Last night the Cincinnati Reds lost their third straight game. The Los Angeles Angeles took them to the wood shed, beating them 10-2 to win the first game of Cincinnati’s 6-game home stand. This afternoon the Reds will look to even up the series. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10pm ET. MLB Network will also be carrying this game (along with Reds TV).
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Angels | Cincinnati Reds |
| Zach Neto – SS | TJ Friedl – CF |
| Mike Trout – CF | Spencer Steer – LF |
| Jo Adell – RF | Elly De La Cruz – SS |
| Jorge Soler – DH | Sal Stewart – 2B |
| Nolan Schanuel – 1B | Eugenio Suarez – DH |
| Vaughn Grissom – 3B | Nathaniel Lowe – 1B |
| Logan O’Hoppe – C | Tyler Stephenson – C |
| Yoan Moncada – 3B | Noelvi Marte – RF |
| Bryce Teodosio – LF | Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B |
| George Klassen – RHP | Brandon Williamson – LHP |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Brandon Williamson | 11.1 | 4.76 | 1.06 | 3 | 7 |
| George Klassen | 2.2 | 6.75 | 3.00 | 5 | 4 |
| Links: Brandon Williamson’s Stats | George Klassen’s Stats | |||||
Brandon Williamson
In his season debut things did not go well for Williamson as he allowed three home runs and six runs in 4.2 innings against Pittsburgh. But the lefty looked quite good in his last start as he tossed 6.2 shutout innings in Miami and only gave up three hits.
The splits for Williamson don’t feel useful at this point. He simply hasn’t pitched enough to make sense of anything yet, but his recent history also doesn’t exist any more than that given all of the injuries he has had since 2023 ended. They’re included below but don’t put much weight into them.
2026 Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 36 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | .182 | .222 | .333 |
| LHH | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | .333 | .400 | 1.000 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-sm | 2-sm | Cutter | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 93.7 | 94.0 | 89.6 | 76.0 | 82.0 | 86.1 |
| Usage | 17% | 13% | 28% | 10% | 14% | 19% |
George Klassen
This afternoon will make for just the second game of Klassen’s big league career. In his debut last week he allowed two runs in 2.2 innings against Seattle where he allowed three hits and walked five Mariner hitters while throwing 73 pitches with just 40 strikes. He began the year in Triple-A and made one start in March with Salt Lake and only allowed one earned run in 4.2 innings without a walk.
In 2025 he made 24 starts in Double-A and one in Triple-A with a combined ERA of 5.22. His splits showed that right-handed hitters found a lot more success against him as they hit for a high average, walked more, and hit for more power. Lefties struggled to hit for an average and for power. Almost all of these splits came against Double-A hitters, though, and shouldn’t be weighed too heavily because of that.
2025 MiLB Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB | K | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 213 | 54 | 9 | 0 | 5 | 23 | 60 | .293 | .380 | .424 |
| LHH | 271 | 58 | 11 | 2 | 3 | 24 | 74 | .241 | .315 | .340 |
2026 Pitch Usage (ST, AAA, and MLB)
| 4-seam | Curve | Slider | Change | |
| Velo | 97.4 | 84.9 | 90.4 | 87.6 |
| Usage | 50% | 6% | 24% | 20% |
When and Where
- Game time: 4:10pm ET
- Where: Great American Ball Park
- Watch: Reds MLB Channel, Reds.tv (in-market), MLB.tv (out of market). You can check your zip code here and find out who carries the Reds MLB Channel in your area if you are unsure. MLB Network will also carry this game in some areas of the US.
- Listen: 700 WLW AM (Cincinnati area)
- Forecast: 67°,sunny, 0% chance of rain
News and Notes
The all red City Connects
Today is the day that the Reds are debuting the all red City Connect uniforms. Maybe it’ll help get the team out of the big offensive funk that they have been in to start the season.
Speaking off the offensive funk
The Reds are dead last in MLB in runs scored with just 41 in their 14 games. Two teams – the Astros and Dodgers – have scored more than twice that and neither team has played more games than the Reds have. Cincinnati is not even averaging three runs per game played.
Division Standings
| Team | W | L | GB | Playoff Odds |
| Milwaukee | 8 | 5 | 0.0 | 49.2% |
| Pittsburgh | 8 | 5 | 0.0 | 56.0% |
| St. Louis | 8 | 5 | 0.0 | 10.0% |
| Cincinnati | 8 | 6 | 0.5 | 17.0% |
| Chicago | 6 | 7 | 2.0 | 42.7% |
| Playoff Odds via Fangraphs | ||||
Oh good!! He’s giving McLain the day off.
