Reds Swamp The Drain Against Washington

Washington Nationals' starter Patrick Corbin pitched a complete game in his last start against the Miami Marlins.  On Friday he was hoping for a complete inning.

He got it but not before the suddenly potent Reds' offense had a big first inning, jumping on the left-hander with both the fury of a jungle beast and carried the momentum to a 9-3 win.  The win pulled the Reds to within three games of the .500 mark.

Nick Senzel signalled the Reds' uprising with a line single to center.  A  resurgent Joey Votto, who sat out three games with a tight hamstring, singled just as sharply.   Eugenio Suarez recovered from a contusion on his left hand after he was hit by Clay Holmes on Wednesday.  He lined a hard single to left to load the bases.  Yasiel Puig contributed a run scoring single.  Jose Iglesias force play drove in the second run.  Curt Casali's second home run of the season brought in three more.

"The big hit was Casali's home run.  It gave us some breathing room," David Bell said.

Casali's lone home run coming in to the game was against catcher Victor Carantini of the Cubs.

"It is fun to hit home runs in the Major Leagues," Casali said.  "I came off the field and told (Tucker) Barnhart that tonight I hit one off a real pitcher.  It is fun to give it to teammates and they give it back.  It was important to get off to a fast start.  They have good starting pitching and we allowed Mahle to be comfortable."

Jose Peraza and Kyle Farmer hit singles after Casali's blast but they were stranded.

Reds' starter Tyler Mahle struck out the side in the first inning.  Juan Soto led off the second with a fly over Peraza's head in left.  It probably should have been caught.  Two ground outs got him home.

The Reds added on in the third.  Iglesias, Casali and Peraza singled.  Farmer's would-be double play ball crawled up the arm of Trea Turner for an error but an RBI.  Senzel hit a sacrifice fly.  Votto singled for the second time in the three-run frame.

Soto hit a solo home run in the fourth for Washington.

The Reds got that run back when Iglesias singled and scored from first on Casali's double.

Mahle escaped the fifth with one run.  Victor Robles and Yan Gomes singled.  Reliever Javy Guerra laid down a sacrifice bunt.  Turner singled Robles home.  Anthony Rendon walked to load the bases.  Soto flew out deep to centerfield.

"I just wanted to throw strikes.  I didn't do anything differently with a big lead," Mahle said.  "Even in that last inning the first two hits weren't hit that hard.  They found holes.  Turner went down and hit a good change up.  That was the only ball that was hit hard."

Senzel doubled to lead off the fifth.  He was thrown out at the plate trying to score on Votto's third hit.  Votto had a six-game hitting streak before sitting with the hamstring.  He was hitting .444 (12-for-27).  He was 3-for-4 before being replaced in the sixth inning to improve to .484 in his current seven-game hitting streak.

Jared Hughes pitched two scoreless innings.  Zach Duke had a scoreless eighth. Matt Bowman finished the game with a scoreless ninth.

The Reds offense struggled early in the year now the Reds are hitting and scoring runs with regularity.  The batting averages have risen to respectable levels. 

"It was a good offensive night for the entire lineup," Bell said.  "We were aggressive.  We got a lot of hits on the first pitch.  The offense is gaining confidence."

The Reds had a 15-13 record for May.

Reds Back To Three Lefty Bullpen

Robert Stephenson, bothered by literally a pain in the neck, went on the injured list on Friday.  Wandy Peralta, who was sent down a few days ago was able to come back because of the injury rather than wait 10-days.

The Reds sent starter Lucas Sims back to Louisville after his fine performance Tuesday night in the win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.   Lefty Zach Duke was reinstated from the 10-day IL. 

Duek and Peralta join Amir Garrett on the left-handed side of the bullpen.

"I think it is a luxury.  There are so many good left-handed hitters around the league," David Bell said.

The Reds claimed right-handed pitcher R.J. Alaniz on waivers from the Seattle Mariners.  Alantz was assigned to Louisville.   Thr Reds moved Alex Wood from the 10-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. 

Alaniz was signed as a free agent with Houston in 2009, Detroit in 2015, Tampa Bay in 2017 and Seattle last November.

He pitched in four games at the Major League level with Seattle in April allowing nine runs in four innings.

Angry David Bell Turns Reds Loose To Protect Themselves

In the rivalry between the Cincinnati Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates, many hitters have needed to duck.

A lot like the Hatfields and McCoys, few remember how it started or why but these two teams have hit each other with pitches more than any other pair of teams in the National League.  Andrew McCutchen was hit three times one season.  Eugenio Suarez, who was hit on his hand today, was hit twice last year.

Jameson Taillon, who missed this series, hit Suarez in April last year, costing the third baseman two weeks of the season with a broken hand.  The Reds got a scare today when its best hitter was hit on the hand today by Clay Holmes and had to leave the game for X-rays in the eighth inning.  It appeared to be negative.  Suarez expects to play Friday.

For the second time this season, David Bell was ejected for blaming the umpires for doing nothing to protect his players.  Visibly shaking with anger after the game, Bell threw up his hands and has instructed his players to "take matters into your own hands,"

Not elaborating on what that means, Bell had plenty to say after the Reds' 7-2 loss to the Pirates.

"We know that there was intention, I was doing what I could to protect my players," said Bell without raising his voice but raising his eyebrow.  "Clearly, we're no going to get protected.  We have to do what we can.  It's unfortunate that players aren't going to get protected.  That's been made clear.  We know that team will throw at people.  So, what are you supposed to think."

On April 7, Pirates pitcher Chris Archer threw behind Derek Dietrich after Dietrich admired the second of the seven home run he's hit off Pittsburgh this year.  That lead to a bench clearing brawl in which, Bell, Amir Garrett and Yasiel Puig were ejected.  The Reds have a 25-22 record since that incident in Pittsburgh.   Bell said at the time he didn't want the Reds to retaliate.  The Pirates were hit by two pitches, one was Melky Cabrera on Monday's first game.  Neither sparked a reaction.

Now Bell will back his players should they get into trouble by their actions.

"I want to make sure our players I know they can do what they have to do. Whatever means, they need to protect themselves," Bell said.  "With any means necessary, whatever that takes.  The ball doesn't hurt when it hits you that bad but it has the chance to do some serious damage. When you're messing with someone's livelihood, who knows.  Clearly, we're not going to be protected by the umpires in the league.  That's been made clear.

Bell began speaking more forcefully and rapidly. "They need to do whatever they need to do whatever they need to do and I'll back them whatever that is.  Whatever means necessary.  I will back them no matter what that is.  Clearly, we're not going to get protected. For some reason we think it's ok to throw at people.  It may have been ok many years ago and we're still living by some rules that I don't know about.  It is ok to intentionally throw at our players.  The umpires think it's ok.  The league made it clear it's ok.  Someone is going to get hurt. The players need to protect themselve.  They need to protect their career. Whatever that takes."

Suarez was shaking his afflicted  hand, walking to first base by way of the mound accompanied but Elias Diaz, the catcher and fellow Venezuelan.

"I don't know man," Suarez said. "In that situation up by six, that's what I wanted to ask him.  He said no definitely, no.  I don't like that pitch up and in, in front of my face.  The catcher told me in Spanish, no we don't want to hit you.  I said that I just wanted to know.  It hurt.  Thank God my hand feels better, nothing is broken.  I hope to be alright on Friday."

Suarez remembers the broken hand from a season ago.

"The threw me up and in and broke by thumb.  When I came back, they hit me in my elbow.  I just wanted to know why they hit me," Suarez said.  "They said it wasn't intentional.  It's part of the game.  I didn't see what David did.  He just asked my about my hand.  At that time it was in purple color.  I was 0-for-2,  I just wanted to hit and it made me mad."

"We have to do something to protect ourselves," Suarez said.  "Nobody wants to hit nobody.  It is part of the game."

