Luis Castillo Makes The All-Star Team, The Reds Lone Representative

The Reds' lone All-Star is ace starting pitcher Luis Castillo, who leads the staff with 7-3 record and a 2.47 ERA.

A surprise pick as the Reds Opening Day starter, Castillo has proven this young coaching staff was correct to name him over veterans Tanner Roark, Sonny Gray and Anthony DeSclafani.

He is third in the National League with his ERA.  He is sixth in the league with 115 strikeouts.  He has the lowest batting average allowed in the league at .178

I'm really, really happy.  I'm grateful to be here.  I'm grateful for all the coaches," Castillo said. "I set goals and this is one that I achieved. Now I'm looking for the Cy Young."

David Bell took pleasure in announcing Castillo's selection in a team meeting before the game.

"That was one of the best honors I've had," Bell said.  "Not only because of the season that he's had and how hard he's worked his whole life and the people who have helped him along the way, it was fun.  Even more than that it is the person that he is and the teammate that he is. He didn't know. To be able to tell him and see his face in front of the people he cares about was a personal honor for me.  He absolutely deserves it.  It is one more thing for him to build on in his development.  It will be fun to watch."

Castillo came to Cincinnati in minor deal before the 2017 season for Dan Straily.

"The trade to the Reds gave me the opportunity.  Things have worked out very well for me and the team.  They trusted me to be a Major League pitcher," Castillo said through interpreter Julio Morillo.
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Eugenio Suarez Torpedoes Jon Lester And The Cubs

The Reds' parlayed a walk, an error and 457 feet of home run to jump on a jittery Jon Lester and a to a 3-0 on the Chicago Cubs.  The Reds fought off a comeback to win take the series with 8-6 win.

Nick Senzel opened the game with a walk,  Red hot Joey Votto hit a line fly to left that Middletown's own, Kyle Schwarber easily got to but the ball bounced off his glove for an error.   It became costly as Eugenio Suarez' 17th home run of the season dented the wall of the Riverboat replica high above the batter's eye in straight away center field.

"I didn't see where Suarez drive landed," David Bell said.  "It never came down.  Geno obvious has good power to be able to do that against a good pitcher.  It went a long way but the main thing is went over the fence."

It was Suarez third home run in June after hitting seven in each of the first two months. It was his fourth home run in 35 at bats against Lester.

Anthony DeSclafani pitched six scoreless innings as the beneficiary.  He needed some help from a fan.  After retiring eight straight batters after Schwarber opened the game with an infield single, Schwarber singled with two out.  Kris Bryant followed with a double to bring up the dangerous Anthony Rizzo.   Rizzo hit a fly down the left field line.  Phil Ervin chased it into foul territory after a long run.  A fan reached over the rail and got a glove on it as Ervin set up to make the catch.  Third base umpire made no call.  The Reds appealed and Rizzo was ruled out on fan interference.

"Rizzo's was a huge out.  They had momentum and that put a stop to it.  A huge, huge turn of events," DeSclafani said.

Ervin was there to make the catch and believes it was his ball to field.

"I believe I catch that for sure.  There wasn't much I could really do," Ervin said.  "I'm glad they got it over turned."

"It was nice to have the lead," DeSclafani said. "The last time they got to me pretty quick.  I made quality pitches when I needed to.  It has been a struggle getting through innings quick and clean.  It was good to have an outing where things were kind of rolling along."

Lester recovered from Suarez blast and retired the next 14 Reds' batters. Curt Casali's two out single in the fifth inning was the Reds' second hit of the game.  Senzel singled.  Lester went 3-2 on Votto but got him on a controversial called third strike.  Votto was not pleased with home plate umpire Alan Porter's call.

The Reds finally added another run but squandered a chance for more.  Suarez hit a line drive down the left field line.  He beat the throw to second but couldn't hold the bag, sliding past it.  He was tagged out.  Yasiel Puig walked and stole second base.  Ervin blooped a single to right to allow Puig to score.  That was all for Lester.  Rowan Wick completed the inning with no more runs crossing.

DeSclafani allowed six hits and a walk while striking out seven before being removed for pinch hitter Jesse Winker.

"DeSclafani was outstanding," Bell said. "When you're in a situation like that against this team or any team we had a chance to add on runs.  Our bullpen was rested and our bullpen has been outstanding.  It wasn't an easy decision but one that I felt good about."

The Cubs came back in the seventh off Michael Lorenzen.  Addison Russell doubled to open the inning.  One out later Albert Almora Jr. singled Russell home.  Schwarber hit his his 18th home run to left to make it a one-run game.   Bryant followed with a double.  Amir Garrett came on to face Rizzo which is becoming a recurring match up between the two teams in late-game situations.  Rizzo bounced out up the middle to Jose Iglesias as Bryant moved to third   Contreras hit a ground ball

Then Reds put a scare into Wick in the bottom of the seventh.  Casali walked.  Senzel hit a long fly to right headed for the stands.  Jason Heyward, who hit a home run in each of the first two games of the series, prevented one, reaching above the wall to catch Senzel's bid for his ninth home run.  Votto hit into a double play to end the inning.

Garrett walked Heyward to start the eighth.  David Bell pulled Votto and brought in Raisell Iglesias.  Derek Dietrich went to first.  Baez, who was getting the day off with an aching heal, pinch hit. Baez stuck out swinging.   Russel went down swinging.  Daniel Descalso walked to move the tying run to second base.  Iglesias threw a wild pitch to add drama before Almora fouled out to Casali.

Puig singled off Dillon Maples and stole second base with two outs, setting up Ervin's second RBI single of the game.  Jose Peraza was hit with a pitch for the second time in the game.  It was Peraza, who Maples hit that caused Bell to be ejected on Saturday.  Peraza waved to the mound in protest.

"Phil came through with two tough at bats," Bell said.  "Sometimes it isn't the hardest hit ball that's the big hit.  It is the at bat you grind out and find a way to put the ball in play."

Ervin had a great spring training camp and did everything he could to make the team but he had options left.  He has been a team player accepting the frequent trips to the minor leagues in stride.  Perhaps the struggle to stay here has made him tougher in clutch situations.

"It is always important to add on when you get that chance," Ervin said. "I was up there trying to fight.  I tried to fight off good pitches to get something to hit.  He just kept throwing good pitches and I was just fighting them off.  Somehow those two found some grass."

"I feel like I have to keep playing, and stuff will work itself out," Ervin said.  "When I get sent down, I try to be a team player if they feel like it will help the team, I'm with it.  I like this team and I want to be a part of it.  They tell me they need extra arms and pitchers, I'm with it.  I'm going to play my hardest and do what I have to do to be here.  It is part of the business.  It makes me a little more stronger."

Joe Maddon brought in lefty Kyle Ryan to pitch to Dietrich.  Bell countered with Kyle Farmer.  Bell's strategy won as Farmer restored the Reds' three-run lead.  Casali walked to reach base for the third time and load the bases.  Senzel's ground single to left put the game out of "slam range".

Bryant walked and Rizzo singled but Iglesias struck out Willson Contreras for the second out in the ninth but Heyward hit his third home run of the series and 14th of the year but it only made it a two-run game.   Baez popped out to Farmer at first to insure the 14th save for Iglesias.

"I was going to give Raisel opportunity to finish that game," Bell said. "Iggy was well rested as long as he was attacking the strike zone with the bigger lead.  He was going to have the opportunity."

Kyle Farmer Ready To Catch On

Kyle Farmer is the Reds' "swiss army knife" no task is beyond his range.  He can play all the infield positions and the corner outfield.  He can entertain with an imitation of country music star Luke Bryan but the Reds want him to mimic Johnny Bench since Tucker Barnhart is injured.

Farmer was drafted as a catcher by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013 out of the University of Georgia.  Farmer caught in his summer leagues but Georgia coach, David Perno liked him at shortstop.  The two positions require totally different athletic skills.

The Dodgers' organization put Farmer behind the plate in pro ball until after persistent lobbying by Farmer, Oklahoma City manager, Bill Hasselman put him in the lineup at shortstop.

"I was ecstatic," Farmer said.

The Reds moved Farmer around all spring in Goodyear, Arizona.  He caught two games and played shortstop in four games.  He played four games behind the plate at the Major League level with the Dodgers.

"It was fun working with him behind the plate," said Tanner Roark after a game in spring training.

The Reds have had the luxury of having essentially three catchers on the active roster although fate had a lot to do with that.

