The Cincinnati Reds offense didn’t do much on Sunday, but they did just enough thanks to outstanding pitching to pick up a 1-0 win over Chicago as they swept the Cubs in a 4-game series. The win combined with a loss by the New York Mets brings the two teams to a tie for the final wild card spot in the National League as the regular season heads to the final week.
| Final | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs (88-68) | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Cincinnati Reds (80-76) | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| W: Martinez (11-13) L: Taillon (10-7) SV: Santillan (7) | |||
| Statcast | Box Score | Game Thread | |||
The game was relatively quiet until the top of the 3rd inning. That’s when the Cubs got back-to-back singles to begin the inning, but Andrew Abbott was able to work out of the jam and keep the game scoreless. The bottom of the inning saw the Reds come through with the first run of the game, getting doubles from Matt McLain and Gavin Lux to put Cincinnati up 1-0.
Andrew Abbott threw a shutout 4th inning and came back for the 5th and needed just three pitches to get the first two outs of the frame. But Ian Happ singled to extend the inning and with right-hander Seiya Suzuki due up, manager Terry Frrancona called out to the bullpen to bring in Nick Martinez to get a righty-on-righty match up.
The move worked out as Martinez struck Suzuki out to end the inning and strand the runner. He would then throw two more perfect innings after that, sending the game to the 8th inning with the Reds still holding onto a 1-run lead. Graham Ashcraft took over from there and worked around a bloop single to hold the lead.
After Cincinnati went in order in the bottom of the 8th inning the Reds called to the bullpen to bring in Tony Santillan to try and close out the game. The inning didn’t get out to a great start as Santillan walked Moises Ballesteros on five pitches. He’d rebound from there to get a lazy fly out off of the bat of Dansby Swanson. Chicago then went to the bench to bring in Willi Castro to pinch hit for Justin Turner. Ashcraft would strike Castro out, but walked Michael Busch to push the tying run to second and the go-ahead run to first.
That resulted in a mound visit from pitching coach Derek Johnson as Pete Crow-Armstrong was heading to the plate. Santillan would strike him out looking to end the game and help the Reds complete a 4-game sweep of the Cubs.
Key Moment of the Game
Tony Santillan striking out Pete Crow-Armstrong to strand the tying and go-ahead runs to end the game.
Notes Worth Noting
The New York Mets lost and if the Reds make the playoffs over them by a game or by virtue of a tie then they owe Jacob Young whatever he asks them for as the Nationals outfielder made two incredible catches in the game. With the win, the Reds now control their own destiny to the playoffs with six games left to play.
The game on Saturday against Milwaukee has a new start time. FOX used their option to select the game as the national game of the week. That pushes the scheduled start time to 7:15pm.
Up Next for the Cincinnati Reds
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Cincinnati Reds
Tuesday September 23rd, 6:40pm ET
Johan Oviedo (2-0, 3.52 ERA) vs Brady Singer (14-10, 3.86 ERA)
The Cubs are going to be looking to take their frustrations out on the next team they play.
And who is that team?
Why, none other than the New York Mets.
Or the Cubs phone it in having already clinched a playoff berth.
Hoping they do the Reds a solid and mash around the Mets. We’ll see soon.
The Cubs are very different team without Tucker. I’m sure teams fear them as currently fielding a team.
The #1 wildcard and thus homefield advantage in round 1 is still in play for the Cubs. The Cubs’ advantage over the Padres is down to 3.
The Padres have the Brewers and the DBacks to close out, both for 3 games at home.
The Cubs have the Mets and the Cards, both for 3 games at home.
I don’t think the Cubs are going to be slacking until they know they have the #1 Wildcard in hand.
Go, Reds, Go!!!
Keep it focused and make it happen against those Pie-Rats.
Keep an eye on the D-Backs. They’re dangerous.
Just win and nothing anyone else does matters.
That’s true, Doug, but someone was saying all we had to do was beat the Mets. In theory, we could match or exceed the Mets win total, but still find ourselves on the outside looking in if we settle for, say, 3 wins, but the Snakes win 5.
Amen Doug!
