thrall just said the boys are “seeing beachballs tonight”. I tend to agree.
I do hope Bell leaves these guys in and doesn’t start “managing”. They seriously need the psychological boost of knowing they can destroy the opposition. No more “let everyone play”, etc. Just crush the opponent. And realize you can.
+5,000
Well….we still might win. 😉
Maybe. Just keep a lid on it, Melvin.
Sssshhhh
Leading 2 touchdowns to a safety … don’t stop yet. Just watch the WLB’s fans start to leave early.
Goldy must really be ready for his golf season to start.
And if that was 428 feet, CES was WAY more than 418.
It’s weird to compare some players. I have always liked Edman for example but India is better than Edman is everything in other than defense. I don’t know what the future holds for India and the Reds but I sure would like for them to find a place for him that makes sense.
When Friedl was emerging last year, I was comparing him to Bader or Edman.
Friedl has exceeded those two now.
Something seems to have clicked with TJ based on what I’m seeing.
Holy cow, it’s an absolute barrage of hitting. Same some for tomorrow, guys (or just do it again).
Lars Nootbar is my favorite player’s name in all of baseball.
Miami just bunted a runner over to second. Cheaters.
Six homers through four innings. When’s the last time that happened?
Bell, in his pregame speech, was overheard saying…”Guys, we really need this one.”
”Guys, we really need this one.”
Such a profound motivating statement. 🙂
Followed by “Juice boxes and orange slices are over there.”
😀 😀 😀
However. You will still get your participation trophy win or lose. 🙂
There was no voice inflection, but he reportedly did raise an eyebrow.
Quite possibly because a fly had landed on it.
Going to the bottom of the 9th in Pittsburgh. Miami 4-3
To be expected, I think. The playoffs matter less than these guys hammering the Cards. With the exception of Martini vs. Fraley, and assuming the Reds FO hesitancy to spend, these guys could be the starters next year. Bell should just play them throughout the series and reinforce their performance
Elly De La Spiderman
+500
Nice play from EDLC. What a thrill for the fans in the first 2 rows!
“I caught a ball at the game. What did you get?”
“I caught EDLC!”
Now see. That’s what he can do in the outfield over the wall. 🙂
Miami wins 4-3
I’m practicing saying “Go Phish!” just so the Stupid Cubs don’t make it in.
Good new is Cubs are losing 3-0
stupid pirate bullpen! Thanks for nothin!
Poo. Marlins likely too much to overcome at this late stage.
Maybe better chance of Arizona losing three in a row.
Pirates dropped the lead letting Miami to win … Incredible
Basically need a Astros sweep…..well at least Houston is in a fight in the American League and need to win….so they will be battling
Houston is fighting for their lives right now. Maybe that does play into our hands if the Snakes fade fast and hard, even if the Phish continue to swim forward.
Williamson gives a walk to the 9th batter in a 14-2 game… LOL
Just cant’ help it. It’s in their blood. 🙂
Williamson is still covid struggling. That stuff wore me out.
His jersey was soaked in the 4th. Plus, pitching more season innings.
The STL starter was soaked in sweat too. It must be a difficult night to pitch.
Yes he was. I went to a convention in St. Louis during this time of year in 1996 and the humidity was awful. My suit was bad enough, but in a stressful game plus a uniform.
And he’s a day early as well. He was supposed to pitch tomorrow. Overall, not a bad performance for the rookie.
Not at all. Glad he’s made it atleast thru 5 with a lead.
+5 Schrute Bucks
Yes. I hope Connor is sharp again tomorrow.
Oli beginning to throw in the towel. Siani in for Nootbaar (probably went for a snack). Goldy is done for tonight.
When MM gets healthy next year, I like our blend of cerebral guys, energy guys. They’re all cerebral at this level, but some way way more than others.
Milwaukee still leading Chicago 3-0 top of 7th.
Hey, when did Siani become a Cardinal, and how? Guess I missed something somewhere. He was with Louisville much of this summer, I know.
DFA for a roster spot. Cardinals picked him up.
Hmmm. Just went back and looked it up. Missed that at the time. Sounds like he was dumped to make room for Renfroe and Bader. Hate to lose him. Not a great hitter, but good defensively and has some speed. Only 24. There’s some value there. Would have preferred to keep him over Renfroe and Bader.
Orioles won 100 after their breakout season in 2022.
They went out and signed:
Kyle Gibson – 35 yrs old for 10 million (5 ERA pitcher)
Adam Frazier – 31 yrs old for 8 million
Picked up Mcann during this year and is owed 12 million next year. (ewww)
That’s their highest paid guys.
Starting pitching emerged and a great bullpen and a young core of hitters.
Wainwright 1st AB in 3 yrs and hits it 102 mph
That’s insane.
I think Spiers could pitch a couple of innings there at least…
I would think that’s the plan. He should be able to finish the game. Especially when Elly makes a play like that one.