Edited by ML Schirmer

Pirates Hold On To Fourth Place Split Series With Reds.

The Pittsburgh Pirates held onto their grip on fourth place in the National League Central, defeating the Reds 7-2.  It prevented the Reds from moving into a tie with Pirates and stopped the Reds' bid to move within two games of .500 for the first time since they were 1-3 on April 2nd.

Anthony DeSclafani of the Reds and Steven Brault of the Pittsburgh Pirates hooked up in a pitcher's duel in the final game of this four-game series before three-run home runs by  Colin Moran and Josh Bell ended the hope of the Reds' hope to move up.

DeSclafani allowed six baserunners in six innings.  Brault retired the first nine Reds' batters in order before Nick Senzel led off the fourth inning with a single.

The Pirates broke a scoreless deadlock in the sixth.  Bryan Reynolds opened the inning with a single. After Starling Marte struck out, Josh Bell singled to put runners at first and third.  Melky Cabrera flied out to Senzel in shallow center without movement from Reynolds.  It appeared that DeSclafani would get out of the jam but Colin Moran hit his fifth home run of the season to the opposite field with the ball landing three rows deep in the left field stands.  Elias Diaz single brought an end to DeSclafani's day.  Michael Lorenzen got the final out of the sixth inning.

"They had the line drive single," DeSclafani said.  "I was getting outs with my change up.  I made a good pitch to get Carbrera out.  Bell hit a one hopper that bounced over Dietrich's had.  I'll take that every time; a ground ball at the first baseman.  The pitch to Moran was on the black.  He just put a good swing on it."

Eugenio Suarez walked to open the bottom of the inning.  Jose Iglesias flied out deep to center.  Pirates manager Clint Hurdle opted to relieve Brault.  Rich Rodriguez came in to pitch to Yasiel Puig.
Puig struck out swinging.  Derek Dietrich, who has seven home runs against the Pirates in nine games, faced another reliever in Francisco Liriano.  Dietrich dumped a single into left center to bring Curt Casali to the plate, representing the tying run.   He flied out to squash the threat.

Cole Tucker doubled and Reynolds singled to add a fourth run. Bell broke the game wide open with a three-run home run off Lorenzen.  It was his 18th.

Clay Holmes hit Suarez with a pitch leading off the eighth inning.  Suarez left the game for a pinch runner, Tyler Mahle.  David Bell earned his fourth ejection of the season when Crew Chief Jeff Nelson threw him out.

Puig walked and Dietrich singled to drive in the first run of the game for the Reds.  Senzel hit his fourth home run in the ninth.

Derek Dietrich Dominates The Pirates To Aid A Great Start For Lucas Sims

Derek Dietrich continues to torment the Pittsburgh Pirates.  For the second time this season Dietrich cobbled together a multi-home run game against the Pirates.  This time a three-home run effort that eclipsed his former career high of 17 home runs. He powered the Reds to a 11-6 win that featured a brilliant outing by Lucas Sims, who was called up to make this start, becoming the sixth pitcher to start a game for the Reds.

You can bet Pirates' manager Clint Hurdle won't have Derek and the Dominoes on his play list.
Scooter Gennett acted unimpressed, "Anybody can hit three Derek."

Gennett, of course, hit four in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017.

"I thought Scooter was going to turn the lights out if I came up again," Diertrich shot back.  "I was thrilled for Lucas as much as I was for myself."

Sims had two quick scoreless innings against Pittsburgh, when Jose Iglesias hit a triple with one out in the second inning.   Tucker Barnhart drove in the run with a high chop ground ball to Pirates starter Jordan Lyles.

Dietrich, who signed with the Reds after the start of spring training along with Iglesias, hit his 15th home run in the fourth off Lyles.  Eugenio Suarez doubled in front of the blast. In the sixth Nick Senzel and Jesse Winker hit back-to-back doubles off Geoff Hartlieb that tied Dietrichs career high with his 16th home run.  Dietrich hit 16 last year in 149 games.  Tuesday is the 52 game, that Dietrich has played for the Reds.  He victimized Hartlieb again in the seventh, following a walk to Suarez.

"I really like it here," said Dietrich a Cleveland native, who's parents were in the stands. "They let me be myself.  They believe in me and gave me the opportunity."

The Reds signed Iglesias and Dietrich without a promise for playing time but Scooter Gennett injured his groin a week before the season  Jose Peraza was the planned starting shortstop, while Dietrich and Iglesias were set to come off the bench.  Once they came off, they established themselves.

"We signed Derek knowing he could move around," said Bell of Dietrich's ability to play third, second, first and the corner outfields.

"He's tough and he competes," Bell said. 

Joey Votto had some discomfort in his hamstring and sat out the game as a precaution to put Dietrich at first base.  Jose Peraza started at second base.

Barnhart singled to plate Yasiel Puig and Iglesias to give the Reds an 8-0 lead.

Sims was called up this morning as Wandy Peralta was optioned to Louisville and Cody Reed was placed on the seven-day injured list in Louisville as the 26th man allowed for a doubleheader played on Monday.   Reed popped his ACL while turning in two scoreless innings in the second game.

Sims pitched around a single in the first, a double in the fifth and a double in the seventh to post seven scoreless innings and strikeouts with nine.  Sims made nine starts in 2017 for the Atlanta Braves and had a 3-6 record.  He was 3-0 with Louisville.

"My game plan was to come in and be aggressive, throw strikes and get quick outs," Sims said.  "It felt really good.  It helped getting those runs.  I feel like I can execute pitches better when I work fast."

"He is on the verge of making it to the Major Leagues," David Bell said before the game. "I can't say enough about his attitude.  He walked into the building today like he was going to do what he did."

Dietrich homered against the Pirates on Opening Day as a pinch hitter.  He started an April 7 game in Pittsburgh where he admired a long blast he hit off Chris Archer.  Archer threw behind him in his next trip to the plate.  It started a bench clearing brawl that got manager David Bell and Puig ejected.  Dietrich added a home run for good measure later in the game.  Dietrich homered and admired another blast in the second game of Monday's double header.  His three home runs this game put his total to seven against Pittsburgh.

Sims allowed singles to Bryan Reynolds and Elias Diaz to start the eighth.  Bell visited the mound but left the right-hander in the game.  He coaxed a fly ball to left from Cole Tucker.  Sims hit Jose Osuna with a pitch to load the bases.   Kevin Newman spoiled the shutout with his first Major League home run; a grand slam.

Bell took the ball from Sims and gave it to Robert Stephenson.

"I was disappointed that I didn't finish," Sims said.  "The long innings got me out of sync a little bit but I'd rather have the runs."

Sims got the win with 7-1/3, allowing four runs on six hits, a walk and a hit batter.  He established a career high with the innings pitched, as well as nine strikeouts.  More than anything, Sims gave the bullpen a huge lift.  He threw just 100 pitches and 68 were strikes.

"I wish I could have taken out of the game before he gave up the home run," Bell said.  "It doesn't take away from what he did for us but he could have easily got out of the game with no runs scoring."

Jose Peraza got one of the runs back with his fifth home run against former Reds' prospect Rookie Davis.

Stephenson finished the Pirates off in the ninth but the Pirates scored two on a double by Diaz.

Reds Use Sixth Starter Against Starter

Lucas Sims will be the sixth starter used by the Reds this season in their 55th game.

The Reds used their sixth starter in their 121st game, Tim Redmond, in 2012 the season they had gone the longest without needing a sixth starter.

Sims, 24,was the 21st player chosen in the 2012 draft by Atlanta in the first round.  The Reds traded Adam Duvall to the Braves last season to get Matt Wisler, Preston Tucker and Sims.  He made 10 starts with the Braves in 2017 with a 3-6 record and a 5,62 ERA.

