Two Reds Batters Hit But Luis Castillo Shut Down Bucs Jesse Winker - Eugenio Suarez Homer

The day after the beanball incident there was calmness and serenity.

Just kidding.

"There is always emotion in these games," David Bell said.  "That's what it takes.  We are truly focused on winning the game.  We approach every game the same way."

Pittsburgh Pirates starter Dario Agrazal hit two batters in the fourth inning, Tucker Barnhart and Jesse Winker.  The crowd booed the 24-year old from Panama off the mound after Winker's plunking.  The Reds got back to its winning ways with a 4-1 win to take two out of three from the Pirates, who have los

Winker opened the game for the Reds' offense with his 15th home run and third lead off home run of the year.  Winker singled in the third inning and scored on Eugenio Suarez 29th home run of the season.

The Reds made it a 4-0 game.  Josh VanMeter walked with two outs and stole second.  Nick Senzel singled VanMeter home.

Luis Castillo allowed four harmless singles through the seventh inning bur Elias Diaz singled to open the eighth.  Pinch hitter Jose Osuna doubled to left.  It was the Pirates only threat to Castillo.  Michael Lorenzen entered the game to pitch to Adam Frazier.  Frazier flied out to Senzel in center with Diaz holding.  Bryan Reynolds grounded out to second as Diaz scored.  Starling Marte walked to bring the tying run to the plate in the person of Josh Bell.  Bell grounded out weakly to Joey Votto,

Castillo rebounded from his worst outing in which he allowed six runs in five innings to pitch seven innings, allowing six hits and one run with no walks.

"This is a big win for the team.  My outing, I just made adjustments in the bullpen," Castillo said through interpreter Julio Morillo.  "I was being aggressive.  When situations happen like last night you try to come back and do your job the best you can."

Castillo gave the team just what they needed with a long, effective outing.

"What a great game.  He stepped up in a big way," Bell said.  "Michael came in and did a good job as a pitcher and an outfielder.  It"was a well rounded game.  I believe we can keep that going.

The Reds announced that they acquired outfielder Jameson Hannah from the Oakland Athletics for pitcher Tanner Roark.  Hannah is 21-years old from Dallas Baptist University.  He was the Athletics second round pick in 2018.

"The city's great, The fans are great.  I'm going to miss them,  Well it is the next chapter," Roark said.  "I still think there is stuff some guys can learn.  The only way they can do that is to get out there on the field and learn from mistakes.'

Raisel Iglesias finished off the Pirates with the help of a diving catch in right field by Michaels Lorenzen.

"Finally the ball found me," Lorenzen said.  "I've been waiting for one to find me all year.  It is something I've missed doing on the baseball field."  He showed the press the abrasion on his left arm put there by the warning track.  "I will cherish this."


"It is good to get a pitcher like Bauer," Castillo said.  "The sad part is I didn't want to see Tanner leave.  Every one knows this is a business."

Reds Pirates Fight Each Other Yasiel Puig Gets Traded

The Reds and Pirates are like Republicans and Democrats.  They do not like each other at all.

On Tuesday night Keone Kela threw up and in over the head to Derek Dietrich, who made the unpardonable sin of admiring his home run on April 7 in Pittsburgh off Chris Archer.

When Dietrich batted the second time in that game Archer threw behind Dietrich. Yasiel Puig charged the entire Pirate team.  Amir Garrett and David Bell were also ejected.

It was another chapter in a contest of who could hit the most batters on the other team.

Last night the powder keg exploded.  After Kela's message pitch to Dietrich, Votto approached the Pirates' dugout and told them that throwing at a player's head would not be tolerated.

In the ninth inning mild mannered Jared Hughes hit Sarling Marte in the hip.  By this time Bell had been tossed trying to protect Puig from an ejection for arguing balls and strikes.  Warning had been given to both benches.  Hughes was tossed for the first time in his career, as was acting manager Fred Benevides.  This brought Jeff Pickler to manage the club.

Amir Garrett replaced Hughes and allowed a three-run home run to Jose Osuna.  Pickler was going to use Jose Peraza to get the final out.   Garrett had been listening to the Pirates bench and has enough.  He threw down his glove and charged Trevor Williams who was ejected for his outspokenness.  Garrett ended up in a pile of Pirates.