That’s it in a nutshell. Baseball is like anything else in life; you either do it or don’t.
Keep an eye on the Reds. They’re dangerous.
We dont play the Diamondbacks. Just focus on beating the Pirates and Brewers.
Dbacks play Padres last three games. Padres are still in the hunt for the division title, just barely
Padres haven’t clinched wild card yet
Yep, and we finally swept the Cubs. How sweet it is!!!!!
Who would have thought a week ago before Joe Burrow got injured there would be little hope for the Bengals and more hope for the Reds a week later as far as playoff aspirations? Certainly not me.
Reds vs. Dodgers first round of playoffs coming up?
Will be very interesting to see how the Reds and Mets fair these last 6 games.
Frankly, I’ve been hopeful about the Reds and I think the team has a better leader in Francona and such strong starting pitching. I never thought the Bengals did enough this off season to be successful this year. They basically spent a lot more money on the same team. The OL and defense are still a mess.
Losing an MVP caliber starting quarterback to injury will MOST definitely affect your season. Don’t you think?
TRue, but the point he was making was they weren’t contending this year, even with Burrow, with a sad-sack defense and mediocre OL.
Still a long way to go in both seasons. I still think Browning will have success and i fear the reds may have a let down with the pirates.
Only 3 games in for the Bengals. Way, way too prematurely to write things off but need to see much better game planning and execution for Denver.
The pirates have tough pitching. It won’t be a cakewalk.
As it should be. We have to find a way to beat PIT to make the playoffs.
Let’s keep your focus, remain calm, and listen to Tito.
I gotta say when I saw Lux was in the line up and Stewart was not, I shook my head.
It turns out Lux goes 2/4 and hit the only and game winning RBI – pretty much won the game on the offensive side.
What a run by the Reds. This is Tito Francona branded baseball. Hang around as long as possible and make a run at the end to make the playoffs with a low payroll team. We have 6 games to find out if it pays off this year.
And, if the Reds make the playoffs, tell me a team that wants to play this team – especially this starting rotation.
That’s pretty awesome!
McLain and Lux constituted our offense. For all the hate that Lux gets, I was happy to see him being clutch.
For all the doubters, I’m glad Abbott pitched a gutsy game. Ump did him zero favors. 2.80 era on the season, I’ll take that all day, every day.
Great pitching from start to finish. Huge W!
Not to diss Bell. IMHO Francona is worth at least 5-8 games
The Reds are already +12 over last season.
They won 77 las year and I am positive they haven’t won 89 this year and won’t.
Not to diss on Francona, whom I like a lot, but the Reds are healthy–the quality of “available” players makes a big difference.
Precisely. +1000000, BK.
as far as I’m concerned, I get to say the Reds are in the playoffs as of September 21st.
Now we just need to hold it. Sweep the Pirates and win the Brewers series and I think we are in.
Glad to see 30,000 attended today’s game. Lets keep that going for the Pirates series. Reds fans should flood to GABP this week.
Yes – the Reds are now in the playoffs. at least atmospherically. Anything is possible, but I don’t see the Mets going 6-0, so 5-1 should lock it for the Reds. Don’t know if they can do that, but it’s a good time to find out.
Let’s be really optimistic and just think if they won all 6 of the last games. Does that change anything?
The Dbacks are on our tail. So more than the Mets to worry about.
Yea, last week we were supposed to sweep the A’s. Pepperidge Farm remembers.
Juts keep on winning and hope the Cubs are mad and really mad especially after being swept and losing not one but two games 1-0.As is said on here a lot of times mostly as sarcasm you can’t make this kind of stuff up.I don’t wager but a 4 game sweep and the first one 1-0 and the last one 1-0 is well fill in the rest.GO REDS.Rest up and get ready to punch the Pirates in the mouth.Score 4 or 5 each game and we will be just fine.Today made 5 in a row.Reds have not won 6 so why not Tuesday?
The Mets weakness right now is their starting pitching. It’s not all bad, but they have some pretty big holes in their starting rotation.
They are not scoring enough runs to overcome their uneven starting pitching.