He was with the Reds from September 2 through 9 before he was shut down with a teres major sprain.

This season at Louisville, Sims was 3-0 in nine starts with a 4.06 ERA. He struck out 37 in 44 innings and walked 22.

The Reds sent Wandy Peralta to Louisville

Reds Rough Up Rookie To Split With Pirates

It was the day Mitch Keller dreamed of while he was in Cedar Rapids attending Xavier High School.

He probably imagined dominating the batting order, racking up strikeout after strikeout.  The reality was harsh.  The Pirates needed innings out of Keller, who was undefeated this season in Triple A at Indianapolis.  He was 5-0 with two of those wins coming against the Reds' Triple A Louisville team.

The reality is he was the losing pitcher in an 8-1 Reds' rout.

He may have faced Nick Senzel, the Reds' leadoff hitter there.

Senzel drew a walk to start the game.  Jesse Winker singled.  Eugenio Suarez walked.  Keller was surrounded by the enemy.   Then a glimpse of the dream.  He struck out Derek Dietrich on three pitches.  The imposing Yasiel Puig singled for one run.  Jose Iglesias hit his fourth home run of the season and his first career grand slam.  Jose Peraza flew out but it continued.  Curt Casali hit a ground rule double.  Opposing pitcher Sonny Gray beat out an infield hit.  Senzel singled to make it a 6-0 game.

"I just put a good swing on it," Iglesias said.  "Every time you put your team in position to get such a lead it feels good."

Pirates manager Clint Hurdle needed some innings out of Keller.  The 23-year old quietly retired the next nine batters until Winker singled for the second time.

'We knew we had an opportunity in the first inning," David Bell said. "The grand slam was huge, Their pitcher settled down and actually did a good job for them.  Many times you get a lead against a good team you let them get back into it."

The Pirates hitters were trying to solve Gray.

Bryan Reynolds hit a double in the first inning.  Jacob Stallings singled in the second, then Gray retired seven straight through four innings.  Gary struck out Gregory Polanco to get out of a bases loaded jam in the fifth.

The Pirates nicked Gray for a run in the sixth.  Reynolds singled; went to third on Josh Bell's double and scored on a ground out by Jose Osuna.

"Not only did we need that game but we needed him to go deeper," Bell said. "He finished strong too.  He was outstanding.  He made pitches and competed.  It was fun to watch."

The Reds stopped coasting in the bottom of the seventh when Dietrich and Puis launched long home runs, back-to-back off Alex McRae.  It was the 14th for Dietrich and the 10th for Puig.

Gray has wins in his last two starts after going 0-4 to start the season.  The last two games he has given up one run in 12 innings.

"I had some problems in the fifth and sixth," Gray said. "I was happy to make the pitches to get out of those innings.  I feel like I was throwing ok early in the year but i was giving up the three-run home run or the two out double.  The last two games, I've been able to make the pitches I needed to make."

Pirates Prevail Against The Reds In The First Game Of A Holliday Header

Bryan Reynolds and Starling Marte had key blasts in the Pittsburgh Pirates four-run eighth inning.
The rookie Reynolds broke a tie with the Reds with a two-run triple off David Hernanadez.  Starling Marte followed immediately with his sixth home run to cement the Pirates 8-5 win in the first game of a day night double header.

It was the ninth time that the Reds lost with a chance to get within three games of the .500 mark and the sixth straight loss to the Pirates since defeating the visitors 5-3 on Opening Day.

Hernandez has delivered the Reds safely from jams multiple times this season already.  Today a combination of breaks, mixed with a bad pitch caused the game to get away.

"There were a couple plays there were a few tough breaks," Hernandez said.  "The ball in center, you give him to the end of the season and he makes that play easily.  That would have been two out nobody one.  I thought I had Reynolds struck out.  I didn't get the call.  I didn't think he swung but I thought I caught the bottom of the zone.  I haven't looked at it again but it looked good to me.  You still have to make pitches after that.  Marte was a flat slider middle away.  If I throw him a good one down and away, it's not a home run."

Melky Cabrera was hit by a pitch by Castillo to start the fourth inning.  The Pirates and Reds have a long history of hitting each other with pitches.

Cabrera was in pain and given a few minutes to collect himself.  When he was ready he started his revenge tour by taking off for second as Castillo paid little attention to him.  Castillo wheeled and turned to throw Cabrera out stealing but he had already leaned toward home and was called for a balk.  Colin Moran singled Cabrera to third.  Cabrera scored on a fly out to right.  His slide upended Tucker Barnhart.  The run broke the scoreless tie.

The Reds stormed back to take the lead against Nick Kingham.  Jose Iglesias singled to open the inning.  Barnhart struck out.  Castillo bunted Iglesias to second base.  Nick Senzel doubled to tie the score.  Joey Votto doubled to put the Reds up by a run.  Eugenio Suarez doubled off the top the inner fence four a third straight run scoring double.

The lead didn't last.

Cabrera and Moran singled off Castillo to open the inning. Elias Diaz appeared to ground into a double play but Votto dropped the relay as Cabrera scored.   Kevin Newman hit a slow ground ball to Iglesias at short.  Iglesias behind the back flip to get Diaz was late.  Amir Garrett replaced Castillo.  Pinch hitter Gregory Polanco singled to left to tie the game.  Garrett struck out Adam Frazier and Reynolds.

"I had too many walks today.  I threw too many pitches.  I am going to keep working and keep getting better," Castillo said (Julio Murillo) "My job is to get ground balls.  After that whatever happens, happens."

David Bell thought Castillo pitched well enough to win

"Luis was good today," Bell said. "There were a couple plays that could have been made.  Our defense has been so good too.  I felt like we were going to comeback."

Josh Bell's 17th home run put the Pirates ahead in the seventh.  Cabrera singled to reach base in his third straight at bat.  Garett struck out Moran.  Matt Bowman entered to catch Diaz looking at a called strike three.

Franciso Liriano issued one-out walks to Jose Peraza and Senzel.  Votto's second single of the game loaded the bases.  Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle brought Kyle Crick in to face Suarez with one out and the bases loaded.  Suarez tied the game with a fly to Reynolds at the left field wall.  Josh VanMeter hit for Bowman.  VanMeter flied out deep to right field.

David Hernandez, who saved the Reds' Opening Day triumph over the Pirate, had a troubling eighth.  He got Kevin Newman to ground out but pinch hitter Cole Tucker doubled in front of Senzel's attempt to make a diving catch.  Hernandez hit Frazier with a two-strike pitch to set the scene for Reynolds.

The Reds loaded the bases with two outs in the bottom of the eighth but Felipe Vazquez struck out Senzel swinging on a 3-2 pitch.

Vazquez allowed hits to Votto and Suarez but Kyle Farmer struck out.  Curt Casaili hit a sacrifice fly and Yasiel Puig grounded out.

Let's Play Two

The Reds and Pittsburgh Pirates are making up a rainout from March 30 in addition to the regularly scheduled game.  The Reds, who have not been within three games of .500 since they were 11-14 on April 26.  They have been within four games of .500 seven times before today.  The Reds were not thinking sweep before the game.

"We are literally taking this one game at a time," David Bell said.  "Our focus is to win game one.  We have plenty of time to figure out what to do for game two."

The Reds ace Luis Castillo (5-1, 2.28) will pitch the first game at 1:10 against Pittsburgh's Nick Kingman (1-1, 8.76).

Sonny Gray (1-4, 3.78), who won his last start and Mitch Keller will make his Major League debut for the Pirates at 7:10.  Keller was 5-0 with a 3.45 ERA in nine starts for Indianapolis in the International League.  Two of his wins came against Louisville, the Reds Triple A affiliate.