Farmer was reassigned to minor league camp on May 22nd.  The next day Scooter Gennett strained his groin and missed three months.  Farmer was brought right back.  He is still here.  This time an injury to Barnhart created the need for Farmer to knock the dust off his catcher's gear and skills.

"Even though he hasn't caught for us so far, he's affected the our roster as if he had," David Bell said.  Bell was able to use Curt Casali or Barnhart as a pinch hitter early or double switch them because Farmer provided depth.  "I wouldn't hesitate to use him at catcher."

On Saturday, Farmer worked behind the plate before the game, blocking balls in the dirt, throwing to second and third with coach J.R. House.

"It was like a spring training day for Kyle," Bell said.

Casali is starting his sixth straight game at catcher.  The Reds have had plenty of off days to recover and the game times made it easier to transition.  There was a 7:10 game on Friday, a 4:10 game on Saturday and 1:10 on Sunday.

"That made it easier for Curt to recover," Bell said.  "I expect to get Kyle a start at catcher in the next four or five days.

Javie Baez Slam Breaks Open Reds-Cubs Pitchers Duel - Yasiel Puig and Pedro Strop Angry

Javier Baez' eighth inning grand slam turned a pitcher's duel into a 6-0 rout by the Chicago Cubs.

Baez unloaded his 20th home run into the right field stands off Jared Hughes.  Baez had three hits in 13 at bats against Hughes but his home run was the second off Hughes.

Tempers flared in the bottom of the eighth.  Pedro Strop hit Yasiel Puig with a pitch in the thigh.  Puig launched the batting helmet in Strop's direction as Anthony Rizzo cut off Puig before he got to Strop.  There were no ejections after benches and bullpens emptied onto the field.

It wasn't the end though.

Dillon Maples pitched the ninth and retired the first two batters but hit Jose Peraza with a pitch.  It was the third Cincinnati hitter hit in the game.  Derek Dietrich was hit in the seventh by Steve Cishek.  David Bell complained to Mark Wegner and was ejected for the sixth time. Wegner warned both benches received a warning after Puig went on the field.  Maples was just called up and has a reputation for a lack of control.

Bell went out to insist that Maples be tossed from the game but Wegner declined.

"I didn't believe it was intentional," Wegner said.

Strop blamed Puig for creating unnecessary drama.

"He just reacted like that.  I don't know why," Strop said.  "He just acts stupid.  I don't know what else to say about it. It's not a secret he's stupid.  I have nothing against him but he's stupid."

Puig denied there was a history with Strop, who hit him with a 3-0 pitch. “I don’t know," Puig said. "You’ll have to ask him. Me and my teammates just want to go out tomorrow and win the game and win the series and forget what happened today."

“At the end of the day, nothing happened. Nobody got hurt. What’s important tomorrow is to go out and win the game and win the series. That’s more important than fighting with the other team.”

Bell carried the argument past Wegner's patience.

 “I don’t like it when our guys get hit. I care about our players," Bell said.  "He (Wegner) said he didn’t think he did it on purpose. The bottom line is I don’t like it when our players get hit.”

Jason Heyward's 13th home run off Castillo was the only score for six innings.

The Reds stranded two runners in the first, third, sixth and eighth. The Cubs hit into rally killing double plays in the third and fifth innings as both Quintana and Castillo made big pitches when they were in jams.

The biggest threat Castillo faced was in the fifth inning.  Heyward walked to open the inning.  Addison Russel hit a slow roller to Eugenio Suarez at third.  Suarez couldn't make the throw in time and held it.  Albert Almora Jr. hit a bouncing ball to Suarez' left.  The third baseman bobbled the ball for an error that loaded the bases.  Castillo struck Quintana out.  Kyle Schwarber hit a ground ball to Scooter Gennett, who had to back up before making the flip to Jose Iglesias at shortstop.  Iglesias throw nipped Schwarber at first.  The call held up under review.

“He made a lot of big pitches – got some double plays and big outs," Bell said. "He made pitches when he had to. He was back on track today.” 

Castillo had a rough outing his last time out in Milwaukee.

“He (Derek Johnson) kept reminding me in the dugout about what we worked on during the game,” Castillo said through interpreter Julio Morillo.  "The slider was really good today, too. I was trying to mix up my pitches, and that was working really well for me.”

Steve Cishek took over for Quintana to start the seventh.

Castillo allowed just the one run on three hits and three walks in a six strikeout performance.

David Hernandez started the fateful eighth inning.  Pinch hitter David Bote singled.  Hernandez struck out Schwarber but Kris Bryant doubled.  David Bell played the percentages and brought Zach Duke into the fray to pitch to Anthony Rizzo.   Coming into the game, Duke retired Rizzo 15 times in 16 at bats with a couple walks.  Duke loaded the bases with a four-pitch pass to the Cubs' slugger.  Bell went to Hughes, the ground ball specialist but the plan back fired.

The Cubs added a run in the ninth on an RBI double by Schwarber against Bob Stephenson.

Joey Votto Leads Reds Over Cubs

On May 22nd, Joey Votto was hitting a paltry .208 and the Reds' offense was impotent.

The next game he had two hits against the Chicago Cubs.  On Friday, Votto got hits in his first three at bats to give him an even 1,800 for his career and improved to .360 (36-for-100) since then.  He was the catalyst reaching base five times, including four hits in the Reds' 6-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.

While Sonny Gray was retiring 16 of the first 18 Cubs' batters, Votto scored two runs and drove in one helping to build a 6-0 lead.

"This is an important series for us to get where we want to be," Gray said.  "We had to get the lead and keep it and that's what we did."

Votto singled with one out in the first.  Eugenio Suarez walked and Yasiel Puig singled to load the bases.  Jose Iglesias hit into a force play to drive in Votto.

Phil Ervin hit his first home run of the season off Mike Montgomery, leading off the second inning.

Ervin opened the fourth with a double.  Gray bunted Ervin to third.  Curt Casali walked.  Nick Senzel hit a double off Kyle Schwarber's glove in left to score two runs.  Votto singled to score Senzel. Suarez drew his second walk and Puig hit his second single to load the bases.  This time Iglesias delivered the run with a fly out to deep center.

Senzel cost his team a run with a rookie mistake in the second.  There were two outs when Senzel walked.  He stole second but waited for Votto's single to bounce in front of Albert Almora Jr. before advancing to third.  Had he been running on contact there is a good chance he would have scored.

"He felt terrible," David Bell said.  "All you can do is wait for your next at bat."

He atoned with his two-run double.

Gray pitched into the seventh.  Javier Baez beat out a slow roller to third to start the inning.  Willson Contreras hit a long fly that Senzel fielded against the center field fence.  Baez moved to second.  He took third on a wild pitch and scored on Jason Heyward's 12th home run.

David Bell brought David Hernandez into the game as Gray fell one out short of his longest outing of the season which was 6-2/3 innings on April 5.

Addison Russel tripled and Almora hit a sacrifice fly to cut the lead in half.

Amir Garrett and Michael Lorenzen got the last five outs with the help of Puig's catch of Heyward's line drive to the wall in right.  Lorenzen earned his fifth save.

"Not only did Michael save the game but he set us up for tomorrow," Bell said.

Scooter Gennett Returns Tucker Barnhart To Injured List

Three months ago Scooter Gennett reached for a ground ball in an Spring Training game in Arizona.

Tonight he returns to the Reds' lineup batting sixth and playing second base.  Gennett contributed 50 home runs and drove in 189 runs the last two seasons. 

"I've had a lot of time to think about that day in Arizona," Gennett said.  "What if I didn't go after that ball like that?  This is the most time I've had to watch games on TV and not be in the dugout."

The Reds' offense has shown life lately, Gennett is expected to give it that extra lift, 78 games into the season.

It’s so nice to have him back," David Bell said. "This is earlier than I expected. ... He’s a big part of this team on and off the field. No question he’s going to help us. He’s a big part of our offense. He’s been a big part of the offense the last couple of years.

Gennett picked up some knowledge by watching from a distance.

"I watched hitter who are similar to me," Gennett said.  "I watched how pitchers pitched to them and why.  I wondered why pitchers pitched me off the plate like I was Barry Bonds.  I realized it was because I would swing at them.  Now I will have a plan when I get into the batters box."

Tucker Barnhart strained his oblique swinging at a pitch and will go on the 10-day injured list retroactive to Sunday.