And yes, having a relatively intact roster now, versus last September makes a big difference. If you recall, the rotation last September was a patchwork of call-ups, etc. Lowder did great, which was a surprise and unexpected, but a lot of guys were not nearly 100% or just out of the lineup/DL.
We might even be able to rest up the last 2 games if they keep their eye on the prize. I can’t see the Mets winning a series in Wrigley
I just hope they can go into Milwaukee needing only 1 win.
Last three games of the year against Milwaukee…..we may see them resting some of their players. I think there is an advantage to the Reds in that series.
Yes and no. I don’t see a big advantage for the Reds against the Brewers.
As the rotation turns, I think Greene would pitch the last game of the season, if needed. If they have the Wild Card slot locked up, then pass Greene (he would pitch the first playoff game). But that’s a big “IF”.
The Reds are 6-4 against the Pirates this year. 3-0 against the Pirates early in the year at GABP, but 3-4 against the Pirates at their park. The Pirates are above .500 at home, but really bad on the road.
Bullpen has been lights out.
two days ago Reds playoff odds were listed at 4.5%. now they are up to 31%. that is a pretty dramatic change.
I don’t think it’s ever been that high this year.
42.9% on ESPN
Crazy change for just 48 hours. That gives the Reds a 50/50 chance
That amount of change in such a short time speaks volumes about how flawed the underlying model is.
Odds on espn and elsewhere mean nothing.
6 more wins and the Reds are in the playoffs.
Reds swept the cubs in a 4 game series when it mattered.
2025 season is now down to 6 games. Sign me up.
Tito has done a great job. Nick Martinez absolutely worth the $21 million. Lux and Trevino and Andujar and Littell and Hayes and 2 year Pagan signing and India for Singer all great moves. Candy wasnt but give Krall credit for cutting bait on Diaz basically in ST and Candy in May and sending CES back to AAA and Reds are still in it in late September. Beat the dang Pirates and play add on.
GO REDS!!!!
Just as much credit needs to go to Derek Johnson for what’s he’s done with the pitching staff. Pitching is what has gotten us this far. Starting pitching has been stellar especially with Greene and Lodolo missing games.
Can’t celebrate yet, still work to do these last 6 games.
+10000000, Jason T.
I give Krall his due credit. I also think the Manager is great. This has been a good season. Go Reds!!!
I think Francona’s leadership has made the difference and contributed to 5-8 of the wins
If we win 4 of the next 6 we should be in
Even if we fall short it’s been the most fun season sine 2013
Agree that many of those moves were terrific but I’m not sure I’m ready to say “great” on Hayes. After a relatively strong start, he’s in a huge slum and has been taking at bats away from better hitters. I’d like to see Sal Stewart at third until they need the KBH glove late. On a slightly related note, how long since Santiago Espinal even played? I’m guessing there’s a couple hitters in Louisville that could add more value than the forgotten man.
ESPY played 2 of the three games in St. Louis. One at bat in each game. Don’t think he made any appearance in the Chicago series
I think Ke’Bryan Hayes will hit to the expected numbers on the back of his baseball card. I think he was hitting well for the Reds initially, but he is back to form.
Maybe it’s his back. He has back problems.
It’s the longest hitless steak of Hayes’ career, apparently. But his defense isn’t slumping. He wasn’t acquired to be the middle of the order bat, but to shore up a very leaky third base. We’ve seen–repeatedly–how mis-plays are damaging. This isn’t beer league softball: what happens when a team is on defense–half the game–matters in the outcome, doesn’t it?
Tito will go with who got him here and Hayes because Krall said you can win games with defense.Tito said he would not forget those who have been grinding it out all year long and he hasn’t and he won’t these last 6 games.The Reds swept the Cubs in a 4 game series and 2 games were 1-0 and nobody would have predicted either.Rhea on Thursday and Tallion yesterday are not good at all and we get 9 hits and two runs total.Even before the first pitch yesterday and baseball is a funny game,it wouldn’t be hard to say the Reds will struggle to score if they have to get 3 or 4 hits in an inning.They got 5 I believe for the game.I love Tito and his commitment to his players but going forward power plays and the guys watching yesterday just have to get some starts.No way the rest of the way can we expect to win 1-0 or 2-1 cause our starters as good as they have been will have a stinker or two.Reds have to figure out a way to score 4 or 5 runs and it will be hard with a line up like we saw yesterday.