Keller, 23, was the Pirates 2nd pick in the 2014 draft out of Xavier High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 

Back-To-Back Home Runs Spoil Dodgers Shutout But Reds Lose Two Of Three

Cody Bellinger and Hyun-Jin Ryu are at the top of their game.  The pair put the Reds away in a 8-3 triumph making the most of their six hits, while the Reds got nothing from their six hits.

The Reds were trying to get withing three games of .500 for the third time, since starting the season at 1-8.  The Dodgers took the season series five games to one, denying the Reds a chance to get closer to even..  Home runs by Jose Peraza and Derek Dietrich off Yimi Garcia prevented the third game to end in a shutout.s

Tanner Roark started for the Reds.  He has allowed three or fewer runs in eight of his nine starts coming into the series deciding game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Dodgers got two runs off Roark. Two walks haunted the right-hander.  Corey Seager walked in the second inning and scored from first base on a double by Alex Verdugo.   Joc Pederson walked in the third inning.  He scored from third after a single by Max Muncy sent him to third.  A line drive toward second baseman Jose Peraza got through to the outfield after Peraza got a glove on it.   It was ruled an error, then changed to a fielders choice that gave Turner credit for an RBI.

The Reds scattered five singles off Dodgers' starter Hyun-Jin Ryo.  Nick Senzel had two singles, Jesse Winker, Jose Iglesias and Phil Ervin had one each.

In Ryu's last five starts coming in he allowed three earned runs in 32 innings with no runs allowed in his last two starts coming in he pitched a complete game shutout against Atlanta and an eight inning whitewash of Washington.

Ryu stayed on a roll.  The Reds were scoreless through six innings.

The Reds escaped a sixth inning jam when Yasiel Puig slammed into the wall in foul territory down the right field line to turn a foul ball into an inning ending out.  The Reds had just walked Russell Martin to load the bases.

Puig took his at bat the next inning but the right shoulder tightened up on him enough to leave the game.

"I catch the ball," Puig said.  "I felt a little bit tight.  I take that AB after that I told them I don't feel good.  My elbow I hit on the concrete but I feel good about that. I will see how I feel tomorrow and have a shot or something.  I will see how it feels Tuesday before the game."

Michael Lorenzen picked up for Zach Duke, who relieved Roark after the starter was removed for a pinch hitter.

Duke walked two batters around a fly out.  Lorenzen finished the inning with Puig's catch.  Joc Pederson led off the seventh with a single off Lorenzen, who struck out Max Muncy and Turner.  Bell brought Wandy Peralta in to pitch to Cody Bellinger

The leading National League hitter, Bellinger, expanded the Dodgers' lead with a two run home run, his 17th off Wandy Peralta, who ended the game specifically to get Belthe first linger out.  Bellinger hit the first pitch just beyond the reach of Senzel in center field.

"The bullpen has done a such a good job.  That's going to happen," Bell said. "The game came down to one hit.  The Bellinger home run.was the difference in the game.  It changed everything."

Veteran Russell Martin hit his second home run of the season with two outs in the eighth off Peralta.  Kyle Garlick made his Major League debut batting for Ryu, flying out to left field.  Ryu has not allowed a run in 31 innings.

Caleb Ferguson and Yimi Garcia took care of the Reds in the eighth.

Robert Stephenson walked three batters in the ninth, all of them scored.  He walked the bases loaded, struck out Bellinger and Corey Seagar but Verdugo doubled to give him three RBI on the game.

Roark was upset about coming out of the game for a pinch hitter.

"Tanner didn't want to come out of the game," Bell said.  "He never does.  I love that about him.  I explained to him that we needed to get some offense going.  I knew he could go out there and give us a good inning.  He also told me that he can handle the bat and he can but we had to score to get back in the game."

Roark argued his case about remaining in the game with Bell but lost the debate.

"I felt good all day.  I didn't want to come out of the game.  They had a different plan so, you can't be happy all the time, on to the next one. There were two pitches I didn't locate well and the both got hit.  They scored two runs.  Walks always hurt."

The move was explained to Roark, who reluctantly accepted Bell's decision.
 
'Their thought process was to try and score some runs," Roark said. Ervin took my place and got a hit.  I want to stay out there and throw as many pitches as they want me to throw.  I respect that."

Reds Whitewash Dirty Dodgers Tyler Mahle Wins For The First Time

It was polar opposite day at the ballpark.  Tyler Mahle started for the Reds.  He is 0-for-2019 with an 0-5 record.  Walker Buehler started for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  He is everything for 2019 at 4-0.

Mahle is from Dodger country; Orange County California.  Buehler is from Reds country having been born, raised and is still a resident of Lexington, Kentucky.

The winner today?

The law of averages.  The Reds beat the Dodgers for the first time in five tries, 4-0.

Jesse Winker snapped Buehler's string of strikeouts at three with a home run blast to the grassy knoll in center field.  His 10th home run, leading off the second inning, was his first home run since May 5.  It was just his fourth hit in 29 at bats.

"I can't say enough about the way Tyler prepared for that lineup," David Bell said.  "He deserved a win without question."

Mahle was in trouble in each of the first three innings.  He pitched out of a nasty third inning jam with two on and one out.  He walked Joc Pederson and Cody Bellinger surrounding a 3-2 strike out of Max Muncy.  He got Corey Seagar to hit into a force out and Alex Verdugo to fly to right.

"That is a tough lineup.  We had a game plan and stuck with it," Mahle said.  "You can't let up against them."

Mahle pitched into the seventh inning in his last start against San Francisco.  Leading 4-2 with a man on and two outs, Bell let him pitch to Brandon Belt.  Mahle missed with a pitch over the plate and Belt crushed it for a game-tying home run that cost Mahle the win.  The Giants won the game 6-5.

"Part of the game plan today was if I miss, I wanted to miss up or in and not over the heart of the plate," Mahle said.  "That was the difference today."

Mahle watched as Anthony DeSclafani struggled with the tough left-handers in the Dodgers lineup, Joc Pederson, Max Muncy, Cody Bellinger, Corey Seagar and Alex Verdugo.

"I learned a little bit from watching Anthony but mostly it was sticking to the game plan,"  Mahle said. 

The Reds took advantage of a throwing error by Seagar at shortstop to score three unearned runs in the third.  Tucker Barnhart and Nick Senzel opened the inning with singles.   Joey Votto hit a ground ball into the hole at short.  Seagar, throwing across his body threw past Chris Taylor.  Barnhart scored.  Senzel went to third and Votto to second.  Buehler nearly stopped the damage right there.  Eugenio Suarez popped up to the infield.  Winker struck out.  Yasiel Puig came through with the big hit.  He dumped a single to center to put the Reds up, 4-0.

Mahle pitched six scoreless innings, leaving with a 4-0 lead and the game in the hands of the Reds' hot bullpen.

"We have a lot of confidence in our guys," said Bell of the relievers.  "Once Tyler got us to that point we felt good about the game.  We are finding ways to get better."

The Reds bullpen came into the game leading the National League relievers with a 3.16 ERA.  They are responsible for the Reds leading the ERA as a staff with a 3.38 mark.  The starters are third in the NL with a 3.53 ERA.  Mahle caused it to drop to 3.38.

David Hernandez came in to pitch to the bottom of the Dodgers' order in the seventh.  The Dodgers bats were silent in the inning.

Amir Garrett came on to deal the with potent left-handed part of the Dodgers line up in the eighth.  He gave up a single to the National League's leading hitter with a .409 batting average.  Garrett struck out Max Muncy, Seagar and Alex Verdugo.

Raisel Iglesias entered in the ninth in a non-save situation.  His scoreless  inning completed the Reds' sixth shutout.

Los Angeles Dodgers Over Power Reds

The Reds came into the confrontation with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who own the best record in the National League.  The run starved Reds have been able to hit enough to win six of the last 10 games and bring themselves within four games of the .500 mark.