Oh Great a pitcher they have never seen before! Looks like another low scoring game for the Reds Offense!!
That didn’t age well.
I am glad for that!!! LOL
I like the lineup better today. At least switching things up. May not help but hopefully does. Maybe Steer gets going a little. Ultimately maybe you just put your best most feared hitters at the top of the lineup. Elly lead off, Stewart 2nd, Suarez 3rd, Lowe 4th…after that I’m not sure.
It’ll be interesting to see those new Red city connect uniforms! Lot of Red with these two teams. I’m not a huge fan but I think young people probably like them and they’re better than some of the other city connect uniforms.
On a related note, Reds I think should update their Road uniforms,and add some kind of cursive alternative uni form for the Road with Cincinnati in cursive, or maybe add a trim of blue back in and alternate uniform. Just my opinion
Points given to Francona for the lineup shuffle. I like sitting McLain and getting someone else in the 2 spot. Hopefully we can get some offense going. You’ve got to take the ups and downs with Burns, Williamson and Lowder. Still think this is a very solid pitching group. Hoping this isn’t going to be another opposing pitcher that will give us fits. Let’s end this 3-game slide today with these spiffy new unis.
This may be the last series with this group of guys. Need a win in this spot. No excuses.
Well good day to all and happy Saturday.
Lets go Reds!!
Yes, it’s a great day for Reds game. It’s going to be fun!
Sounds good to me. Let’s win guys. 🙂
04/11/26 Los Angeles Angels designated 3B Jeimer Candelario for assignment.
If the Reds were to claim Candelario on waivers (Not suggesting they would or should), would they simply be responsible for his existing contract with the Reds, or would they still have to pay him league minimum on top of that?
Interesting question
I think they have to net up to his contract. Only other teams have to pay league minimum until that expires.
I was wondering the same thing, Tom.
I have not specifically researched it; but, given that he was released by the Reds, my guess is that they would have to pay him at least the pro-rated minimum rate for any time with them in 2026 in addition to any balance remaining on the original contract.
New uni? That’s a win before the game even starts.
Friedl needs a checkup from the neck up
Loving the CC2.0 unis
Tried the straight TV feed, but Larkin calling Brandon “Willie” kind of hurt my ears. So TV on mute and audio on the phone with Tommy and Cowboy.
Let’s Kick This Pig today!!!
Melvin – it’s burgers tonight. Revisiting waffles tomorrow (with the 40-year-old waffle iron) for our 40th anniversary.
“Tried the straight TV feed, but Larkin calling Brandon “Willie” kind of hurt my ears.”
haha Sounds great sir. Hope your delivery service starts working again. 😉
Congratulations on your anniversary. 🙂
First Wife has a surprise bauble coming tomorrow. Have a friend “in the biz” who made a custom pendant for me. It’s beautiful..
Very cool Mark. Maybe she’ll make a special desert for you tomorrow such as chocolate cheesecake. 🙂
Add my congrats, Mark.
40 years sounded so long when I read that, until I stopped to realize my wife and I have lived under the roof for 33 years, 29+ of them officially married since meeting when I was already 40+ years old.
For the record, she is my first wife; but, I am not her first husband, 😉
Blessings on your 40th!
Go Reds!
Feels like we always lose when the other team is more red than the Reds. Don’t have that problem today.
LOL… thanks for that laugh
Stewart just knows how to hit and get the job done.
2 strikes, put the ball in play and you never know what’ll happen. Just put bat on ball rather than swing for the fences.
Big hit by Lowe. Keep him in the lineup tomorrow.
If he keeps this up he’s going to earn more PT.
Lowe does good. 🙂
Finally a BiG Hit
Alright Lowe! We needed that. Solid at bats this inning.
Offense!
This is a good start to the day. Lowe absolutely ripped that one.
Halos may be a bit gun shy about an ABS challenge after burning the one they did.
Lowe should have cleaned the catcher off the plate just for GP
Like the clutch hitting and LOVE the all-red City Connect uniforms!
Well, time to start working Lowe into the lineup near every day. Get Geno some games at 3B and hope the ball isn’t hit that way much.
I still think Lowe should have been named the starting 1B the day he was signed. I like to see Stewart at 3B more than Suarez.
I haven’t seen Stewart play 3B too much but I’m guessing he’d be better than Suarez and definitely a much better overall option than Hayes. Of course I thought he should have been brought up to play there last year. I do know he had very few errors there at least.
I like the City Connect Reds
I wish the pin stripe was darker/bolder though
Exactly my thoughts! Pin stripe should be darker.