"Emotions got the best of me," Garrett said.  "What seamed like a good idea at the time, wasn't such a good idea,"

Bell came sprinting out of the clubhouse and went right after Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle.  Calling him "a piece of shit,"

When asked if he planned to talk to Hurdle this morning.  "I said what I had to say loudly," Bell said.

Bell ended up on the ground wrestled by hitting coach Rick Eckstein and put into a choke hold.  Hurdle also ended up on the ground, the victim of a push.

Amid all the chaos the Reds were trading Puig to Cleveland for Trevor Bauer.  The Reds sent prospect Taylor Trammel to San Diego as the Padres sent three prospects to Cleveland.

Puig's last act as a Red was the fight.

"We are going to miss Yasiel," Bell said.  "He was an important part of our team in many ways."

Reds Bury Pirates With A 10-Run Inning

The Reds put together a 10-run second inning and didn't look back, beating the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-6 in a rout.

The Reds won their third in a row while the Pirates lost its ninth straight.

Sonny Gray, the Reds' starter gave up Starling Marte's 18th home run of the season in the first inning.  The Reds used and abused Alex McRae, who was not supposed to start the game.  Scheduled starter Jordan Lyles was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers before the game.  McRae was the emergency starter.

"Sonny didn't have his best stuff," David Bell said.  "He knows how to pitch and was able to grind it out."

"I needed to throw more strikes," Gray said.  "I will be better at that."

The Reds opened up on McRae in the second inning.  Josh VanMeter and Scooter Gennett hit back-to-back doubles to tie the game. Tucker Barnhart singled home a run.  Gray and Jesse Winker walked. Joey Votto singled two runs home.  Eugenio Suarez walked to reload the bases. Montana DuRapau replaced McRae.  Yasiel Puig walked for an VanMeter grounded to Josh Bell at first but his throw home was wide.  Jose Iglesias capped the scoring with his second career grand slam.  It was his sixth home run of the season.

"I made a bet that if I hit a home run, I'm going to paint my hair," Iglesias said.  "It will either be purple or yellow.  It was huge.  I put a good swing on it."

The Reds lead the National League in offense since the All-Star break.  They are hitting .296 with a slugging percentage of .504 and an on-base-percentage of .357.

"I'm seeing a lot of adjustments," Bell said.  "We've talked about it in the beginning of the year.  It wouldn't surprise me if we finish strong.  It is not easy to do in the middle of the season.  It is no a very comfortable thing to do."

Brian Reynolds hit his ninth home run of the season in the fifth.

Winker scored on a wild pitch in the bottom of the inning.

David Bell took Gray out of the game when two runners reached base in the sixth.  Wandy Peralta struck out Josh Bell but walked Reynolds to load the bases.  Colin Moran hit his third career grand slam and his 11th home run of the season to tighten the game.

Jared Hughes got four outs to take the lead into the ninth inning.

Robert Stephenson pitched a scoreless ninth in a non save situation.

Tucker Barnhart Hits Reds To Win Over The Rockies In Alex Wood's Reds' Debut

Tucker Barnhart reached base four times and drove in two runs as the Reds edged the Colorado Rockies 3-2 to take the series.  Barnhart returned from the injured list on Friday and is 5-for-6 since his return.

"Getting away helped me watch the game and learn," Barnhart said.  "I want to keep this going.  It feels really good to contribute after being away for a long time.  I don't ever want to get injured but I learned a lot by watching different hitters."

David Bell had to go through five different catchers when Barnhart went down with a strained right oblique in June.  He had been struggling at the plate early in the year.  Barnhart was hitting .191 when he went down.

"We know what Tucker brings in every way," Bell said.  "It shows what he's capable of offensively.  I think the time away gave him a chance to regroup."

Alex Wood's first start for the Reds was a gut check.  The left-hander had runners on in each of the five innings he pitched in.  Twice he worked out of situations with runners on first and second.  He did it with one out in the second and nobody out in the fourth.

"I pride myself on being able to wiggle out of those situations," Wood said. "I would have liked to finish the fifth but I'll get chances."

Bell's plan was to let him face Alonso as the last hitter in Wood's first start back.

"It was great to see him out there healthy," Bell said.  "He had reached his last batter anyway.  Alonso was going to be his last hitter.  He wanted to stay in.  I decided to stick with the decision because it was his first time back.  The home run doesn't take away from what he did."

The Reds put up a two-run four hit inning against 22-year old Peter Lambert of the Rockies.  Josh VanMeter, Scooter Gennett, José Iglesias and Tucker Barnhart singled in succession for two runs.