The Reds took 2-of-3 from the National League Central leading Chicago Cubs but face a Dodger team, who swept them last month in LA.  The Dodgers have won seven out of the last 10 games.

The Dodgers used muscle to put the Reds in a quick hole with Anthony DeSclafani on the mound. All told the Dodgers hit four home runs to squash the Reds, 6-0.

Cody Bellinger, who came into the game hitting .401 on the season doubled to the gap in right center.  Corey Seagar followed with his fourth home run and the Reds were down quickly.  Joc Pederson and Max Muncy torched DeSclafani in the third, opening the inning with back-to-back home runs, the 14th for Pederson and the ninth for Muncy.

"Our starters have done such a good job," David Bell said.  "You're going to have starts like this.  Desco will get back on track."

DeSclafani didn't use the Dodgers' tough left-handed lineup be an excuse.

"Nothing worked.  I actually got lucky with how many hard hit balls were right at fielders," DeSclafani said.  "I have to be better.  They are tough left-handers but I have to find a way to get them out.  This isn't a trial league.  This is a get-it-done league."

Rich Hill disposed of the Reds easily retiring the first 10 Reds' hitters, six by strikeout.  Joey Votto singled to break the spell with one out in the fourth.  Eugenio Suarez singled but Hill shutdown. Yasiel Puig and Jose Iglesias struck out.

"He knows how to pitch," Bell said.  "He throws in the los 90's but it plays up.  He has a lot of movement."

Cody Reed, who was recalled to today for the purpose of dealing with the Dodgers left-handed power hitters, allowed a single in the fifth but got a double-play ground out to end the inning.  He struck out Cody Bellinger opening the sixth when Bellinger waived at a wild pitch.  He reached first and scored on a two-out single by Keke Hernandez.

Hill rolled on retiring eight batters in a row after Suarez' single.  Dylan Floro took over for Hill in the seventh.

Former Reds' pitcher Dylan Floro pitched a perfect seventh striking out Puig for the third time in the game.

Bellinger added his 16th home run of the year off Zach Duke in the eighth, a solo shot.

Ross Stripling started the eighth for the Dodgers.  He worked around the Reds' third hit, a single by Curt Casali.

Jared Hughes pitched the ninth for the Reds.  He gave up an infield hit but no runs.

Joe Kelly finished the game for the Dodgers.

Reds Luck Changes To Take Series From Unfortunate Cubs

The subject in Chicago Cub's manager Joe Maddon's pre-game huddle with the press were one-run games. Maddon's take was it shows a good bullpen when a lot of your games are close.  When informed the first place Cubs and the last place Reds have the same amount of one-run wins, seven, he was surprised.

The Reds were 3-6 in two-run games before reversing fortunes in a 4-2 win over the first-place Cubs.

A member of the Chicago media read a study that pointed out the Reds are the unluckiest team in  baseball.  The Reds are 7-13 in one-run games.  The Cubs are 7-5.

"I like this kid on the mound tonight," said Maddon referring to Luis Castillo. "He has a big arm and a Bugs Bunny change up."

Castillo and the Reds wore the unlucky hats in the first inning while the Cubs had a shamrock tucked in their back pocket.

The Reds new ace walked Kris Bryant with one.  With two out Javier Baez doubled directly over the third base bag to put runners at second and third.  Wilson Contreras grounded slowly down the third base line.  Eugenio Suarez got in front of it but it hit the base and bounded by him for a two-run double.

"Castillo kept his composure," Bell said.  "That's part of the process."

The 26-year old in his second full year accepted the bad break like a challenge.

"When things like that happen, you have to keep pitching," Castillo said.

Neither the Cubs against Castillo or the Reds against Jose Quintana could get any offense going.  Castillo retired the next 13 Cubs batters through the fifth.  Quintana allowed three base runners through four innings.

"You have to believe that you are the best every day and every day, you have to try to get better," Castillo said.  "Every year you get experience.  It is a dream come true.  When you set your goals, you have to keep working."

Then the luck changed to the Reds' advantage as rain intensified in the fifth inning with the Reds needing to score in the fifth or the game could be official and a loss, if it they failed to score at least two runs.

Jose Peraza lined his third home run into the right field seats off Quintana with one out.  Castillo hit a solid single to left.   Nick Senzel flied out to center but Joey Votto singled.  A wild pitch set the Reds up with a second and third situation.  A second wild pitch allowed Castillo to score the tying run.  Suarez lined a single to left to give the Reds a 3-2 lead.

Suarez has been getting key hits to carry the team the last two weeks.  He is making good plays in the field as well.

"He's playing with determination," Bell said.

"I'm just not putting pressure on myself," Suarez said.  "For me it is hitting the ball to right field.  I know what I can do.  I just want to go out and do what I can do."

Castillo got Middletown, Ohio native Kyle Schwarber to line out to a diving and muddy Suarez.  Home plate umpire and crew chief Dana Demuth pulled the teams off the field for a rain delay.  The Reds would win if the game was not continued.

Castillo finished with 5-1/3 innings, allowing two runs on two hits and a walk.  He struck out six.

Michael Lorenzen came in for the Reds after the 1:51 minute delay.

The Cubs had two-out singles from Daniel Descalso and Baez but Lorenzen held the lead.

Tyler Chatwood replaced Quintana.  The Reds had a hit and two walks but Jesse Winker bounced into a double play.

Amir Garrett struck out the side in the eighth inning.

The Reds added a run with singles by Senzel, Votto and Suarez.   Winker's infield hit loaded the bases with two outs. Curt Casali struck out on a 3-2 pitch.

David Hernandez pitched a perfect eighth.

Raisel Iglesias was looking for his ninth save in 11 tries when he entered the game in the ninth.  Iglesias struck out two to nail it down.

Edited By ML Schirmer

Yasiel Puig Overcomes Frustrating Night To Frustrate The Cubs

Yasiel Puig singled off the center field wall to fix a frustrating night and gave the Reds a 6-5 win over the red-hot Cubs in 10 innings.  Puig struck out three times and popped weakly to first in his first four trips to the plate but his blast of losing pitcher Brad Brach eased the pain.

"I wanted Jesse Winker in that moment but they walked Jesse," Puig said.  "I tried to do my best to make contact,  The contact was good in hit the base of the wall barely missing a grand slam home run.  "But we only needed one run.  I was not hitting until then.  Baseball is a little crazy sometimes.  It was like Javy Baez, he kept striking out and kept striking out then he got a base hit.  I got the base hit to win the game."

"Both Joey and Yasiel had tough nights until then," David Bell said.  "That's why they are who they are.  We get down and keep going.  It shows a lot of toughness."

The Reds have had to be tough to keep from cracking.  This game was their seventh win in 20 one-run games.  They are also 3-6 in two-run games and are now 2-4 in extra inning games.

Joey Votto walked with one out and beat the throw to third base on Eugenio Suarez single to left.  Suarez took second.  The Cubs brought in five infielders leaving just two in the outfield and walked Jesse Winker intentionally.  Michael Lorenzen ran for Votto.

Suarez followed Votto's eighth inning single with his 13th home run of the season to tie the Cubs.  Votto, who struck out twice looking, laced a single to left center off Kyle Ryan.  Suarez blast came against Carl Edwards Jr.

NIck Senzel got the Reds started against Yu Darvish with a single to center in the first inning.  Joey Votto took a called strike three but Eugenio Suarez doubled to score Senzel.

Sonny Gray let the brief lead go.  After getting two outs in the second inning. Alber Almora Jr. singled.  Addison Russell, who was recalled last week, week hit his first home run of the season to the grassy knoll in center field.

Almora Jr. hit his third home run of the season in the fourth.