The wall scrapers Lowe could find in right center field is just waiting for him.He is 31 with over 3000 major league at bats with a career OPS+116.Thats good and better then anybody else on this team.He just needs to play more and not because of the 3 run double because of his career numbers.Maybe he has something left in the tank or maybe not but it would be great to see if he did for a few games.Any spark from anybody is needed right now bench player or not.
Three (3) WALKS by Williamson so far! Can we please stop?
I think he’s also upset about it.
Can we please stop talking about EVERY walk?
Come on Williamson. Settle down and throw strikes. Not a successful formula throwing more balls than strikes.
Nice double play! That’ll work.
And then that happens! A pitcher’s best friend, the GIDP!
Steer finding success in the 2 spot. Love it!
Steeeeer!
Longball!!
Attaboy Spencer!!
Larkin very engaged talking hitting today.
Refreshing!
I noticed that.
I noticed that too.
Yeah, he’s great when he’s opinionated.
I know I complain A LOT about walks by Reds pitchers but walks often lead to easy runs and turn over the batting lineup but more importantly, they run up a pitcher’s pitch count. It seems to be a problem with the Reds younger pitchers, especially the new relief pitchers like Franco, Nicolas and last night even Moll.
Yes, for sure, but take a look at the other guy’s line!
Can you just say it 1 more time to cover for the rest of the year?
It’s quite boring, tedious, and repetitious.
Steer nailed that off speed pitch.Great job.
I checked when they announced these unis … standard jersey approaches $200 … over with player name/number on it. Nice loo, but too rich for my blood.
I’ll wait until they show up at Walmart on the discount rack!
Even the T-shirt versions were $50 😮
Lodolo’s bullpen session yesterday was a whole whopping 10 pitches at less than full intensity.
C’mon Brandon! You’ve got a 5-0 lead, and you start with the walks again!
Come on Williamson. You’re making this harder than it needs to be. You’ve been spotted a lead. Throw strikes.
Reds may be should have kept Franco up.
I like him despite his wildness! Seemed to be a boom or bust kinda guy with either a SO or a walk!
For the love of Pete (Rose), Brandon throw strikes!
Limited the damage thankfully. Could have been a lot uglier.
Need at least 5 from Williamson. Yet, at this rate who knows.
Poor Marte not having his best day on his bobblehead day.
Do Bobbleheads come with brains?
Everyone gets picked off but I’ve always thought that Marte doesn’t have the best concentration at times which might be his biggest liability.
Marte with a TOOTBLAN! Just as well as TJ is like an old rock band and hasn’t had a hit in years!
Stewart with a good catch at 2B.
Glass half empty says Marte just jogging in. Thankfully Stewart caught it!!!
I dunno..
I’ll say it. Six walks is way too many for one pitcher in one day.
Indeed
You can throw in a HBP too. Still though keeping the Angels at one run somehow.
Ooops. Spoke too son.
Yeah, Angels back in it, unfortunately. Disappointing outing by BW. Hopefully the bats will come alive for a change!
Williamson is PLAYING WITH FIRE! SIX WALKS so far!
6 walks is ridiculous.
Bring in HIggins.
You play with fire, you’re gonna get burned! Trout with a 2-run double after the walk. Plus, Williamson’s pitch count is at a ridiculous 92 pitches in only 4 innings!
Man…
6 walks and a hbp.. not a good day at all by Williamson. Hopefully his day is done.
Whew. Damage somewhat limited. Reds batters have to finally take up the slack and give us some cushion.
Hard play, but playable for a natural LFer, worst OF in the league.
TJ has been my favorite Red that being said McLain should lead off tomorrow while Friedl get moved down in the order
Kind of says it all about his control. There’s no way he’s trying to pitch around guys with a four-run lead.
The way all his pitches move, if he can just land strike 1 consistently he’ll be a brutal at-bat…
Friedl is now batting a robust .145. He simply cannot stay in the leadoff spot IMO!
Yeah. He’s not the only one struggling. Steer even with a HR today still under .200.
Five guys in the lineup hitting less than .200. One less than .100.
Not much time left for “small sample size”.
100% agree
8 walks through 5 innings is ridiculous…
The two teams have 13 walks and just five strikeouts. Just a crazy amount of non-strikes.
Andrew Chafin has 13.5 BB/9 at AAA.
8 walks yesterday too.
This game has no flow. Bottom of fifth and almost two hours old
At this rate tomorrow’s start time may need to be pushed back.
Hahaha
Who’s counting? But the Reds pitchers have now walked 8 batters plus a HBP for good measure! Don’t need to take off my shoes and use Kentucky math but that’s 9 baserunners for the Angels!
I really don’t have a good feeling about this game if we don’t score more runs. Hope I’m wrong.