Wood's first four official innings were scoreless but Yonder Alonso, the Reds' first round draft pick in 2008, homered with David Dahl on second base.  Dahl doubled with one out to set up the two-run, game tying home run.

The Reds regained the lead when VanMeter walked to reach bat for the third time. Iglesias was hit by a pitch from Jake McGee.  Barnhart's third hit of the game brought VanMeter home.

Lucas Simms, Amir Garrett and Michael Lorenzen held the lead through the top of the eighth.

Sam Howard pitched the Rockies out of a two-out, two on jam in the bottom of the eighth.

Nick Senzel was ejected by home plate umpire, Bill Miller, for arguing balls and strikes after he struck out in the fourth inning.

Raisel Iglesias got the first two batters out in the ninth but Nolan Arenado and Alonso singled to add drama.  Ian Desmond grounded out to Eugenio Suarez to give Iglesias 19 saves in 22 chances.

The Reds first look at Wood illustrated how the season could have been much different in the first 102 games.

"He definitely gives our rotation a different look," Bell said.  "It changes the way the bullpen lines up.  You don't have to have a lefty but it does give you a different look."

For Wood it was a chance to belong.

"I've been around these guys a lot and they all welcomed me but there is a big difference being able to contribute," Wood said.

Alex Wood Makes Reds' Debut After 5 Months. Kyle Farmer Back. Sal Romano, Ryan Lavarnway Exit

Alex Wood is scheduled to make his first start for the Reds against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday.

He pitched one inning in Spring Training on February 25 against Seattle in Peoria Arizona.  Now on July 28, Wood gets the ball again.

Expected to be one of three established starting pitchers in a revamped rotation Wood gave up three runs in that lone spring game.  Back pain put him on the long five month path to recovery. 

Wood made three starts for Louisville and one for Chattanooga. He gave up four earned runs in 11-1/3 innings for a 3.18 ERA.   The 28-year old left-hander was 9-7 with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season with a 3.68 ERA.

"Wood isn't on any kind of pitch count," David Bell said.  "He would have gone up to 100 pitches if he would have gone out for another rehab.  So he's back to normal.  He's healthy.  We have to treat this like any other game."

Kyle Farmer came off his seven-day concussion protocol list.  He will resume his role as backup catcher for Tucker Barnhart.  Curt Casali is healing his right knee and is getting close to a rehab assignment.  Farmer will also play other positions until Casali returns.

"Farmer is ready to go," Bell said.  "He will be our backup catcher.  He can play other positions but we have to keep him in the game. We can still utilize his versatility.."

The Reds returned Sal Romano to Louisville and asked waivers on Ryan Lavarnway, who filled in admirably for Farmer and Casali.

"Sal Romano got off to a little bit of a slow start but he's progressing.  He will continue to start in Louisville.  He did everything he could to stay," Bell said. "Lavarnway stepped in.  He did a really good  job.  We would be happy to have him in the organization (he must clear waivers).  He's in a good position. Catching is hard to come by.  It is so valuable.  He has experience and showed what he could do."

Eugenio Suarez and Josh VanMeter Power Reds - Anthony DeSclafani Wins 6th Game

Josh VanMeter and Eugenio Suarez backed Anthony DeSclafani with home runs as the Reds evened the series with a 3-1 win.  It was the sixth win for DeSclafani and fourth in his last six decisions.

VanMeter homered off Chi Chi González, his fourth of the season to start the scoring.  On July 20 he hit his first home run.  Less than a week later he has four and one each in his last three appearances and he has improved his average to .313.

"VanMeter has done a lot to contribute.  He is making the most of his opportunities. Especially, over the last week or so," David Bell said.

The kid from Ossian, Indiana is locked in.

"When you get a pitch to hit, you can't miss it," VanMeter said.  "He got his sinker up a little and I was able to get it in the air.  When I'm locked in I feel like I can hit anyone.  Home runs come in bunches."

Sáurez hit his 28th with a man on in the third.  It was an upper deck job that put him within six of his career high set last year.

"Suarez is hot but he's also been consistent.  He is a leader in so many ways.  He has quietly done his job," Bell said.

DeSclafani held the powerful Rockies hitless for three innings before Trevor Story led off the fourth with an infield single.  Story went to second on a balk.  He advanced to third on a fly out to deep center field. Nolan Arenado flied out to left to send Story home with the run.