Bell is not counting on Barnhart to comeback in 10 days.

"I'd say it will be much longer than 10 days," Bell said.  "I don't know the timetable, but it will probably be significant."

Curt Casali will do most of the catching,

Kyle Farmer will be the backup catcher.  He was drafted as a catcher and caught extensively in the minor leagues  He has been in 73 Major League games and caught in four of them. 

"Kyle Farmer is our catcher," Bell said. "Even though he has not caught during the season, he’s worked very hard to stay on top of his catching skills. He’s done everything he can on the side to keep his skills ready."

Farmer played everywhere this spring, including catching and shortstop.

Reds Ninth Inning Rally Sweeps Astros Nick Senzel and Jesse Winker Come Through

The Reds completed a rare sweep of the Houston Astros on Wednesday..

Nick Senzel delivered an RBI single with two out in the ninth and Jesse Winker followed with a single that produced the winning run as the Reds swept the Astros for a 3-2 win.

After being 7-14 in one-run games, the Reds are 12-15, including all three wins over Houston.

"It was so much fun," David Bell said.  "I am just happy to see those guys come through.  It can go a long way.  It was a great series against a really good team.  The guys wanted to be up in those situations.  Our pitching has been doing it all year.  Our offense that's what it takes to win game.  It's easy when you score eight or nine runs but when you have to go out there and fight for every run with big hits like that's what it takes to win big games against good teams."

Roberto Osuna entered the game in the ninth looking for his 18th save in his 20th try.  Peraza led off with a double.  Tucker Barnhart batted for Casali and struck out.  Joey Votto, who was getting a day off batted for Bowman.  Votto took a called third strike.  Sensel's single to left and a throwing error by Brantley put Senzel in position to score the winning run.  Winker's ground single made the Reds a winner.

"We have to find a way to win those games," said Bell in the middle of their string of one-run losses.

The key to winning rather than going into extra-innings was Senzel getting to second base on the throw to the plate.  A good throw by Michael Brantley would have been close to getting Jose Per

"I pretty much messed up there," Senzel said.  "I should have taken second base right away.  You get caught up in the moment there but it is no excuse."

The rookie learned a lesson when first base coach, Delino DeShields told him he should have taken second right away.

Senzel got caught up in watching the play at the plate rather than sprinting to put himself in scoring position.  It was fortunate that the ball got away from the catcher, Garrett Stubbs and Osuna wasn't in place to back it up.

"It was a good send by J.R. (House)," Bell said of the third base coach.

It is nice to learn a hard lesson in a win.

"I told you guys when I first got here that it was only a matter of time before we start clicking," Senzel said.  "I didn't know when it was going to be. but I'm hoping this is it right here."

Winker was the next man up and knocked in the game winner.

"It was a big win it was huge," Winker said.  "That's a really, really good team."

Bell talked about players wanting to be up in key situations and have the ball hit to them.

"I think every guy in this clubhouse is one of those players," Winker said.

As eager as they were to get after it, they had to sit out another rain delay.  This one took 31 minutes out of their lives.

When the sun started shining, Reds' starter Tyler Mahle followed suit.  He allowed a harmless single by Michael Branley.   Jose Altuve, starting his first game after coming off the injured list hit into a double play.  He was the first of 12 batters retired by Mahle.

Yasiel Puig's 14th home run leading off the second inning, lining it into the left field stands off Houston starter Garrit Cole.  Cole, a former Pirate had a dismal 1-8 record against the Reds.

The Reds wasted three scoring chances against Cole.

Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez singled with two out in the third.  Cole struck out Derek Dietrich to end the inning.  Jose Iglesias singled with one out in the fourth and went to third on Jose Peraza's single but Cole struck out Curt Casali and Mahle. Winker singled and Dietrich walked with two outs in the fifth but Puig struck out.

Mahle, who complained bitterly about coming out of games prematurely, nursed the lead until the sixth inning which started out well for the right-hander.  He struck out Jake Marisnick and Cole to start the sixth.  Alex Bregman singled sharply to center.  Mahle quickly put Brantley into an 0-2 hole but hit his 11th home run to put the Astros in the lead.

"It was one of Mahle's best games," Bell said.

"It is great to go seven against a team like that," Mahle said.

Brantley singled again in the eighth with Tony Kemp on second base and two outs against Matt Bowman.   Winker fielded the single on one hop then threw a strike home to Casali, who applied the tag.

Bowman pitched two scoreless innings to keep the game close and earn the win.

Papa Jose Iglesias Returns Josh VanMeter Goes To Play In Louisville

Jose Iglesias returned to the Reds after the birth of his daughter Antonella on Father's Day.

The Reds sent Josh VanMeter, who is listed as an infielder but has played more outfield.  The Reds elected to keep Phil Ervin on the roster.

Ervin had such a good spring that it was a tough decision not to keep him for Opening Day.  He has performed well in Louisville and provides a right-handed bat.  He will get more playing time, starting against left-handed pitchers.

"Josh has to get more playing time.  I haven't created enough opportunities for him to play," David Bell said.  "Phil brings something different to our lineup.  He has done every thing he can to stay here."

Bell also wants to get Kyle Farmer some playing time at catcher and shortstop.  He is that versatile.

"Even though we haven't gotten him into a game to catch, he has contributed as a catcher," Bell said. "He allows us to use our catchers without worrying about saving them.  We have no hesitation about to put him there.  We also have no hesitation to put him at shortstop."

Reds Take Jason Verlander Deep To Shave Astros

The fourth place Reds had an uphill challenge in the form of the Houston Astros, who lead the American League Western Division and their ace Justin Verlander, who has Hall of Fame credentials to spare.

To compound the odds against the Reds, Houston had not lost a series since they lost three out of four to Minnesota on April 29 through May 2.  They were 11-0-2 in their last 13 series coming in.

Jesse Winker and Cincinnati starter Anthony DeSclafani weren't intimidated.  The Reds hit three home runs off Verlander and the pitching made them stand up for a 4-3 win to take the series with the finale on Wednesday afternoon.

For the second straight day Michael Lorenzen was brought in to close out the game.  He picked up his fourth save with a perfect ninth.

DeSclafani battled through a rocky fitst inning.  Michael Brantley singled with one out and advanced to third on a double by Yuli Gurriel.  DeSclafani struck out Robinson Chirinos on a 3-2 pitch to end the threat.

"It helps to get runs in the first inning any time but it is especially important against a Justin Verlander," said DeSclafani who won his second straight decision to go to improve his record to 4-3.  "The margin of error is smaller with him pitching against you.  You saw how he shut us down after the first until Farmer hit his home run."

"What you are seeing is DeSclafani getting better," Bell said.

Winker hit a loud foul that cleared the fence by plenty but hooked at the last minute.  No matter Winker reached the left field seats with his 12th home run two pitches later.  It was the fourth time a Reds' batter has led off a game with a home run.  Winker did it last year on September 13 against Jack Flaherty at St. Louis.  Nick Senzel has done it twice.  Joey Votto hit the other leadoff home run.

Votto dumped a fly ball right on the left field line that Yordan Alvarez couldn't run down.  It bounced into the stands for a double.  One out later Derek Dietrich launched his 18th home run of the season into the Reds' bullpen in right field.

"It is good to get a lead against any one," Dietrich said.  "We have been pitching so well and playing good defense that getting ahead in any game is a good thing.  Against Verlander it is even better."

Verlander and DeSclafani settled in.

DeSclafani retired eight straight before Gurriel singled in the fourth.  Chirinos hit into a double play.

Verlander allowed a double in the third by Votto and double by Tucker Barnhart in the fourth but allowed no runs.

The Astros mounted a threat again in the fifth.  Tyler White hit a leadoff double and Tony Kemp followed with a walk.  Jake Marisnick struck out and Verlander hit into a 6-4-3 double play.

The Astros got one run back in the sixth inning with one out, Brantley doubled.  Alvarez doubled over Votto's head. David Hernandez took the ball in relief of DeSclafani.   Gurriel hit a fly to center.  Alvarez took off for third and beat Senzel's throw.  He got the safe call although it appeared he over slid the base.  The Reds appealed and one, ending the inning.

Amir Garrett took over for Hernandez on a double switch. after White hit his second double of the game.  Garrett retired pinch hitter Josh Reddick on a ground out to Votto.

Kyle Farmer, who replaced Dietrich at second base in the double switch hit his sixth home into the upper deck in left off Verlander.   It was the second straight game in which Verlander gave up three home runs and the third time this season.