Outside of Candy, Krall did a very good job on the cheap.
I agree STAX but I feel confident to say that there were very few people that would have thought Candy would be a bust so I don’t really blame Krall for that one either. This kind of thing happens to all GM’s at one time or another. It just sticks out so much because for our pecuniarily challenged ownership his salary was a lot of money.
The Cubs should be embarrassed and mad and all of that, and turn around to whip Mets for us. That will be something. The snakes are not dead yet, they’re harder to kill than weeds in my front yard, and are dangerous too. But they run into LA next, so we have the advantage
The Reds have a very simple solution… just keep winning.
+10K
Other than the shortened 2020 season, I think last time they were so late in the postseason race was in 2013, it feels very strange. Just sweep the Pirates, take 1 or 2 from the Brewers and they’ll be in. Go Reds!
2023.
These guys were 6 games out not so long ago. I am absolutely stunned that they can now control their playoff destiny.
Kudos to the players and to Tito for ramping up the intensity and delivering when it matters.
I am hopeful they can keep it going!
Like many here I hope the Reds can just keep winning. Track records though for this team against the two teams left to play are not very good. I still feel like we need the Mets and maybe even the Padres to continue to flop. Mets are the more likely to do that.
Will be interesting this winter to see what changes this team makes.
The Mets are 13 games under .500 on the road. Their remaining games are on the road.
We are actually rooting heavily for the Padres. We are 5 games back of them, so they are out of reach for us, but the Padres play the Diamondbacks in yhe last series of the year who are only 1 game behind us.
Magic number for wild card sits at 6 (if my math is correct)very doable.
Pittsburgh starters not that bad pitchingwise. it would be nice to beat em up with the bats. our pitchers sometimes have to feel they can’t make a mistake at all.
Reds are 6-4 against the Pirates this year.
Reds are a playoff team at this moment, thanks to a spectacular and dramatic 4-game sweep against Cubs combined with 2 Mets losses . This series includes a pair of 1-0 wins that’s incredible. Everybody wished a win series before the 4-game set started because the sweep wasn’t expected. Reds have done an extraordinary job. Now , it’s coming the series against Pirates so they shouldn’t make the same thing as other times against losing teams, they have to keep playing good baseball and winning the games…
Nothing matures a young team more than a taste of the playoffs. Let’s git’er done Reds
Fangraphs still projects the Mets in over the Reds 51.5% to 42.1% (missing balance to Dbacks). Does the Fangraphs algorithm know about and understand tiebreakers?
I think they’re looking at the remaining schedule and giving the edge to the Mets. Reds haven’t exactly beaten up the Pirates and Brewers this year.
Reds are hot right now though, hopefully it’ll continue.
I’m sure it has nothing to do with the fact the Meta play in New York.
By the way, the Mets final 6 games are on the road against the Chicago Cubs and Miami. The Mets are 13 games under .500 on the road.
One game at a time still holds true. It all happens on the field of play, not on someone’s wish list. Right now both the Reds and the Mets are at 80-76 and the D’backs are one game back. It’s as close as it can get. The sweep of the Cubs gives our hopes a real surge, but it’s still 50/50 as to whether we get in or not. Exciting for sure … but more division foes lie ahead.
Ovideo and PIT are up next. We can draw walks on him. Make him throw strikes.
Jameson Taillon about Reds:
“To be completely honest, I was surprised they weren’t in the Wild Card spot [already],” Taillon said. “Every time we face them, I walk away thinking, ‘That’s a good baseball team.’ They do a lot of things really well. They run the bases well. They have guys that can steal. They’ve got some power.”
“We saw Hunter Greene at the top of his game. That’s pretty elite. I wouldn’t want to face him in a playoff series. Obviously, [we] would have loved to get out of here with some wins, but that’s a team that’s extremely motivated and playing for their lives.”