DeSclafani recorded his 500th career strikeout, getting Story swinging to end the fifth.

"DeSclafani is on a bit of a run, now," Bell said.  "We wanted to preserve the lead and Wandy was ready.  He not only stranded the runners he saved us from having to use Amir.  At that part of the game with a hitter like Murphy, facing Desco for the third time, there was an advantage in having a lefty coming in there."

DeSclafani had to grind through his five innings and was happy for help getting out of a sixth inning jam.

"I felt out of sync tonight," DeSclafani said.  "I made pitches when I had to but I just didn't feel right. Wandy did a great job and that could have been a turning point."


Wandy Peralta relieved DeSclafani in the sixth inning.  David Dahl and Arenado opened the inning with singles but Peralta got t"DeSclafani is on a bit of a run, now.  We wanted to preserve the lead and Wandy was ready.  He not only stranded the runners he saved us from having to use Amir.  At that part of the game with a hitter like Murphy, facing Desco for the third time, there was an advantage in having a lefty coming in there."

Peralta got three quick outs to end the threat.

"I wanted to keep the ball down and get a double play," Peralta said on his 28th birthday.  "It didn't work out that way but I was happy to keep the runners from scoring.  Desco was doing a great job and I wanted to focus on getting keeping them from scoring.

Raimel Tapia hit a pinch hit double off Michael Lorenzen that hit off the glove of Jesse Winker in left field.  Tapia was erased as Winker picked off a line drive by Charlie Blackmon and threw to second to retire Tapia who was rounding third, either thinking there were two outs in the inning or that it was going to fall for a hit.

"He misread the ball and thought it was a hit," Colorado manager Bud Black said.

Lorenzen pitched 1-2/3 innings of scoreless relief to turn the two-run lead over to Raisel Iglesias.
Iglesias picked up his 18th save in 21 tries with a perfect ninth

Rare Bad Outing By Luis Castillo Rocks Reds

Luis Castillo was bitten by the home run ball as the Colorado Rockies powered to a 12-2 win in the first game of the weekend series.

Daniel Murphy hit a three-run home run in the first inning, his 11th and David Dahl's 14th home run in the fourth inning accounted for five runs.  Murphy drove in six runs for the game when he added a bases clearing, bases loaded double in the ninth inning.

"I didn't have a quality outing," Castillo said. "Homers are part of the game. These things are going to happen.  They came off the bench swinging.  They are really good hitters. I don't want to change anything.  Of course I want to stop it now (giving up runs) but most of my outings have been good."

Charlie Blackmon added an RBI double that preceded Dahl's home run with an RBI double.

German Marquez is no stranger to the home run ball.  After Murphy staked him to a three-run lead, Jesse Winker doubled to open the Reds' half.  Winker advanced to third on a balk by Marquez. He scored on a ground out by Joey Votto. Josh VanMeter belted his third home run leading off the second inning.   It was the 22nd allowed by Marquez, who is second in the National League to Chris Archer's 24 allowed.

"VanMeter continues to have good at bats," Bell said.  "He has a solid approach at the plate. It helps that he can play so many positions."

VanMeter had three hits and improved his average to .297.

Derek Dietrich struck out batting for Castillo, who gave up six runs in five innings.  Castillo allowed just seven runs in seven starts in March and April.  Blackmon and Dahl had two hits off Castillo.  The Reds' ace was the victim of some infield hits among the eight he allowed, including Tony Wolters' slow roller to Suarez at third in the three-run fourth.

"Those things are going to happen.  Castillo has been so good this year," David Bell said.  "They were really aggressive.  It seams that they wanted to get to his fastball. The two home runs were the difference in the game."

Blackmon robbed Winker of a home run in the sixth.

The Reds squandered a scoring chance in the seventh.  Yasiel Puig led off with a double.  He stopped at third on a sharp single by VanMeter but Marquez struck out Scooter Gennett.  Jose Iglesias ground ball up the middle was turned into an inning ending double play.

Robert Stephenson turned in three scoreless innings.

"Robert saved our bullpen," Bell said.  "It was important for him to pitch three innings at that point in the game. He was efficient."

The Rockies added six runs off Jared Hughes.  Wolters, Yonder Alonso and Blackmon's third hit pushed the lead to five runs.  Nolan Arenado walked.  Murphy cleared them with a double into right field corner.  Ryan McMahon piled on with an RBI single. Raimel Tapia joined the hit parade with a run scoring double.