Garrett's control got him in trouble in the eighth.  He walked pinch hitter Myles Straw, then fell behind Bregman 3-1.  Bregman hit his 20th home run to cut the Reds' lead to 4-3.  Brantley followed with a bloop single to center.  Alvarez flied out to Yasiel Puig in right field.  David Bell went to Raisel Iglesias to pitch to Gurriel.  Gurriel struck out.  A wild pitch put Brantley into scoring position with the tying run.  Iglesias fanned Chirinos to preserve the lead.

"We knew if Gurriel got up in that inning, it was the key to the game.  We went with our best," Said Bell who before the season vowed to use Iglesias in the key point in the game and not necessarily the last inning.  "It helps that Michael Lorenzen is throwing the ball real well.  We felt that if we got through the eighth inning, we had confidence that we could close it out."

The Pittsburgh Pirates lost to Detroit and the Miami Marlins shut out the St. Louis Cardinals.  That puts the Reds in fourth place a game and a half in front of Pittsburgh and within 3-1/2 games of the third place Cardinals.

"What I'm seeing is a new expectations and determination," Bell said.  "We're coming together as a team."

Fourth Place Reds Gaining Alex Wood and Scooter Gennett Close To Return

Alex Wood was one of the three pitchers the Reds expected to improve their 2019 mound presence.

All David Bell and his staff got to see was one spring training inning.  He gave up three runs in it in February.  He hasn't pitched since.  Back injuries prevented more.

On Tuesday afternoon, however, his 25-pitch live batting practice session was one precursor to Wood ascending the Great American Ball Park mound in a few weeks.  He is scheduled to pitch another live BP on Saturday.  If it goes well, the Reds will send him to minor league rehab assignments.

"He is getting anxious to pitch," Bell said.  "You can tell by the words he's using that the competitive juices are flowing."

The Reds defeated the American League West leading Houston Astros 3-2 on Monday.  The Pittsburgh Pirates had the night off so the Reds snuck past them.  The Reds leave the Bucs by half a game seven games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the National League Central Division.

Pitching hasn't been the Reds problem to date.  Offense has been the culprit in the Reds 32-38 record to date.

That may be on the mend.  Scooter Gennett, who has had two of his best offensive seasons in a Reds' uniform is on a rehab assignment in Daytona Beach.  Last night Gennett was 0-2 with a walk for the Tortugas.  The Reds scratched him from tonight's game as rainy conditions are expected on Florida's east coast.

"He is an important part of our offense," Bell said.  "We look forward to getting him back."

Gennett injured his groin a week before opening day in a Cactus League game against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In his two seasons with the Reds, he has hit .295 and .310.  Last season he challenged Christian Yellich for the batting title.  He hit 27 home runs in 2017 and 23 last season.  He drove in 97 and 92 runs with 52 extra-base hits in 2017 and 56 in 2018.

While Jose Iglesias on defense and Derek Dietrich on offense have performed well in back up roles, Gennett will add pop and depth to the Reds' offensive cause.

Gennett will stay in Daytona for four or five days and will either join the Reds or continue his rehab to get his timing down.

Reds Edge Depleted American League Leaders Luis Castillo Wins Again

The Houston Astros haven't been to Cincinnati in seven seasons.  The team with the second best record in baseball limped in at that.   Starters including All-Star and former MVP Jose Altuve were missing along with Carlos Correa and George Springer with injuries.

The Astros remaining had very little experience facing Reds' starter Luis Castillo, who earned a 3-2 victory to improve to 7-1.  Michael Brantley had five at bats coming into the game.  He had two hits.  Robinson Chirinos had two at bats; no hits.  Josh Riddiick had four at bats with no hits.

Wade Miley started for Houston.  As a former National Leaguer, most recently with Milwaukee, he has been here many times.  At Great American Ball Park, Miley was 4-0 in six starts.

There was a 52 minute rain delay in the bottom of the third of the scoreless contest.

The Reds jumped on Miley first in the fifth inning.

Curt Casali singled and Kyle Farmer walked to open the inning.  Castillo laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners up.  Nick Senzel, playing for the first time since fouling a ball off his left eye, singled up the middle to score both runners.   Joey Votto walked and Eugenio Suarez beat the shift with a ground ball to right to score Senzel with the third run.

Castillo cruised until the seventh.  He walked Chirinos and Tyler White before leaving the game in favor of David Hernandez with a career-high six walks.  Hernandez struck out Tony Kemp and appeared to get out of the inning when pinch hitter Jake Marisnick hit a one hopper to the mound.  Hernandez threw to Jose Peraza covering second. Peraza was charged with an error of the game with a wide throw to first that allowed Chirinos to score and Marisnick to take second.   Hernandez walked Alex Bregman.  David Bell brought in Amir Garrett to face left-handed batting, Michael Brantley.  Brantley doubled on the first pitch.  Marisnick scored and Bregman took second.   Yordan Alvarez flew out to Yasiel Puig in right to end the inning with the Reds still up 2-1.

"I just didn't have my command to start the inning," Castillo said.  "Everything worked out well."

"When you get to that point in the game with no runs and two hits at that point of the game after a long rain delay.  I struggle to say anything negative,"  David Bell said.  "It was close to not having him come back.  Once we knew when the game time was, we knew we were in the clear."

The Reds needed Iglesias to get out of an eighth inning jam.  Yuli Guriel singled off Garrett to start thie inning.  Josh Riddick forced him at second.  Bell sent for Iglesias, who got Chirinos to pop up but walked White.   The runners advanced on a wild pitch but Kemp grounded out.

"Iglesias has done it before.  He's going to do it again.  I told him to be ready for tomorrow," Bell said.  "It was just a feeling.  Raisel hasn't pitched in six days and I asked a lot of him to finish the game.  Michael was ready.  It seemed like the right move. That's what good things do, pick each other up. Tonight it was somebody else's turn."

Iglesias said all the right things.

"I'm happy because we won," Iglesias said.  "I didn't have my best command."

He walked two in one inning of work.

Iglesias walked pinch hitter Myles Straw to start the ninth.  Bregman fouled out to first base.  Bell brought in Michael Lorenzen to face Brantley.  Lorenzen got a fly out to Senzel in center.  The 21-year old Alvarez was the last hope for Houston.  The count went to 3-1.  Alvarez struck out swinging to end the game.  It was Lorenzen's third save.

Lorenzen allowed himself a celebratory fist pump after his 99 MPH fastball got Alvarez to seal the deal.

"It took me back to my college days," said the closer, who also played center field at Cal State - Fullerton.  "In my role (middle relief) you don't have many chances to celebrate.  It was a big win for us.  I was ready for anything.  When the phone rang it could have been to play outfield or get ready to pinch run.  They told me to warm up.  We have such depth in the bullpen.  I think David is comfortable with whoever he brings into the game."

Reds Overpower Rangers To Avoid A Sweep

Jesse Winker got to put on a show for his dad, Joe.  Winker had career highs with four hits and five runs batted in after spending a rare weekend with his dad.

"It was really cool to have a good day on Father's Day," Winker said.  "It was a cool weekend with my dad (Joe).  We got to play some cards and smoke some cigars.  It was funny he had to be at the airport by five.  He tried to stay for as many at bats as he could."

The Reds pounded out 14 hits, including two home runs to soundly defeat the Texas Rangers 11-3 to stop an attempted road sweep.

The pattern remained the Rangers were the first to the scoreboard.  Former Red Shin-Soo Choo hit his 12th home run of the season off Sonny Gray, following Delino DeShields in the first inning.

DeShields and his father Delino A DeShields had a father-son moment by taking out the lineup cards.  Texas manager Chris Woodward rearranged his lineup with DeShields leading off instead of Choo.

"There are baseball reasons for it too but it was mostly to get Delino out there as the first batter of the game," Woodward said.  "I like Delino there and it gives us a right-left-right lineup."

The Reds roared back against Texas starter, Ariel Jurado.  Yasiel Puig's ground ball hit the first base bag for a single.  Josh VanMeter drove a single to right center that sent Puig to third.  Jose Peraza drove in Puig with a fly to right.  Tucker Barnhart singled.  Gray bunted the runners over a base and Jesse Winker's double brought them both home.

Choo singled with two outs against Gray.  Hunter Pence hit his 15th home run to tie the game.

The Reds broke the tie in the third.