The Reds chipped away at Darvish, although he struck out 11, catching Votto looking twice.  With two outs in the bottom of the fourth Derek Dietrich dumped a single into right.  Jose Iglesias doubled in to the right center field gap to score Dietrich from first base.

Gray left after five innings, a pattern with him.  Gray pitched into the seventh on April 5, his second start of the season but only logged six innings one other time in nine starts.

Reds baserunning let them down in the sixth.  Jesse Winker singled with one out.  Diertrich lined a double to the right field corner with two outs.  Third base coach J.R. House sent Winker but the relay from Jason Hayward to Russell caught Winker at the plate easily.  Winker wasn't close enough to slide.

Robert Stephenson turned in a scoreless sixth.

The Cubs came back with a threat against Jared Hughes.  Russell hit a hard ground ball up the middle. Iglesias fielded the ball turned and threw the ball past Votto.  The hit and error put Russell in position to score.  Hughes got Taylor Davis to ground out but left for Wandy Peralta.  Pinch hitter Daniel Descalso hit a sacrifice fly to put the Cubs up by two.

The lesson for not running yourself out of innings, even with two outs was painfully clear to the Reds when Iglesias greeted Brandon Kintzler with his third home run, bringing the Reds to within one of the Cubs.

David Hernandez entered the game in the eighth.  Middletown, Ohio native Kyle Schwarber reset the cushion at two with his fifth home run.  Schwarber has 12 home runs in his career against the Reds with six at Great American Ball Park.

Raisel Iglesias had little trouble with the first-place Cubs in the ninth inning but two outs into the 10th Kris Bryant, who was 0-for-4 singled with two outs.  Javier Baez, as Puig said, was struck out in each of his four at bats but he singled Bryant to third.

Bell went to Amir Garrett to face the left-handed Schwarber with the game in the balance.  Cubs' manager Joe Maddon countered with Wilson Contreras, who is the regular catcher and had a 10-game hitting streak snapped on Sunday.  His 10 home runs is the most by a Cubs catcher in 37 games since Gabby Hartnett hit 13 in 1925.

Garrett got Contreras way out in front on his second pitch.  Contreras topped the ball to the third base side of the mound.  The athletic Garrett, who played basketball for St. John's University pounced on the ball as Bryant was streaking home.  Garrett wield and fired to first to end the inning.

"When the ball was hit I thought damn, I've got to field it.  I thought about tagging Kris.  I knew it wasn't ideal," Garrett said.  "I want to see how hard I threw it.  I have no doubt when I throw the ball, if I bounce it Joey is going to get it."

The Reds last walk-off win was against San Francisco on August 17th of last season when Phillip Ervin hit an 11th inning home run.

The Reds completed  their first walk-off  win against the Cubs since May 19, 2018 when they beat the Cubs on a bases loaded walk in the 11th inning.

Colerain/UC Grad Ryan Atkinson One Step Closer To Majors

Ryan Atkinson is a long shot among long shots but his odds of fulfilling his dream to pitch in the Major Leagues became shorter.

Atkinson, who was not drafted out of high school or college, turned 26 on Friday and was promoted by the Arizona Diamondbacks from Double A Jackson to Triple A Reno on Sunday.

The 2011 Colerain Grad pitched four years at UC and worked as a nutritionist and personal trainer for a year when the itch to pitch prompted Atkinson to make some phone calls.  He secured a tryout with the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League after not picking up a ball in over a year.   Atkinson not only impressed the Otters but caught the eye of the Arizona Diamondbacks after on appearance.  They signed him on June 2, 2016.

He has pitched his way through Missoula Mt, Visalia Ca, Kane County Il, Jackson Tn and now Reno, Nevada as the newest member of the Aces.  He was invited to pitch in the prestigious Arizona Fall League in 2018 and invited to spring training.  After a successful move to the bullpen that season, he was invited to spring training this year.

Arizona's bullpen is struggling they are 12th in the National League in ERA.  Atkinson could help. He allowed one earned run in 11 2/3 innings to start the season. He had seven scoreless outings for Jackson.  His last five appearances, Atkinson was touched for seven earned runs in 6 2/3 innings but he only walked five at Jackson while striking out 24.   He has appeared once at Reno, pitching two innings on Monday.  He allowed two three hits and two runs with four walks and two strikeouts.

Atkinson is learning some pitches in his arsenal and now is close enough that his trip to the Major League bullpen in Arizona will come soon. 

Nick Senzel Powers Reds To A Win After Bees Delay The Start

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The series finale between the Reds and the San Francisco Giants was delayed by a swarm of bees for 18 minutes.  Nick Senzel stung the Giants when the game started.

David Bell trusted Senzel with the leadoff spot in the Reds batting order.  His faith was repaid with a home run to start the game.  Bell's faith was rewarded with a home run that set the tone for the Reds' 12-4 win over the San Francisco to split the four-game series.

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"It is the quality of his at bats that makes me feel good about him leading off.  He can run too," Bell said.  "It was a really good offensive series.  We'll take the two wins. That is a good team over there.  They compete.  They battled us and came back to win two games.  We continue to compete.  We continue to get better."

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For the fourth straight game the Reds jumped all over the San Francisco Giants' starter.  The victim du jour was left-hander Drew Pomeranz.

Joey Votto followed Senzel's first career leadoff homer with a single.  Eugenio Suarez hit a two-run, first inning home run for the second time in two days.  The Reds continued.  Yasiel Puig grounded out but Kyle Farmer walked.  Jose Iglesias tripled down the right field line.  Curt Casali singled him home.

Senzel hit his second home run of the game, leading off the second inning.  Suarez singled with one out. Puig singled.  Iglesias doubled to score Suarez.

The Reds had at least a four-run lead in all four games of the series but the Giants came back to win two of them.  Anthony DeSclafani was trusted with holding this lead. He gave up a double to Brandon Belt to lead off the second.  Suarez threw Pablo Sandoval's ground ball into the camera well for an ettor.  Belt scored the unearned run in the top of the second.

DeSclafani pitched six innings for the third game in a row.   The Giants followed their modis operandi by initiating a come back, scoring three runs in the sixth.  Joe Panik doubled.  DeSclafani got the next two on fly balls but he walked Belt.  Sandoval followed with his third home run of the season to cut the lead in half at 7-4.

The Reds broke the game open in the bottom sixth with bevy of bruises.  Suarez was hit by pitch with one out by Pat Venditte, who pitches with both arms depending who is at the plate.  Puig walked.  Farmer singled for one run.  Iglesias singled over the head of Gerber in left for another run.  Curt Casali singled.  Venditte hit Peraza to load the bases and pinch hitter Josh VanMeter to drive home his first career run.  Nick Vincent replaced Venditte.  Senzel struck out but Venditte hit Votto to score the Reds fifth run of the inning.

"I thought when we scored the runs after Sandoval's home run, that was important from an momentum standpoint. A lot of good things happened todayfi," said Bell, who gave opposing manager Bruce Bochy a retirement gift before the game.  Bell worked alongside the Giants' manager of 13 years last season as a member of the Giants development team.

Iglesias had a triple, double and single coming into his last at bat in the seventh inning, needing a home run to complete the cycle.

"I thought about the home run a little bit until I got two strikes," Iglesias said.  "I really like the way this team is swinging the bats now."

Senzel had homers in his first two at bats but struck out in the next three.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Senzel is the first Reds' player to hit three home runs in his first four games.

"After the home runs I struck out three times," Senzel.  "I was pretty happy but wasn't too happy about my last couple AB's.  I'm glad we won.  I like leadoff a lot.  I have the chance to be aggressive. I just honestly don't think I'm going that well.  There is a lot of room to grow.  I can go way better . I'm not where I want to be."

The four hit batters in the inning tied the Major League record.  Boston Braves hitters were plunked four times in the second inning of the first game of a double header against Pittsburgh on August 19, 1893.