And he added something really important:
“You want to go into the playoffs with momentum,” Taillon said. “Hopefully we just take the off-day tomorrow, regroup, come in Tuesday refreshed. We get to play at home. I think it’s going to be exciting to play in front of the Wrigley fans again, especially since we clinched a spot on the road. We have something to play for.”
Yes, I expect Cubs still getting some wins against the Mets…
Great stuff RGB. Cool feedback from Taillon and the Cubs, and yes, let’s hope they are very motivated to bounce back agains the Mets at home.
Hate to be a party pooper, but HG came out throwing 102 and LA still smacked him around easily. Maybe he could go back and learn from that and relax a little more. They just have so much talent and experience. I thought we were supposed to play Philly for some reason and I like that matchup better w/Wheeler out. We could match Philly w/HRs at times because their park is a bandbox too, but we just had warning track power in LA last time
They smacked him around a little because he was spiking every slider, changeup and split he threw. Once you come become one dimensional, hitters eliminate everything soft and sit fastball. Command of secondary pitches is the key.
Espn has the Mets at 53%, Reds at 43%. Not in my book?
Mets face Horton on Tuesday. He’s 3-1 w/a 1.55 at home. Boyd on Wednesday and he’s 11/’1 with a 2.45 at home. They finish w/3 in Miami. They’ve won 6 in a row and 10 of 11. They’re not even officially eliminated yet at 76-80. If they won out somehow, the Reds would need to go 5-1 to beat them since they have the tiebreaker. They play at Philly this week though before hosting the Mets
Arizona is a game back, but really 1.5 since we own the tiebreaker on them too.
Problem for them is LAD for 3 and then finish at SD for 3.
The Reds should be 65% in my book which of course means nothing. Still though I think 4-2 should get it done. Reds rotation sets up as Singer, HG, Lodolo, LIttell, AA, and Singer. Singer has been nails, but we can probably throw HG and the kitchen sink at Milw on Sunday if we need it. If we sweep Pitt or 3 of the next 4 they might have a magic # of 1
I’m incorrect on Miami. If they won out at 82-80, we’d only have to win 3 to stay ahead of them
IRM , good analysis but regarding to Marlins, you say if Marlins win out the rest of the games Reds should go 5-1 to stay ahead but I don’t think so since Marlins are 4 games behind right now so Reds would need only winning just 3 more games to be ahead of them, the same would apply to the Cards…
So, maybe the Reds don’t need a $700 million player after all. Just a good manager and a team full of hustle and grit.
The Milwaukee way
This. 113 million dollar payroll. Know when to walk away from bad contracts or overpaying for aging stars. As much as I hate to admit it as a Reds fan, they just win. They don’t have the crazy, gaudy stats, they play extremely fundamentally sound baseball and are very well coached.
From what I understand, Milwaukee’s success and the reasons for it, as Jason describes, pretty well summarize Tito’s philosophy.
It’s amazing how important two runs can be. The Reds won by a run today and the Mets lost by a run. The fortunes of both teams changed based on two runs. Baseball is an amazing game.
The decision to play Gavin Lux, who hasn’t exactly been a terror at the plate, might have changed the Reds entire season. The guy goes 2/4 and drives in the Reds only run. Who was on base? Matty McLain, whose struggles this season have McMighty but who hit a McDouble just at the right time for that powerhouse, Lux, to drive him in. Funny how a season like this unfolds.
Six games in the regular season and then, hopefully, we get to see the Reds play some extra baseball. I don’t think there’s a team in the playoffs that really want to face the Reds and their three best pitchers.
Let’s be positive, uplifting fans these last six games. This team has earned our support!
Incredible, gritty performance yet again by the pitching staff. I have hated on Lux for a lot of the last 2 months, but he got it done today, and that’s great!
Let’s go Reds!
I’m going to enjoy the ride after this comment, but Sal went 4-10 in St Louis with 2B, HR, and 3 walks and can’t get in the lineup now? KBH, Lux, and Hays have all had inferior Septembers. Do they plan on beating LA 2-1 or 1-0? How often does that happen to LA? You need to score to beat them so why not start Sal>KBH now. You can sub KBH in after we get the lead or just DH the kid. Hays has 3 hrs and 2 walks in Sept and he’s played alot more then Sal who has 4 Hrs and 3 walks. KBH is on a 0-22 skid and back to hitting dribblers. Cmon?