Derek Dietrich was hit by a pitch to open the frame.  Puig barely made contact but the ball rolled into no man's land and Puig had his second infield hit of the day.   VanMeter's sharp ground ball to right for his second hit loaded the bases.  Peraza responded with his second sacrifice fly of the game.

The Reds broke the game open with a pair of two-run home runs in the fourth.  Gray tripled to start the inning. It was his first career extra base hit.  Winker hit his 11th home run and first since May 18.  Jurado walked Joey Votto and was pulled from the game.  Pete Fairchild came in to pitch to Eugenio Suarez, who struck out.  Puig made up for his chintzy infield hits with a drive off the batter's eye in center for his 13th home run.

"It was a big day for Wink," David Bell said.  "The two-run home run was the big hit of the game. Overall they were good at bats.  He's been hitting the ball hard the results haven't been there."

It seemed like a long time for Winker, who really just wanted to be involved.

"Any time you can contribute it's great," Winker said. "You just want to help the team win when you get your shot.  I saw all his pitches pretty well.  I took a lot of pride to drive in those runs."

The Reds added to the lead against Jeff Springs.   Peraza hit a ground rule double.  Pence came up lame in his pursuit of the basl and had to leave the game.  Barnhart and pinch hitter Phil Ervin walked to load the bases. Winker single to score Peraza.  Votto drew a bases loaded walk.  Shelby Miller replaced Springs.  Suarez hit a soft liner to Ronald Guzman at first.  Guzman stepped on first and threw Winker out at second as Ervin scored.  Diertrich reached on catchers interference and Puig wias hit by a pitch.  VanMeter lined out to center.

Gray pitched five innings, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk.  He picked up his third win in his last four decisions to improve to 3-5.

"He could have gone farther," Bell said.  "We thought it was the right thing to do with the weather.  It gave us a chance to get Jared (Hughes), Robert (Stephenson) and Zach (Duke) in the game."

Winker singled in the sixth to cap his big day.

Rain Drowns Reds' Comeback Against Texas

A Reds' comeback rally fizzled in the rain as the Texas Rangers prevailed for the second game in a row in a 4-3 decision.  The last three innings was played in a steady rain.

It was another one-run loss for the team that has a 9-15 record in game by that margin and a 4-10 mark in two-run games.  The victories have been close but beyond their grasp.

"There is no good way to lose," David Bell said.  "It just makes you feel that you are right there and you just have to figure out a way to win some of those."

The Rangers struck first against Roark.

Shin-Soo Choo reached base on an error by Joey Votto.  Danny Santana singled Choo to third.  Elvis Andrus hit a slow roller to third.  Eugenio Suarez wanted to cut the runner at the plate but had trouble getting the ball out of his glove.  He elected to throw Andrus out at first.  With two out Asdrubal Cabrera delivered Santana for the second unearned run in the inning.

Mike Minor was breezing through the Reds' lineup.  Suarez drew a walk in the first; Casali in the second.

Texas added on in the fourth.  Roughned Odor hit a double down the third base line.  Jeff Mathis singled to left to score Odor and took second when Phil Ervin's throw got through Casali for an error. Choo singled to put the Rangers ahead, 4-0.

The Reds were hitless when they came to bat in the bottom of the fourth.  Suarez drew a leadoff walk.  Yasiel Puig cut the lead in half with his 12th home run of the season off Minor.

The Reds threatened Minor in the sixth.  Votto walked.  Suarez singled sharply to left but Minor got the next three batters easily.

Roark settled in after the fourth.  He retired the last 10 batters he faced to finish with a season-high seven innings.  He allowed four runs, two earned on eight hits.  He issued no walks and struck out five.

"We were in a situation in the fifth if we had a runner on we were going to hit for him," Bell said.  "Tanner went out and pitched the sixth, then came back for the seventh.  Those two innings were the best he's pitched all year."

The Reds came into the game with the second fewest errors in the National League.  The Reds committed two in the first inning, leading to the unearned runs.

"Nobody is perfect," Roark said.  "We picked up energy along the way.  We scratched, clawed and fought.  It is my MO to get my second and third win."

The tough loss is something that can only be overcome by staying the course with every body doing his part.

"We have to keep plugging away," Roark said.  "You can't wait for the other guy to do it.  You have to be that guy.  You have to recall what got you here.  Even go back to high school and find the confidence in yourself to play at a high level."

Casali touched Minor for his fourth homer of the season to lead off the seventh.  Kyle Farmer singled.  Minor struck out Tucker Barnhart as a pinch hitter then left the game in favor of Chris Martin.

Martin faced Jose Peraza, who replaced Nick Senzel in the fifth inning.  Senzel fouled a ball off the plate and the rebound hit him square in his left eye.  Peraza grounded into a 6-3 double play.

"The ball hit Nick right above the eye," Bell said.  "He got some stitches.  We will see how he is when the swelling goes down.  I won't know until then if he can play or not."

Amir Garrett pitched a scoreless eighth inning.

Puig's bid for a second home run died on the warning track to end the eighth

Michael Lorenzen pitched a scoreless ninth.

Shawn Kelley earned his ninth save with a scoreless eighth inning.

David Bell And Tyler Mahle Talk About Usage

Tyler Mahle was unhappy that he had to leave the Friday night game against the Texas Rangers in the fifth inning.  Mahle got Elvis Andrus to pop up in the infield with two runners on for the first out.

David Bell replaced him with Wandy Peralta.  A move that the usually quiet Mahle was vocal about.

"It is getting ridiculous at this point," Mahle said.  "It's not a good first half by any means in my opinion but I think, I've gotten yanked out of some games when I'm have a good game or a decent game and haven't had the chance to battle through a game.  I haven't had a chance to battle through six innings. Like tonight, especially after last game when I get pulled with 77 pitches.  This game I knew I had 90 something but in my opinion, I deserved a chance to get out of the fifth or get through five or at least see where that next batter is.  I get a pop up and I'm one ground ball away and I get taken out of the game.  I just got to keep going."

Bell's perspective was the following:

"There were two hitters in a row where he threw almost 20 pitches," David Bell said.   In the third Mazara struck out on 10 pitches.  Cabrera grounded out on 11 pitches.  "In the end, he held them to two runs, in his work.  The pitch count got up too high to let him continue."

In his last game at Philadelphia, Mahle had 73 pitches through five innings.  He has allowed three runs, two earned at that point.  He gave up an inning opening hit to J.T. Realmuto and Jay Bruce hit a home run.  The third run of the inning scored on a throwing error by Tucker Barnhart.  The Reds lost the game 4-2.  His longest outing this season is 6-1/3 innings.  Mahle has pitched at least six innings in six of his 12 starts.  Tonight was his shortest outing of the season.

Other starters have been critical of Bell's "Captain Hook" routine.

Tanner Roark expressed his disdain for being removed in the middle innings for a pinch hitter.  By contrast, Bell has allowed Luis Castillo to work out of jams as he did in Cleveland on Tuesday.

Statistically, it is difficult to argue with Bell's results handling the pitching staff.

The Reds are second in the National League to the Los Angeles Dodgers in team ERA of 3.63.  The starters rank second with 3.66 and relievers are tops in the NL with a 3.58 ERA.

The Reds sub .500 record is more a product of an anemic offense.  The pitching has improved drastically from the last four seasons.

"There is such a high level of intensity," Bell said.  "Sometimes you emotions, you are caught at a moment of high stress.  I want them to be competitive.  I don't want them to come out of games.  It also creates opportunity to have conversations.  We've already done that and we're going to have some more later today.  All in all, I see it as a positive.  It takes every thing you have to be good at this game.  It doesn't surprise me."

"We had a brief conversation.  I expect these things to happen from what it takes to play this game," Bell said.  "I don't want to change Tyler.  He's competitive.  He's tough.  He's a big part of our staff.  I will do my part to talk through things and listen.  For that I'm grateful that it happened to have that opportunity."

Texas Rangers Roundup Reds

There were no Lone Rangers riding in Friday night's game.

The Texas Rangers made the most of eight hits and a start by a member of the bullpen in a 7-1 win over the Reds.

Jesse Chavez was given a 50 pitch budget to start the game with Texas short one starting pitcher.  Rookie manager Chris Woodward and his staff are deciding if Drew Smyly or someone at the Triple A level should be brought up to start a game.

Chavez answered the call in convincing fashion.  He breezed through the Reds lineup for three innings on 47 pitches.  He allowed one baserunner, Joey Votto who singled in the first inning.  He retired the next eight in order.