Sandoval came in to pitch the ninth for the Giants.  He hit Peraza with a pitch, setting the Reds' team record with five batters hit.  It tied the big league record for the fifth time.  The last time five batters were hit by a pitch was on August 23, 2017 when five St. Louis Cardinals batters were hit five times by San Diego Padres pitchers.

Sandoval pitched a scoreless eighth, getting Senzel to hit into a double play to end the inning.  Sandoval hit a home run, stole a base and pitched a scoreless inning.

Zach Duke pitched two scoreless innings.  Wandy Peralta pitched a scoreless ninth.

Derek Dietrich Adds Mustache To 1911 Uniform

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The Reds are celebrating the 150th year of existence with throwback uniforms.  On Sunday, the Reds wore the uniform of the 1911 team.

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In 1911 the Reds hit 21 home runs total for the season.  Dick Hoblitzell hit 11 of them.  No one else on the team had more than one.   The 2019 Reds hit three home runs on three straight pitches.  Eugenio Suarez, Jesse Winker and Derek Dietrich each hit their ninth home run of the season.

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Dietrich took the throwback days an extra step.  He used lamp black to draw a early 20th century mustache.

"We had some fun with it," Dietrich said.  "I got a lot of play with it.  I said if I'm doing something like this I better get a hit. I got a lot of messages.  They were positive."

The Reds will wear uniforms from:

1912 May 9
1919 June 2
1935 June 15
1936 June 30
1939 July 6
1956 July 7
1961 July 21
1967 July 28
1969 August 11
1976 August 17
1990 August 18
1995 September 8
1999 September 22

Does Dietrich have anything planned for them?

"Premeditated or on the fly, who knows," Dietrich said.

According to Baseball Almanac, uniforms in the first decade of Major League  Baseball were either 100% wool flanel or a blend of wool and cotton.  Summer heat and humidity would make those uniforms hot and heavy.  Not to mention there were no night games.

The Reds throwback uniforms are designed to look like 1911 but were using modern synthetic fabric blends.

"The uniforms were awesome," Dietrich said.  "They fit just like our normal jerseys.  They were comfortable to wear."

Dietrich's grandfather Steve Demeter played in the Major Leagues with Detroit and Cleveland in 1959 and 1960.  His uniforms were heavier.

"Playing in wool would be difficult," Dietrich said.  "My grandmother has some of his old uniforms in the basement in Parma, Ohio."

Reds Homer Early But Giants Victimize Raisel Iglesias In The Ninth

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Raisel Iglesias gave up a key ninth inning home run for the second time in the series as the San Francisco Giants overcame a Reds barrage of home runs to win 6-5.

Brandon Crawford crushed a two-run home run to complete the comeback in the ninth.

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The Reds wore the uniforms of the 1911 team on Sunday against the Giants.

Those ancient Reds from 108 years ago left some home runs in them.  The 2011 Reds hit 21 home runs total with Dick Hoblitzell leading them with 11.

The modern Reds hit home runs on three consecutive pitches off Jeff Samardzija in the first inning to give reigning pitcher of the month, Luis Castillo a four-run lead.  Joey Votto dumped a single in front of Kevin Pillar in center field to break an 0-for-14 slump.  Eugenio Suarez took a called strike but on the next three offerings Suarez, Jesse Winker and Derek Dietrich hit home runs.  It was the ninth of the season for all three of them, keeping a tie for the team lead.

"We are scoring runs now.  Good things are going to happen," David Bell said.

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Castillo, who led the Major Leagues in ERA, held the Giants without a hit until the sixth.  He walked Joe Panik in the fourth but he was erased on a double play.  Steven Duggar singled past Jose Iglesias for the Giants first hit one out into the sixth.  Pinch hitter Stephen Vogt walked and Panik singled to score Duggar.  Mike Gerber struck out but Buster Posey tied the game with his second home run of the season.

"Castillo was outstanding again," Bell said.  "A couple of ground ball hits before the home run.  The results don't show it but it very well could be his best game of the season."

Castillo worked through the seventh inning but the Reds scoring had stopped. Samardzija retired 13 straight batters before turning the tie game over to Trevor Gott.

"I didn't do anything different in the sixth inning," Castillo said through interpreter Julio Murillo.  I didn't know I was throwing a no-hitter.  I don't think I missed with the pitch to Posey.  It was a really good pitch.  He put a good swing on it."

Castillo still holds a 1.97 ERA after seven innings in which he allowed the four runs on four hits and two walks.

"I was really impressed with what Luis did in the seventh," Bell said.

"After the sixth I was still focused on the game," Castillo said.

Amir Garrett retired the four batters he faced but Raisel Iglesias caved in for the second straight appearance.  Posey greeted Iglesias with a double.  Brandon Crawford hit his first career pinch hit home run.

"I second guess myself all the time," Bell said.  "For that situation we want to throw our best out there.  The Giants are a good team and have been for a long time.  We've seen Raisel really good too. He's not happy with the results but we still like where he is."

Will Smith retired the Reds but only after Kyle Farmer hit the first pinch hit home run of his career and fifth of the season.








Luis Castillo

Josh VanMeter Comes To Cincinnati Cody Reed Back To Louisville

Josh VanMeter from Ossian, Indiana a suburb of Ft. Wayne is the newest Reds' player.

The 24-year old, who was obtained by the Reds as a player to be named later in a trade for catcher Luis Torrens, was tearing up the International League.  He fills the roster spot of Matt Kemp, who was released on Saturday.

VanMeter, a left-handed batting infielder, was hitting .336 for the Bats with 13, count em, 13 home runs and 31 runs batted in.   He was originally drafted in the fifth round by the San Diego Padres in 2013 and spent three seasons in that organization.

The Reds saw VanMeter in spring training as a minor league fill in at the end of games. He barely raised an eyebrow there by appearing in 10 games with one hit in 13 at bats.  He hit .260 with 12 home runs while playing 30 games at Pensacola and 98 in Louisville.

The Reds returned Cody Reed to Louisville.  Reed was with the team as insurance for an over used bullpen.  He pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings against the Giants on Saturday night.

Reds Hit Five Home Runs To Slay Giants

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The Reds had the home run ball working for the second night in a row but this time the pitchers were on the same page.

Eugenio Suarez, Tucker Barnhart, Derek Dietrich, Yasiel Puig and Nick Senzel hit home runs off Dereck Rodriguez in the Reds' 9-2 win over the San Francisco Giants.

Tanner Roark walked two and allowed two hits in six innings.  On Friday, the Reds staked Sonny Gray to an 8-0 lead but Gray walked two in a three-run inning, leading to an early departure and taxing a tired bullpen.  The Reds lost 12-11 when the bullpen failed to stop the Giants' comeback.

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"Last night's game tested our toughness.  I know it did mine.  After last night this says a lot about our team." David Bell said.  "Tanner seemed to know exactly what we needed.  He was determined to finish the game.  He got a little tired there."

Puig's single drove in Jesse Winker, who doubled in the first inning.

The Giants scratched a game-tying run off Roark after a two-out single and stolen base by Kevin Pillar and a single by Steven Duggar, who chipped in three hits and three RBI on Friday.

Jose Peraza worked Rodriguez for a rare walk, his third in over 100 plate appearances.  Roark singled with Peraza running.  Barnhart's force of Roark drove in Peraza.  Joey Votto reached base for the first time in four games with a walk.  Suarez unloaded his eighth home run to make it a 5-1 game.

"Gino (Eugenio Suarez) was the turning point," Bell said.  "The catch against Senzel could have easily led to a long stretch without one.  All nine runs were scored with two outs.  That's a good sign."

Senzel, who got his first big league hit with a slow roller to third on Friday, hit a ball over the center field fence but Pillar climbed it to bring it back for the third out of the third inning.