KBH last 15 games – .146/.250/.146
Last 7 games – .000/.095/.000
Sal Stewart last 15 games – .261/.306/.543
Last 7 games – .364/.440/.682
Of course Stewart is not as good at 3B as KBH but he’s not terrible either. It’s awesome that we swept the Cubs but our offense isn’t exactly humming along smoothly winning two of those game 1-0.
Can’t get happy/complacent with our wins. Still need to improve as much as possible. Don’t let up.
Hays ???
Last 7 games batting .300
Last 14 games batting .300
Last 28 games batting .274 with 5 HRs
The infielder – Hayes (KBH)
The outfielder – Hays
Hays is still only .740 for September and he doesn’t walk (.294 obp). Idk?
I don’t pencil in Hays, Lux, and KBH in daily if its me
It’s worth noting, Melvin, that in those two 1-0 games the Cubs–ferocious lineup and all–scored a total of 0 runs.
I’d think 4-2 in the last 6 would do it. that would force arizona to win out and mets to go 5-1 on the road.
I like the Reds chances if they win 4 of the final 6 because of the Reds having the tiebreaker on both the Mets and the Dbacks.
Here is the math as I see it. If the Reds win 4, the Mets need 5 wins to overcome the tie breaker, and I do not see them sweeping either the Cubs or Marlins.
The math is even worse for the Dbacks if the reds win 4. In this case the Dbacks would need 5 to tie the Reds and all 6 to overcome the tiebreaker.
This is the simplest analysis I’ve seen Jim, and I agree. At the same time, if the Reds approach is “we need to win 4 of 6” that could backfire. I’m hoping (and assuming) that their approach will be to win 6, with Tito knowing when to manage with real urgency, and when to concede defeat and regroup for the next game. No matter the outcome, it’s going to be so much fun to watch. Go Reds!
I agree that the attitude should be that every game is an elimination game until it isn’t.
The Mets have a bit of an edge here early in the week because they will be playing the Cubs three night games on Central time, while the Reds play on Eastern time in 2 night games and an afternoon game. So if the Reds have already lost, they may choose not to play as desperately if they fall several runs behind.
The time zone advantage goes in the Reds’ favor on Friday and Saturday. However, on Sunday all games go at 310pm Eastern time in a soccer style final day.
Tremendous sweep! Now they just have to figure out how to not play down to the Pirates.
I doubt that they’ll be asleep at the wheel, but if they are, Skenes will wake them up.
How is the vibe in Queen City? Is baseball fever catching on? I would love to be in Cincinnati this week sports bar hopping. Reds playing playoffs baseball and Octoberfest, theres not enough beer I bet
I can’t believe it’s this late in September and there is hope. I guess thats what happens when you only get swept once. This team has been decent all year…now they must be excellent. Andujar World Series MVP…I’m calling it now.
Unfortunately, we got swept twice: Dodgers & A’s, but I hear you.
I successfully managed to forget the A’s series. Wow! Mind over matter.
Ok, I’m not saying it’s the most important reason, but If the Reds win out the final 6 games, my preseason W/L record will be correct.
…and I guess we are guaranteed to make the playoffs as well.
We’ve had some amazing baseball over the last week!
I know Tuesday isn’t Green’s turn in the rotation, but he would be on regular rest. Greene MUST make the start tomorrow, then he would be available to start the last game of the year if needed to make the playoffs.
If we have secured our spot in the playoffs, then hold Greene to start the first wild card game.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to be Tito’s plan, per the Enquirer this morning. That means Singer will be making two more starts instead of Greene. I have overall been a fan of Tito this year, but this feels like a terrible decision.
But even with Greene’s last start, the one before was a stinker in a kiddie field. Singer has been our best pitcher in the second half.
What does it take to win at hockey?
Singer has been our consistently hot goalie.