Tyler Mahle went farther in the game than Chavez but was behind 2-0 when the Reds batted for the first time. Delino D DeShields, who has his paternal parent Delino A DeShields in a Reds' uniform, singled to start a strange, light hitting, two run rally.  Mahle hit Elvis Andrus with a pitch.  Catcher Curt Casali was charged with a passed ball that allowed the runners to move up a base.  Nomar Mazara grounded out to third as DeShields raced home.  Asdrubal Cabrera beat out an infield hit that put Andrus on third.  The Rangers sent Cabrera to second on a steal attempt.  Casali threw to Iglesias who returned the throw home to catch Andrus, who was called out by Jerry Meals at home.  A one minute video review proved otherwise and Andrus got credit for a steal of home.

Brett Martin pitched two scoreless innings for Texas.  Mahle held back the Rangers until the fifth.  Shin-Soo Choo doubled to open the inning.  DeShields walked.  Mahle retired Andrus in a pop up to Votto at first.  David Bell brought Wandy Peralta into the game. Peralta struck out Mazara. Cabreara walked to load the bases. Peralta got ahead of Rougned Odor at 1-2 but Odor hit his eighth home run of the season into the bleachers in right field.  It was Odor's fourth career grand slam.

Mahle was a malcontent after being pulled.

"It is getting ridiculous at this point," Mahle said.  "It's not a good first half by any means in my opinion but I think, I've gotten yanked out of some games when I'm have a good game or a decent game and haven't had the chance to battle through a game.  I haven't had a chance to battle through six innings. Like tonight, especially after last game when I get pulled with 77 pitches.  This game I knew I had 90 something but in my opinion, I deserved a chance to get out of the fifth or get through five or at least see where that next batter is.  I get a pop up and I'm one ground ball away and I get taken out of the game.  I just got to keep going."

In his last game at Philadelphia, Mahle had 73 pitches through five innings.  He had allowed three runs, two earned at that point.  He gave up an inning opening hit to J.T. Realmuto and Jay Bruce hit a home run.  The third run of the inning scored on a throwing error by Tucker Barnhart.  The Reds lost the game 4-2.  His longest outing this season is 6-1/3 innings.  Mahle has pitched at least six innings in six of his 12 starts.  Tonight was his shortest outing of the season.

"There were two hitters in a row where he threw almost 20 pitches," David Bell said.   In the third Mazara struck out on 10 pitches.  Cabrera grounded out on 11 pitches.  "In the end, he held them to two runs, in his work.  The pitch count got up too high to let him continue."

DeShields put the Rangers up by seven with a sacrifice fly in the sixth.

Nick Senzel broke up the shutout with a home run in the eighth against Drew Smyly, his sixth.

Edited by ML Schirmer

Fathers Day In Major Leagues Special For Delino DeShields

Delino L DeShields has played in the Major League postseason in front of packed houses but Sunday it will be more nerve racking than anytime in his competitive life.

The 10-year veteran of the Reds system, who is the first base coach will be in the opposing dugout from his son.  Delino D DeShields is playing centerfield for the Texas Rangers on Fathers Day against the Reds in Cincinnati.

"It is always good to see him," said the elder DeShields.  "I don't know how many of you have kids that play ball but this is nerve racking.  I played in front of packed houses and did it all but there is nothing like watching your kids play ball."

DeShields follows young Delino after games, sends him texts.

"I really don't like watching him play to tell the truth; him or my daughter," the father of the father of five said.  His daughter Diamond plays professional basketball in the WNBA after a college career at North Carolina and Tennessee.  All five of them will be together.  Diamond plays for the Chicago Sky which plays a game in Indianapolis on Saturday.

"I am the father that would be out in center field," DeShields said.  "I was away from it all. I never liked to be around other parents. It is just me.  I didn't like that whole scene.  It worked for me."

There will not be a lot of mixed feelings during the game.

"Of course I want my son to do well but I want our guys to do well," DeShields said.  "You always want your kids to do well as a father.  I'm a father first."

The dress rehearsal for this game was on March 20 when the Reds met the Rangers in Surprise, Arizona.  The younger Delino was in the lineup in centerfield. It was a subject of discussion that the Reds would play the Rangers on Father's Day.  Rookie manager Chris Woodward nearly missed the chance to allow the event to happen but was reminded at the last minute.  He won't forget on  Sunday.  Woodward put DeShields in the lineup for Friday night.  He showed his personal notes on the lineup card to the media to play DeShields on Sunday.

The meeting nearly didn't happen, however.   Texas sent a struggling DeShields to Triple A Nashville with a .182 average on May 24.  He hit .274 with Nashville with three home runs to earn a recall on June 2.  Since the recall, DeShields is hitting .333 raising his average on the year to .226.

"I really can't know how his father feels," Woodward said.  "I think about my nine-year old and I can't imagine taking out the lineup card and watching him come out."

Woodward was not going to bring up DeShields just for the Father's Day spectacle.  The young DeShields had to earn it.  DeShields earned a trip back with advice from his father.

"I told him he has to play better," DeShields said.  "This is the Major Leagues.  I am a father first.  I tried to do it in an encouraging way but you have to earn your way."

"It will be surreal," Woodward said.  "I didn't really think about this when we sent Delino to Nashville.  It wasn't the main thought but this did cross my mind.  It was nice to get him back up .  I'm glad it worked out this way.  He's done a heck of a job for us since we brought him back.  He's impacted every game. Every time he steps on the field he's making a positive effort."

David Bell, the Reds' rookie manager has been in this position many times with his father Buddy Bell.  Buddy was a manager in Detroit, Colorado and Kansas City.  David played against his father as the opposing manager at each stop of Buddy's managerial career.

"We did it in spring training and that was cool to see," Bell said.  "He's definitely taking the lineup card out tonight.  I can't imagine.  I remember my dad saying it was tough.  The first time I was with Cleveland and he was in Detroit.  After awhile it wasn't a big deal.  I know what it is like from the player's side.  You're more focused on the game."

Reds Ambush Indians With Four Home Runs Divide Fourth Place With Pirates

The Reds wasted no time improving on Monday night's one-run offensive performance.

Nick Senzel hit the fifth pitch of the game from Zach Plesac for his fifth home run of the season and the second home run to lead off a game.   Joey Votto was right behind him with his sixth home run on a 3-2 pitch.  The Reds added two more home runs and four doubles in a 7-2 win that tied Pittsburgh for fourth place in the National League Central.

"We need to be better collectively," Votto said.  "We need to put together better at bats.  We have high expectations.  There is a lot left in the tank.  We have a lot of games left in the season."

It was the first time two Reds' batters led off a game with home runs since Alex Ochoa and Barry Larkin did it against Andy Benes in St. Louis on June 26, 2001.  The Indians allowed two White Sox players Yoen Moncada and Yolmer Sanchez did it against Adam Plutko exactly one year ago in Chicago.  The Indians had never given up home runs to the first two batters in a home game.

"It was great to see us come out with a good plan," David Bell said.  "We kept adding on.  Good teams will come back on you.  It is important to keep adding runs throughout the game.  There were a lot of big at bats today.  Suarez home run was big."

Anthony DeSclafani turned in a drama filled perfect inning.  Francisco Lindor, the leadoff hitter for the Indians hit a pop up to shallow center.  Second baseman Jose Peraza and center fielder Senzel sprinted after it.  They collided as Senzel made the catch.  Both players were shaken up on the play.  Trainer Steve Bauman looked at Senzel's ankle.  Peraza was interrogated by David Bell and Thomas Vera to make sure he was good.  Both players stayed in the game.

Senzel injured the same ankle before the season started and thoughts of it entered his head after the collision.

"We didn't hit each other head on," Senzel said.  "I rolled on my ankle a little bit.  I have it taped.  The tape helped for sure.  When you get that feeling when you've been hurt before, then you rehurt it, that's what was going through my mind."

Hitting coach Turner Ward was not so lucky.  Jose Iglesias put up a mild protest of a called third strike.  Home plate umpire Lance Barrett signaled an ejection.  Bell came out pleading.  It was announced that Bell suffered his fifth ejection but after the discussion, he took his seat in the dugout.  Iglesias was not in plain sight, so speculation turned to him as the ejected party.  Later it was confirmed that Ward got the "heave ho".

The Indians manufactured a run in the second.  Tyler Naquin doubled, moved to third on a ground out to second and scored on Mike Freeman's ground out to Votto at first.