In spite of the horrible inning, Hughes could have been the hero had he struck out Wolters for the last out and 11th strikeout of the game.  Each fan gets a free pizza from LaRosa's Italian Restaurant when the Reds strike out 11 batters in a game.  Alas, Wolters flied out to the warning track.

Tucker Barnhart returned from the injured list after his strained right oblique healed.  He also threw out Garrett Hampson, who was trying to steal second.

"Tucker looked like he hasn't missed a beat," Bell said.

Reds Catching Carousel Takes Another Lap Nick Senzel Sits One More Day Slams Critics

The Reds have used five catchers in the last 34 days. 

It is Tucker Barnhart's turn to jump back on the painted pony.  He was placed on the injured list with a strained right oblique but last appeared in a game on June 22. 

Last night, (Thursday), Barnhart caught five innings with the Louisville Bats and was scheduled to catch seven innings tonight (Friday) but that plan was scratched to activate him to the big league roster.

"You don't want to rush anyone but he's been cleared and we have to get him back," David Bell said.

Juan Graterol was placed on concussion protocol for seven days.  Graterol was added to the roster when Curt Casali went down with a knee injury.  Casali last appeared on July 15. 

"Juan can't play.  It is complicated with the protocol.  I can say from a rules standpoint, he was not going to be able to play tonight.  That is not allowed.  They have to one day of exertion, one day of full exertion," Bell said.  "I'm ok with the extra time."

Kyle Farmer the Reds' third catcher, is going through his second rehab start tonight (Friday) after going on the concussion protocol list on July 18.  He was the third catcher down, prompting the Reds to sign Ryan Lavarnway as the fifth catcher.

Barnhart is activated but Lavarnway will catch the opening game of the three-game series with the Colorado Rockies.

Nick Senzel will be available but is taking another night off after suffering an illness in Milwaukee.  Senzel has severe allergies which caused dizziness.  He is taking medication to help and wearing a pair of  blue blocker glasses to cut down on the glare from lights.

"I feel better than I did in Milwaukee," Senzel said.  "I grew up with some bad allergies.  Certain places my allergies cause dizziness.  When it happens it is hard to explain.  Once you have it and have it a second time.  There is a mental hurdle you have to get over.  I'm going to go through my routine today.  If everything goes well, I will be out there tomorrow."

Senzel is available later in the game.

"We just want him to go through the routine," Bell said.  "It is to get him over the mental hurdle and have one more day to recover."

The series of injuries have caused some of the fans on talk radio question his fortitude.  Senzel pushed back on it.

"It's frustrating," Senzel said.  "I see a lot of people talk very negatively about me in this regard.  I don't think it is fair.  I don't think it is fair to my teammates.  I come out here and play as hard as anyone on the field.  I want to win.  I never don't not want to play.  I want to play every single day here.  When things like this happens, some people don't know how tough it is.  Those people don't matter.  The people in this clubhouse matter."

Cardinals Bullpen Holds Lead As Earning Win Over Reds - Is There Time Left

The St. Louis Cardinals bullpen made an unearned and an unearned run stand up for a 3-1 win over the Reds.

The Reds lost three of the four games in the series and has now lost seven of the ten games since the All-Star break.   The Reds were just 4-1/2 games out after the break but are fading in a winnable National League Central Division.

While the prospects for the season look bleak right now.  They are one-game better at this point than they were last season after 97 games.  They feel they have enough time but it is urgent they get better quickly.

"We're not anywhere close to where we want to be. For us the process is going the right way but for us the results are we are either in the playoffs and win the world series or we're not," David Bell said. "On the other hand we do have a long way to go.  We don't have to win 10 games in a row.  We have to find a way to win consistently and we have enough time."

The Cardinals scored two runs off DeSclafani in the second inning.

Tyler O'Neil singled to open the inning and stole second.  Yairo Munoz singled past Scooter Gennett at second base and O'Neil scored.  Andrew Knizner singled.  Munoz and Knizner pulled a double steal.  Munoz scored on an error by Eugenio Suarez at third.

"Anthony pitched as well as he possibly could," Bell said. "That inning cost him for sure.  A couple not so hard hit balls and the error.  Other than that he continues to get errors."

DeSclafani retired 10 straight batters after the error, giving up a leadoff single to Dexter Fowler in the sixth.  He struck out secona career high 11 batters before he was removed for a pinch hitter in the bottom of the sixth.