That said, he would be my number 4 starter if you were able to set you rotation
Great point! Here’s the ERAs of our starters post All-Star break and in September:
1. Greene – 2.79, 3.12
2. Singer – 3.10, 2.04
3. Abbott – 3.75, 3.68
4. Lodolo – 3.59, 5.40
5. Littell – 4.39, 5.57
Singer has the hot hand right now. I can see a good argument for just leaving the rotation as is for the last week. It also allows Greene to start Game 1 in a playoff series. Obviously, they have to make the playoffs for that to matter, but given Singer’s recent performance, maintaining the current rotation makes sense.
Great stats BK, but I put more stock on the season or since allstar break vs a couple of starts in Sept.
We have a great pitching staff, but Greene is next level, and he’s the one I want out there if we absolutely have to win.
@wkuchad
Yeah, that was my thinking about this week, too. I think the Reds have to win four of the next six games to lock themselves in. I would like to see them sweep the Pirates (at home), because my expectations for their play in Milwaukee are not particularly high. But depending on the Pittsburgh series, the Reds will have to win at least one game in Milwaukee. Maybe two.
Frankly, if Hunter has only one start left in the regular season, why not hold him out for Friday in Milwaukee? But Francona is the manager, not me.
Never are the Reds/Tito thinking of the last 6 games as a 6 game series that they have to win 4.
Their only focus right now is winning the next game on Tuesday.
I somewhat agree with you WKU.
The only counter I see to this is that Greene pitched a complete game at around 110 pitches, and would likely benefit from an extra day of rest.
Another downfall is using Greene vs Skenes.
I agree with both of these points.
It’s possible his arm is feeling it after pitching 9 innings for the first time in his career, and we’re not privy to that info.
And yes, I don’t want him pitching against Skenes.
Could the plan to use Greene Wednesday be with possibly having him available for game 1 of the playoffs in mind?
My thought exactly, coupled with Singer’s outstanding recent outings (see data above).
Tom, that very well may be. However, if he starts Tuesday but isn’t needed the last game of the regular season because we’ve clinched, then he’s still available for game one.
Whoever continues to believe the playoff teams “rest” their players is living in the years when they had 15 callups on Sept. 1. Seriously, if the Brewers lay back on anything, it’s a starter inning in a game they have a lead — and we’re talking 1 or 2 innings for a 3-game set, which is not “resting” anybody. They will manage their pitchers just like they always do.
They don’t have 8 “reserves” on the bench who never get to play. Just. Stop. With. That. Pro teams that value competition don’t concede games when playoffs are at stake. The Brewers aren’t going to lay down and let the Reds waddle into the playoffs. Teams just don’t do that.
Mostly true.
As you stated, a starter will probably go no more than 5 innings. They might use a bullpen day on Sunday to give everybody an inning or so before they enter into 1st round bye situation. The hitters will play most of the game….maybe some will get a 3 inning break in a game. Guys with nagging injuries but not on IL won’t be forced to play and will get games/games off.
this pirates series is going to be tough. this is their world series and they would love nothing more to knock us out of playoff contention. both the reds and pirates have struggled mightily for most of this century. what is the old adage < misery loves company?
All the Reds need to do is think about 1 and 0 Tuesday night.
The Mets are a different team on the road. They are 13 under .500 on the road. The differences at home and away are stark. So much so It has raised some eyebrows on line.
Fortunately, the Mets play their 6 remaining games away from Citi Park.
The mighty Dodgers are 3 under on the road, and that’s where they find themselves vs the DBacks. People here think there are DBack losses incoming just because they are facing the Dodgers. Not exactly true. But it’s better than them facing the Rockies I guess. I think Arizona takes 2 of 3.
As much as I love the reds I and I mean love the reds a fan since I was 5yrs old and I am 74 yrs old 69yrs a fan just like the buckeyes Ohio true and true when ether one loses my stomach turns to knots for six days before I get over a loss so I don’t take losing lightly the reds. will not beat pirates or brewers they each. have the reds number they just do
We’ve been down this road before. I’’ve seen this movie many times. So I am keeping my expectation low and HOPE that the Reds will give me a pleasant surprise.