Plesac settled down, retiring the next 13 Reds' batters.  Iglesias stopped the streak with a double one out into the fifth.  Curt Casali grounded to third but the recovered Peraza hit a double past Jose Ramirez at third.  Senzel walked.  Josh VanMeter hit for Votto, who left the game with stiffness in his back.  VanMeter narrowly missed his first Major League home run with a drive down the right field line.  It was about five feet foul.  He ended up a strike out victim.

"I thought I had it," VanMeter said.

Votto is not concerned about his back after the game.

"It is very similar to what I had in April.  We got treatment on it and it went away," Votto said.  "It came up after the home run."

DeSclafani earned his third win (3-3).  He protected the one run lead in the third inning.  Leonys Martin walked.  Francisco Lindor singled.  Oscar Mercado bunted the runners into scoring position.  Carlos Santana walked to load the bases but Naquin grounded into a 4-6-3 double play.

DeSclafani has notoriously had trouble with left-handed batters.  The Indians lineup had seven in it, including three switch hitters.

"It's no secret that lefties have my number," DeSclafani said.  "I have been working on a curve ball and it is getting better it is going to be a big pitch for me."

"DeSclafani made some good adjustments," Bell said.  "He has continued to work hard and get better."

When Santana walked to load the bases, there was a mound visit.  Casali and Bell talked to their pitcher.

"We discussed it in the meeting," DeSclafani said.  "It was a good plan.  Curt wanted to throw a back door slider. (The ball breaks in to a left hander.  For a back door slider the pitcher starts it off the plate and it comes back into the strike zone.)  It worked.  Naquin rolled over on it."

Eugenio Suarez hit his 15th home run off Plesac in the sixth.  Casali hit his third home run off Nick Goody in the seventh.

Amir Garrett pitched a scoreless inning and a third.

Iglesias doubled high off the wall in center field to drive in Derek Dietrich, who doubled and Yasiel Puig, who had an infield single, the lone Reds' single.

Michael Lorenzen entered in the bottom of the eighth, surrendering Santana's 14th home run which leads the Indians.  Zach Duke and Jared Hughes finished off the Indians in the ninth.

Josh VanMeter Versatility Earns Big League Playing Time

Josh VanMeter spent his first three seasons of professional baseball as an infielder yet in his short Major League career the fifth round pick of the San Diego Padres in 2013 has played more outfield for the Reds.

"I played outfield the last couple of years in the minor leagues.  I'm comfortable out there," VanMeter said.

VanMeter played 602 games in the minor leagues, of those he played 71 games in the outfield, starting in 2016.  He played 30 games in Louisville this season and none of them were in the outfield.

David Bell is challenged to find playing time for the 24-year old who hit 13 home runs in those 30 games with the Bats.

"It isn't that defense isn't important," Bell said.  "We want him to be comfortable playing there.  The more reps they get the better they will be.  Josh has made some good plays out there."

VanMeter is one of the bette athletes on the team.  That athletic ability has served him well in the outfield.

"It isn't that different," VanMeter said.  "On of the adjustments is to see how the ball travels off the bat in each ballpark.  You can see that in batting practice.  Other than that the throws are longer so you don't have to get off the throw as quickly but you have to be accurate.  You have to remind yourself that you have to throw through the cut off man.  One of the bigger challenges for me is to stay focused.  In the infield you have more balls hit to you.  You are in every play.  Your mind can wonder in the outfield if you don't concentrate and stay focused."

VanMeter has played first base, second base and third base in five of the 11 games in which he played the field.  The other six he played the outfield.

At the plate, VanMeter is looking for his first Major League home run.  He has seven hits, including two doubles, in 34 at bats for a .206 average.   VanMeter walked five times and has been hit by a pitch for a .326 on-base-percentage.

"He gives you a good at bat," Bell said.  "It doesn't show up in the statistics but most of his at bats are competitive. He has a calmness about him."

Reds Lose In 10 Innings In An Attempt To Escape The Cellar

Oscar Mercado singled with the bases loaded off Raisel Iglesias to give the Cleveland Indians a 2-1 walk off win in 10 innings.  The loss prevented the Reds from escaping last place in the National League Central.

Iglesias walked Mike Freeman with one out in the bottom of the 10th.  Leonys Martin the ninth batter in the order singled to center, sending Freeman to third.  The Reds walked Francisco Lindor intentionally to load the bases.  Mercado lined a 1-2 pitch to left to drive in Freeman with the winning run.

The Indians' Trevor Bauer and the Reds' Luis Castillo locked into a pitchers duel at Progressive Field in Cleveland.

The scoreless spell was broken by Carlos Santana's 12th home run of the season with out in the fourth inning against Castillo.  It was the third hit of the night for the Indians.  Tyler Naquin followed with a double and moved to third on a wild pitch but Castillo got a fly out to shallow right and a soft liner to Joey Votto at first base to end the inning.

Nick Senzel tied the game with a double that scored Tucker Barnhart, who singled to open the fifth inning.  Joey Votto's bid for his second hit was turned into a double play when he lined out to Mike Freeman at second base, who wheeled and doubled Senzel off second base.

Castillo escaped a bases loaded jam in the sixth.  Francisco Lindor hit his second double of the game leading off the inning.  Oscar Mercado grounded out to Eugenio Suarez at third.  Santana and Naquin walked to load the bases but Castillo struck out Jose Ramirez on a nine pitch at bat.  Ramirez fouled off five straight pitches with two strikes on him before missing on the sixth pitch.   Castillo froze Jake Bauer with a change up to strike him out looking to end the threat.

"He was tired and we had Lorenzen ready," Bell said.  "He's shown that he's that kind of pitcher.  He has the stuff to get out of innings like that.  It is amazing watching him compete like that."

When Castillo issued the free past to Naquin to load the bases.  He knew he had to reach back for something extra.

"I looked into the manager," Castillo said.  "He was clapping his hands, saying let's go.  I am happy he has the confidence in me to get out of the inning.  I couldn't let him hit a fly ball.  It would have scored a run. I was going after him, working on the strikeout. I think after the Ramirez at bat. I told myself the job isn't finished yet.  I had to continue to focus."

Trevor Bauer made a similar escape in the seventh for Cleveland.  Yasiel Puig hit a double that Mercado nearly caught.  Iglesias walked with one out.  Barnhart walked to load the bases.  Senzel hit a soft checked swing one hopper to Bauer, who turned into a 1-2-3 double play.

"It was a well pitched game on both sides," Bell said.  "Bauer was really good too. Castillo wants to be out there in those situations.

Michael Lorenzen relieved Castillo to start the seventh inning.  He pitched a scoreless inning.

Bauer and two relievers got out of a two-out jam in the eighth.  Dietrich walked with two outs.  Oliver Perez came on to pitch with Jesse Winker due up.  David Bell sent Kyle Farmer to hit for Winker.  Farmer singled to the hole at shortstop.  Lindor went to his knees but had no play.  Nick Wittgren came in to pitch to Puig, who flied out deep to right.

David Hernandez started the eighth inning on the mound for the Reds.

Indian' closer Brad Hand pitched a scoreless ninth.

Hernandez struck out the side in the bottom of the ninth.

Hand turned the same trick, striking out Votto, Suarez and Dietrich in succession.

Raisel Iglesias started the 10th for the Reds after Hernandez' five strikeout performance.

The Reds started the game with a 29-35 record.  Just ahead of them the Pirates are 30-35.  A win coupled with a Pittsburgh loss would have put the Reds in fourth place with the final game of the road trip tomorrow at 1:10 pm.  The Pirates were losing 7-5 in the top of the ninth to the Atlanta Braves but the game was in a delay.

Derek Dietrich Comes Home With All-Star Game On His Mind

Derek Dietrich wants to play in the All-Star game this season as every player does. This year, having the best season of his life, there is an added bonus that it is in his home town, Cleveland.

"I don't want it given to me, I want to earn it," Dietrich emphasized but he would give nearly anything for it to happen.  The Cleveland Indians are the reason that Dietrich was born and raised in this metropolis on Lake Erie. 

Dietrich has a tattoo on his left bicep.  It has the initials SD and the date July 28, 1959.  The initials are for his maternal grandfather, Steve Demeter.  The date is his grandfather's Major League debut. Demeter from Homer City, Pennsylvania broke into the Major Leagues that July.  In April 1960, Demeter was traded for Norm Cash, who became a star in Detroit.  Demeter played for games for the Indians but liked the area enough to settle in Parma, Ohio.