HDTBell just couldn’t resist some changes, could he? TJ sits down for Stewie.
Friedl would rarely come out. Pulling teeth would be easier.
Timing too.
Elly looked like Stretch Armstrong!
Starting to dislike the Pirates. They come into Gabp and score 8 runs a game and beat us down, but when we need them to win they come from ahead and choke.
Our guys just have to mature and start to put it together next year
No Chris.
Milwaukee up 3-2 over the Cubs going into the bottom of the 8th.
Pour it on Bernies!!! Really want to see the Stupid Cubs locked out. Overtaking them would be a major feel-good thing.
We’d at least be tied after tonight if things stay the same. I know the Cubs have always been the “Stupid Cubs” to you even during the Strato season. lol
I picked that up from one of the former RLN forum owners. Or maybe it was Chad when he did game threads.
I’m liking our chances a LITTLE bit more now.
Reds outscoring the Bengals.
If you only get one hit a night, make it a triple and provide some fireworks. 18 and counting.
De La Cruz is a triple machine if the ball gets by the outfielder.
Throws another one away. What a night for the WLB Dirty Birds and their SS in particular.
Cardinal looks like they’re mailing the season in. Hope they continue to feel that way the next two games.
That would be one piece to the puzzle.
No score Astros/Dbacks
Brewers still holding on top of 9th.
Happ just homered to tie it.
I just hope the Reds don’t score all their weekend runs tonight.
That’s my fear.
Benson got jacked. Can’t argue calls when you are this far up.
HDTBell working on getting tossed as well. Came close.
Why get thrown out of the game on a called third strike when you’re up 19-2?
Rookie move. It was very close anyway. And you know what I think about most of these Chumpires.
Bell has to tell him to sit his butt down. Too late.
? exactly right.
Reds are taking a big chunk out of their negative run differential tonight. Things seem pretty safe now, so I’m turning in. Gotta come back and do it again tomorrow and Sunday.
Stupid Cubs tied it.
That was stupid of Benson in a blowout.
Relax..
Going to the bottom of the 9th. Brewers got to score.
Didn’t use Williams to close.
And we pay for that.
I have to wonder if there is history between Benson and Cuzzi (?) The home plate ump for Benson to react that strongly there.
There is now. haha
Yep. Might take 2 Cowgills to pill him off Cuzzi next time.
Leadoff single for the BREWERS. 🙂
Stink! DP smh
You can safely remove the take sign now.
3 outs and don’t let them score more than 16 runs … I think they can handle that.
No score in the 5th in Arizona.
Save situation for Spiers … 😮
Weird baseball rules
10th inning in Milwaukee R
Weird indeed.
Last 3 innings sub-rule
10th inning. Brewers/Cubs
Unmuted the TV feed just in time to hear Sadak describe it as a “demolition” … what a maroon!!
Squeaked that one out
I’m only sticking around to see who gets the Jim Day interview. Frankly, it should be Williamson.
Reds get the job done today…..
someone named Boushley is pitching since the 9th inning for the Brewers…
Houston – three run homer. Lead 3-0
ESPN has 2-0? Dbacks lose on Gallens turn then who knows? Cubs top of 10 got nothing
Cubs had bases loaded in the 10th and don’t score. 🙂
Bernie survived the Stupid Cubs 10th. Time to bring it home.
Cubs don’t score in the 10th!
Come on Brewers! 🙂
Breweres WIN! 🙂
as in Brewers! 😉
Brewers walk it off
We’re tied with the Cubs Mark! 😀
I watched it happen. BIG fun!!!
You’re supposed to let me tell you. 😀 haha
Santana laces one down the oppo line and the Bernies win. The Stupid Cubs Cub and we are tied with them headed into the final two games.
Cubs are out of the way if the Reds win out.
Houston needs to sweep the snakes, because Miami is playing tough lately.
Astros are in a position where they must win to stay ahead of the Ms. Seattle has the lead in their game. Beat the Dbacks
Barring a Reds sweep of the Cards and an Astros sweep of AZ, I guess the playoffs are set. But, a realistic chance of finishing ahead of the Cubs. Grind the Cards into the dirt two more times. Not like beating the Dodgers, but close enough.
I’m sure I am missing something, but essentially the Reds have to win out and the Marlins have to lose out, right? The Marlins have that suspended game that they will probably win that they can utilize if they must. Isn’t that essentially what it comes down to now?
Arizona could lose two more and if we won our last two we’d have the tie breaker if I understand things correctly. We’d be in.
Providing they lose tonight first of course.
So that would make Cincinnati the third Wild Card, with Philadelphia and Miami ahead of them?
Right. Arizona needs to lose out, Reds need to win out. Both would then have 84 wins and the Reds would get in ahead of them.
Thank you, sir.
That’s the most likely scenario for us to get in I believe.
We should’ve owned the Central aside from Milwaukee. And won 40 % of those games minimum. Add another layer. win in your own park 65/35 % of home games.