Suter just under powering the Reds hitters.Got to love him anyway.If anybody knew him it was the Reds but well he just keeps on getting hitters out.
I find ironic and irritating that the ex-Red, now Angels RP, Suter has pitched 3 innings in relief for and given up only one hit and NO WALKS!
Nice job by Pierce Johnson again this time around a 1-out double…
Marte is doing nothing offensively…embarrassing
Hayes at least did hit it hard that time with EV of 104.4 MPH.
Friedl with a lucky pop up bunt that time?
Five runs in the first two innings and then nada since. Just not feeling great about a two run lead.
Yep and maybe they will one day fall in for a hit.Or maybe not.He will get plenty of chances.
I’d be more than happy if they said Johnson was moving to closer. Not giving up walks helps a ton.
I jumped back and did Sadak and Larkin for a half inning. OK that’s enuff. Back to Wayne Randazzo and Mark Gubicza. WOW what a difference.
I don’t mind Sadak and Larkin actually. They are a tad better than last year lol…
Sadak gets on my nerves with his overuse of analytics and meaningless stats.
I like Sadak and the stats…He’s well prepared.
The burgers were very good … even if we can’t score more (yet).
Let’s apply some MUSTARD! (So to speak)
Reds can’t find the way to add some runs so far…I’m getting nervous
Suter did a great job on them for 3 2/3 innings.Two hits and one was a bunt.
Big turn from Salbert for Bike Helmets!!!
Classic Brent Suter there…like to see him still pitching.
Here we go. Tack on some runs! Elly having a nice game.
Think I’d flip the order around a bit here soon and start having De La Cruz lead off. Maybe Friedl or Steer hit 2nd, Stewart 3rd.
A leadoff double by Elly nothing more… Stewart , Suarez and Lowe the men named to drive in the runs did nothing…it’s hard…
OK, Tony … you know what needs to be done.
Not sure what Suzuki’s gripe is here.
Not sure why he is upset. He was running out of the baseline
Cowboy explained it. He established his path and didn’t vary, so Suzuki probably has a point. Regardless, you can’t argue and F-bomb the umpire.
Exactly, it was more than obvious he was inside the line. both feet even
I check the box score (Reds leading 5-3) before I read how many times someone whined about walks. The numbers are 8 walks but only 3 runs so far.
Well a few people were upset about the walks..
We all hate walks, but we don’t talk about every single one of them.
It really gets tedious, and old.
So were Cowboy and Tommy Thrall on WLW 700 but they talked about other things, too.
Cowboy is explaining it … and Suzuki probably has a case. Doesn’t end up mattering.
Interesting I wish I could of heard Brantley, however I will say he was running on the grass. LOL
I remember Hayes wasn’t so awful hitter when he reached the big leagues…
Thanks for the run!
Ok! thanks!
That’s a huge run.
Yes– that helps!
Alright, Elly. Put this one to bed.
Now run MattyMc
And another run! Thanks again!
That’s a better cushion.
16 walks by both clubs today!! Wow
Opps now 17 walks combined
And you know Dennis is sooooooooooo happy about that!
And climbing… Crazy!
Couldn’t be happier to see the Reds change from passive to aggressive on the bases. They’ve gone from 1 SB as a team to 13 since last Sunday (the same day I wondered right here why they weren’t running). It makes a huge difference.
WOW and WOW again but they all count and are appreciated.
OK. Now slam the door.
Thrall’s comment on the free passes …
They’re walking a small village … 😮
LOL
Feels great getting a W!
We survived that one. 🙂
Survival would be one word I’d use to describe a win where Reds pitching issued 9 WALKS and a HBP!
Exactly
Ugly wins are wins none the less.
Catch you tomorrow, friends.
There we go. Not great. Not pretty. But a win. And that is all the matters!
Reds win! stopping the losing streak. The offense could score enough runs today…Go to win the series tomorrow against Soriano…
18 walks by both teams. A 3 hour and 10 minute game.
A Reds win and 9-6…
16 baserunners in 8 innings. Granted it was against the weakest pitching we’ve seen all year.
I swear once they just chill out with RISP they’ll be fine. The guy with the best at-bats in those situations has been Lowe. It’s like he didn’t suffer through last year so he doesn’t understand what the big deal is. Don’t worry! There will be more chances!
*18 runners. 9 walks 9 hits. Feels like a misprint.
Big win for the Reds. Come out strong tomorrow and take the series.
I am a traditionalist in terms of the uniforms.Red should always be the official team color.The alternate uniforms regardless of trying to marketing them to the younger generation of fans should let the MLB fashion designers know that they shouldn’t try to overdo it too much.