The Reds new outfielder went to St. Ignatius High School and passed up football to play baseball for the Wildcats.

While a student Dietrich won a home run hitting contest in 2006 here at Progressive Field putting several into the upper deck in right field.  He passed up a chance to sign with Houston in 2007 after high school and accepted a scholarship at Georgia Tech in Atlanta.  Dietrich was drafted by Tampa Bay in 2010 but ended up breaking in with the Marlins.

The Reds signed him as a free agent after spring training started with the thought that his ability to play multiple positions would make him a threat off the bench.

That theory didn't last long.  Dietrich hit five home runs in April and started to get more playing time, getting key hits and driving in runs even though he was hitting in the low .200's and his teammates were struggling.  On May 28, he hit three home runs against Pittsburgh and established a career high in just 52 games.  Dietrich hit a career-high 16 last season for Miami in 149 games.

That is All-Star stuff.  His slash line is on the rise too at .248/.349/.634.

The difference?

"The Reds believed in me and let me be myself," Dietrich said.  He is realistic enough to understand that professional baseball does not allow you to choose where you will play, all the time.  "I love this team (the Reds).  I understood that I may not be able to be a Cleveland Indian.  I used to come here a lot with my mom, dad and grandfather, who passed away in 2013, two months before Dietrich made his debut on May 8. The date is also tattooed on his left arm. I remember the Indians in the 90's, the big crowds, the excitement.  You can't stay in the past or look too far in the future.  I can't sit here and say playing with the Indians has never crossed my mind to play in my home town one day but I love the Reds.  It is going to be a great series no matter what."

Dietrich also had the luxury of spending an off-day in his home town. 

"We dusted off the VCR and watched the tape of the home run contest," Dietrich said.  "It has probably been 10 years since I watched it.  It was a cool moment."

A month from now the Major League All-Star game will be played in Cleveland.  Dietrich would like another crack at a home run derby on this site.  An appearance in the Mid-Summer Classic would be his first.  It is not far fetched that he could get chosen to play in it.

"Lord willing, I will be able to do it as a Major Leaguer this time," Dietrich said.  "I'm a Cleveland kid.  I've played the game a long time in the Major Leagues. I'm having the best year of my career,  I've ever had.  I'm hoping for an opportunity to represent the Reds in my home town.  It would be a dream come true."

Max Scherzer Dominates Reds' Batters

The Reds needed a win over Washingon Nationals' ace Max Scherzer to win the series and put together a winning homestand.  It turned into a task too tall.

Scherzer struck out a season-high 15 Reds' batters and Washington won the series in a 4-1 verdict.

Scherzer was stingy.  He struck out six of the first 10 Reds' batters and allowed one base runner.  Jesse Winker was hit by a pitch.  Scherzer was five short of his career-high of 20 when he fanned Detroit Tiger hitters on May 11, 2016 .   He struck out 15 Philadelphia Phillies batters on May 16, 2018, He threw 120 pitches.

 "Scherzer has been doing that for years," David Bell said. "He was as good as he could be today." 

The Reds managed three hits off Scherzer all doubles.

"It seems like Scherzer has seven pitches and he can tunnel all of them.  He sequences them very well.  You really have to grind out at bats against him," said Barnhart who hit one of the doubles.


Sonny Gray was more hospitable to the visitors.  Trea Turner doubled over the head of Yasiel Puig.  Hot hitting Anthony Rendon drove Turner home with a single in a bizzaro inning.   Both right-handed batters got hits off Gray while the Reds' starter struck out all three left-handed hitters.

"Gray was good," Bell said. "I think the first inning took a lot out of him but to his credit he bounced back."

It was the left-handers that he struck out that took the steam out of Gray early.

"The at bats by Parra and Soto took a lot out of me in the first inning," said Gray.  "They really battled."

Washington added a run in the fourth.  Rendon, who is the sixth leading NL hitter, singled to open the inning. Renson has reached base in 19 straight games.  Juan Soto forced Rendon at second base.  Kurt Suzuki got the run home with a double.

"I needed to make a better pitch to Suzuki in the fourth inning," said Gray of the Nationals' catcher who got the key two-out double.

Joey Votto broke Scherzer's spell with a bloop double to opne the bottom of the fourth.  It was his 382nd career double that put him in fourth place on the Reds' all-time list, passing Johnny Bench.  Derek Dietrich broke the shutout with a double to the right field corner.

Gray left the game for a pinch hitter.  He worked five innings, allowed two runs on five hits and a walk.  Gray struck out four.

Amir Garrett started the sixth for the Reds. In his last six games coming into the appearance, Garrett stuck out 15 batters our of the 19 outs he recorded.

The Nationals added on two runs in the eighth against David Hernanadez.  Rendon walked and Soto singled to right.  Raisel Iglesias relieved Hernandez and walked Suzuki to load the bases. Brian Dozier hit a ground ball single to score Rendon and Soto.

We tried every thing we could to keep it a one-run game," Bell said.  "As good as Scherzer was, we still had a chance."

Scherzer gave up a leadoff double to Tucker Barnhart in the eighth but got Jose Peraza to pop out, then struck out Senzel in a nine-pitch at bat.  Votto was the 15th victim on a called third strike.

Sean Doolittle earned an easy save, adding a strikeout to the Reds' woes.









Sonny Gray



Tucker Barnhart

Tanner Roark Does What He Can But His Old Mates Hand Him A Loss

Tanner Roark was taking on old friends in a backyard game of baseball in an intimate gathering of 27,748  fans.

Roark, who spent 8-1/2 years in the Nationals' organization and the last six at the Major League level, faced them for the first time Saturday.  Erick Fedde was on the mound for the Nationals.

Washington hit three home runs to beat the Reds, 5-3.

"The emotions weren't as crazy as I thought they would be," said Roark, who hadn't allowed a home run since April 24.  "It was almost like a spring training game."

It looked like the Reds were going to extend a recent trend by scoring early and often but Fedde made pitches in jams to get out of trouble.

The Reds loaded the bases with one out in the first.  Nick Senzel doubled to leadoff the home first.  Eugenio Suarez reached on an error.  Derek Dietrich walked but Jessee Winker hit into the first of three double plays to frustrate the Reds' scoring chances.

"We had some missed opportunities," David Bell said.  "We had a lot of guys on and just didn't get the big hit.  Hitting doesn't get any easier because there are runners on base."

The Nationals got to Roark in the second inning.  Anthony Rendon and Brian Dozier singled.  Gerrado Parra hit his fourth home run of the season into the right field stands, giving the Nationals' a 3-0 lead.

"It was a good pitch," Roark said.  "It was up and in.  I've had a lot of success pitching there and put it where I wanted to.  It is a hot zone for Parra.  I should have known that coming in but I'm not going to be mad about it."

Roark and the Reds got one of those runs back in their turn in the home second.  Jose Iglesias walked  He went to third on Tucker Barnhart's single.  Roark squared and bunted past the mound, forcing Fedde to field it.  Iglesias scored.

Matt Adams came into the game 5-for-9 with two home runs against Roark.  He took Roark deep for the third time.  It was Adams sixth home run of the season.

Roark got that run back with his first career home run off Fedee.  Derek Dietrich stopped by his locker and gave him a t-shirt that Dietrich had made up.  It says, Let if Fly DD 22 with a lightning bolt in between.  Roark put it up in his locker.

"I didn't think I hit it out," Roark said.  "I started running in case it caromed.  I was going to go for a triple.  I didn't make eye contact around the bases.  I saw out to the corner of my eye that (Anthony) Rendon was looking away and smiling like he always does."

"Tanner pitched great.  He can handle the bat pretty well," Bell said.  "The bunt was where it was supposed to be.  I am surprised that it was his first career homer, the way he can swing the bat."

The Reds had multiple runners on in the third and fifth inning but double play balls thwarted scoring chances.

Tanner Rainey, who the Reds traded to get Roark, pitched 1-1/3 innings of scoreless relief.  The effort earned Rainey his first Major League win.  With Roark taking his fourth loss to drop to 4-4.

Roark went six innings, leaving the game behind 4-2.  He gave up four runs on six hits and a walk, while striking out six.

Sean Doolittle entered in the ninth, trying to earn his 11th save in 13 tries. He pitched a 1-2-3 inning to nail it down for Washington.