Just what was it that turned the Cincinnati Reds from disappointing dregs after 44 games (19-25) to a team capable of winning 12 of the final 16 against top competition?
13 days ago, the Cincinnati Reds woke up with a 20-26 record and a 17.1% chance of reaching the postseason.
Tonight, the Reds beat the Minnesota Twins to reach the postseason. The Reds have won 10 of their last 12 games with their backs against the wall.
The Cincinnati Reds' 3-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers tonight sets up what can only be described using the inimitable words of Marty Brennaman as a "titanic struggle" Wednesday night.
Mike Moustakas' three-run homer in the first inning off Yu Darvish felt like it was worth 25 runs. The Reds entered play having failed to score a run in 15 consecutive innings, and they had backed themselves into what was a must win game tonight. The three runs Moustakas drove in would prove to be more than enough for Trevor Bauer. He took a no-hitter into the fifth inning, and dominated the Cubs over 7.2 innings.
And so it continues. Another decent pitching effort is wasted by a complete lack of Cincinnati Reds offensive production in a 3-0 loss to the Chicago Cubs.
The Cincinnati Reds (9-11) are finally back on the field after four days off due a positive COVID-19 test. The Reds will travel to St. Louis tomorrow for a massive four game series this weekend, but first things first they will play a doubleheader today against the Kansas City Royals (9-14). Friendly reminder these games today will only be 7 innings each. That seems to be a massive advantage for the Reds with Castillo and Bauer on the mound. The Royals have the 10th best bullpen ERA in the MLB also, so two less innings minimizes that some.