"I'm extremely happy with my at bats today," Senzel said.  "I thought I hit the first one better but it kind of came back.  It was a 3-2 fastball.  He didn't want to walk me.  The second one was a fastball down the middle.  I got the ball.  The kid who caught it was his birthday."


Barnhart hit his third home run in the fourth.   Derek Dietrich hit his eighth home run of the season and third in the last two games two outs into the fifth.  This time Senzel lined one where there "ain't nobody playin," for his first career home run.  Puig and Dietrich lifted the rookie above their heads in celebration.

"Having one caught like that can lead to a long stretch without one," Bell said.  "It was nice that he got his first one at home."

Roark pitched into the seventh inning, his longest outing of the season.  He retired 14 out of 15 batters with just a walk to Duggar to spoil his streak.  Roark struck out two around a double by Brandon Crawford.  Duggar drove in another run with a single that spelled the end of the night after 113 pitches.  Cody Reed, who was recalled earlier in the day, relieved Roark.  Reed struck out Stephen Vogt to end the seventh.  Roark finished with 6 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and two walks.  He struck out a season-high seven.  Roark is now 7-1 lifetime against the Giants.

"I made a little mechanical change," Roark said.  "My dad, Toby, told me my tempo was too slow.  When we score runs I want to bounce back and get three outs as soon as possible. "

On his record against the Giants Roark said, "It is just one of those things.  The real moving my hands to get my arm moving faster was the difference."

Puig hit his fifth home run off ambidextrous pitcher Pat Venditte. It was Puig's third hit of the game.

Reed finished the game with 2 1/3 scoreless innings.

Reds Release Matt Kemp Scott Schebler Sent To Louisville Cody Reed Recalled

The Reds aren't waiting until the trading deadline to trim fat from their roster.  Matt Kemp, who like Yasiel Puig and Alex Wood are only under contract for 2019 and could leave the Reds through free agency.

Although Kemp was an All-Star last season, the 34-year old is being released to allow the young Reds outfielders to learn on the job.  It really has nothing to do with Kemp's slow start of .200 batting average over 20 games and 60 at bats.  He hit one home run and drove in five runs.  Kemp is not the only player to start slowly.  The team has the lowest batting average in Major League Baseball at .210.

The Reds don't see Kemp as part of their future.  With the ascension of 23-year old Nick Senzel, the Reds have decided Kemp was not in even their near future plans.

"Just looking forward we didn't see a great for Matt here," said David Bell of the outfielder who is on the injured list with a broken left rib.  "We made the decision and didn't want to delay the decision.  We're not satisfied by where we are but at the same time, we're not at the point where we have to shake things up."

The demotion of Scott Schebler is also not a sign of a shakeup according to Bell.  Schebler was booed while striking out in critical situations in the Reds' 12-11 loss to the Giants on Friday night.  His average dipped to .123 in 30 games with 112 at bats.  He hit two home runs and drove in seven. His on-base-percentage was down to .253.

"It is really what's best for Scott," Bell said.  "We believe in him and we need him.  He just has to keep going.  He can go down and make adjustments with more playing time."

The Reds recalled left-hander Cody Reed from Louisville.  Reed pitched 14 innings in 11 games at Louisville.  Reed has a 1-2 record with a 3.21 ERA with 19 strikeouts and six walks.

Derek Dietrich Two Home Runs Wasted In 12-11 Giants Comeback Win

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Reserve Derek Dietrich upstaged Reds' prospect Nick Senzel with two three-run home runs off Tyler Beede to power the Reds to an 8-0 lead but Sonny Gray and the Reds' bullpen couldn't hold it.

Stephen Vogt hit a two-out home run off Raisel Iglesias to tie the game.  Evan Longoria led off the 11th inning with a home run off Jared Hughes and the Giants pulled off an improbable 12-11 win over the Reds.

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Senzel making his first Major League appearance had a hit taken away with a diving catch by Giants' center fielder, Kevin Pillar.  Jesse Winker singled with two outs and Yasiel Puig followed with a single.  Dietrich lifted his sixth home run to the right field bleachers.

"It was surreal," Senzel said.  "It is something I've dreamed about.  As for the hit, I'll take it.  I was pretty happy with some of my at bats.  It was good to get some reads off the bat too.  The crowd reaction was great.  They've had my back since I was drafted.

Senzel walked twice and made one nice running catch off the bat of Duggar in the sixth inning.

The benefactor of the three-run homer, Gray, allowed just two hits in three innings.

The Reds gave him even more space with a five-run bottom of the third.  Senzel walked with one out.  Winker doubled.  Puig's slow ground ball to short was dropped by Brandon Crawford as he attempted to cut Senzel down at the plate.  Dietrich put a real hurt on Beede with his seventh home deep into the bleachers.  It was his fourth multi-home run game and second of the season.  Jose Iglesias doubled. Kyle Farmer singled him home.

"That kind of goes to show you to never give up.  We put some runs on the board quickly but you have to give credit to them (Giants).  They could have easily put their heads down.  It is a lesson for all of us.  They gave a good effort and hats off to them but we've got to get that win," Dietrich said.

Gray misplaced his control in the fourth inning after a hit by Buster Posey.  Gray walked Brandon Belt and Evan Longoria.  Crawford was thrown out on a diving stop by Dietrich as Posey scored.  Steven Duggar brought home two runs with a single.

"I felt alright but when a team scores five runs, you want to come back and have a shut out inning," Gray said.

The Reds got an unearned run in the fourth off Nick Vincent.  Pillar dropped Puig's fly ball with two outs.  Dietrich hit a ground ball that Joe Panik dived for and stopped but Vincent drew an error by not catching the throw.  Puig scored.

Farmer homered for the fourth time this season as he reached the left field stands with a line drive off Vincent.

Gray pitched a scoreless fifth to qualify for the win but Wandy Peralta had a rough sixth inning, giving up four runs.

Crawford and Pillar singled.  Senzel in his first chance in center field ran down Duggar's bid for extra bases.  Crawford scored.  Vogt hit a double and Pillar beat Puig's strong throw.  Panik unloaded his second home run of the season into the Reds' bullpen.

Michael Lorenzen notched a scoreless seventh.

Winker hit a ground rule double, his third hit of the night to score Tucker Barnhart in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Amir Garrett was summoned to face Panik both attended St. John's University.  Garrett struck out Panik but Tyler Austin singled to load the bases.  Garrett struck out Yangervis Solarte but Belt drove in two runs with a single up the middle. 

Raisel Iglesias entered with the tying runs on base and Evan Longoria at the plate.  Longoria made it a one-run game with a single to center.  Iglesias struck out Crawford to preserve the lead.

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The Reds entered the ninth inning clinging to the 11-10 lead.  Iglesias was scheduled to face the bottom of the Giants order but they had six hits and four RBI.  Pillar flied out to left.  Duggar stuck out looking. Vogt, who came in for Posey early in the game tied it with his first home run of the season.  He had just been called up to replace injured back up catcher Erik Kratz.

"This is one we needed to win," David Bell said.  "Our bullpen has been doing such a great job.  We finally scored some runs.  They're all tough but sometimes they feel worse.  It happens it is a good test to bounce back."

The Reds loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth against Tony Watson.  Tucker Barnhart walked.  Joey Votto struck out,  making him 0-for-6.  Senzel got his first career hit on a slow ground ball to third that went for an infield hit. Eugenio Suarez flied out to right.  Puig was hit by a pitch.  Schebler grounded out to Watson after a 10-pitch at bat.

Hughes pitched the scoreless 10th for the Reds.

Will Smith, the 24th Giant player used came in to handle the bottom of the 11th.  Votto, Senzel and Suarez were due up.  Votto grounded out.  Senzel struck out.  Suarez stuck out to end the game.