DeSclafani was working with a new catcher and the Cardinals took advantage with four stolen bases in their two-run inning.

"I have to be more aware of the runners.  That falls on me," DeSclafani said.  "I talked to Lavarnway yesterday for a couple innings about what I like to do with my pitches.  I know he did some work on his own, talking to Curt and Farmer.  He's a smart guy.  He's got a lot of experience.  I was comfortable with him."

Jack Flaherty started for the Cardinals.  He had runners on in every inning but didn't give up the big hit.  He walked two in the first.  He gave up a two out singled to DeSclafani in the second inning.  Joey Votto and Suarez hit one out singles in the third.  Flaherty pitched around a leadoff single by Gennett in the fourth.  With the aid of Giovanny Gallegos, Flaherty escaped a bases loaded, no-out jam in the fifth.

Winker doubled to start the fifth.   Votto singled sharply to left.  Suarez was hit by a pitch in the rib cage.  Yasiel Puig worked a full count but popped up in the infield.  Saturday night's hero, Josh VanMeter and Gennett struck out swinging against Gallegos.

"You get in that situation, (bases loaded no outs) its a competition," Bell said  "The Cardinals won that competition.  It turned out that was the difference in the game."

Lucas Sims replaced DeSclafani in the seventh.  Munoz hit a leadoff triple but Sims left him stranded at third.

Phillip Ervin made it a one-run game with his first career pinch hit home run and his second home run of the season.  It came off a 3-2 pitch from Andrew Miller.

Munoz pushed the lead back to two with his second home run.  Raisel Iglesias, who just returned from paternity leave gave up Munoz' round tripper, his third hit.

"We wanted to get Raisel in there after four days off, Bell said."

Josh VanMeter's First Career Home Run Breaks Reds Losing Streak

The Reds and St. Louis Cardinals ran out of runs in last night's 12-11 win.  Runs were scarce until the sixth inning.  The Reds wore down the Cardinals starter to earn a 3-2 win.

Josh VanMeter's first career home run stopped the Reds' losing streak at four.

"We are really happy for Josh VanMeter it was a big home run, obviously," David Bell said.  He can hit. He has a good approach at the plate. He takes good at bats.  His demeanor is calm.  He's competitive but he is also very steady. It shows up in good at bats."

Luis Castillo and Miles Mikolas in the hot sun.  Mikolas scattered three hits and a walk.  Castillo scattered three hits without a walk until Matt Wieters hit his seventh home run of the season, leading off the sixth inning.

David Bell pinch hit for his ace in the bottom of the inning.

"We had to do what we could to get some runs," Bell said.

Castillo was strong enough to continue in spite of the heat.

"It was hot but I feel really strong right now.  I feel really good, said Castillo through interpreter Julio Murillo. "I feel confident. That's the phrase I'm going to use.  Me and the team have to respect the decision of the manager.  Of course I wanted to go out there again."

The Reds tied the game off Mikolas in the seventh.  Eugenio Suarez, who had two singles, walked to begin the seventh.  Yasiel Puig flirted with a home run down the right field line that faded into foul territory.  Puig recovered and hit a double into the left centerfield gap that rolled to the fence, allowing Suarez to score.   Rookie Josh VanMeter unloaded his first career home run.  VanMeter hit 13 in just over a month before he was recalled for the first time on May 5.

VanMeter has come close to his first home run several times but this one came at an important moment for the Reds.

"Man on second nobody out. Honestly, I was just trying to move the runner," VanMeter said. "I got a pitch elevated and hit it out of the park and did it feel good.  It is a weight off my shoulders.  The other cool part of it I knew I got it.  When I hit it I kind of let my body.  Usually, I don't show emotion. Emotions kind of took over.  I was a lot of fun, a dream come true.  You hit so many in Triple A, then you come up here and don't hit one in 49 at bats.  You wonder if you're ever going to hit one."

The Cardinals got one run back in the eighth inning off Michael Lorenzen.  Harrison Bader walked with one out and went to third on Tommy Edman's third hit of game, a double down the left field line.  Jose Martinez grounded out as Bader scored.

Jesse Winker led off the bottom of the eighth with a double. Nick Senzel ran for him.  Joey Votto's ground out got Senzel to third.  Suarez was walked intentionally but Puig struck out.  VanMeter lined out to the first baseman.

Lorenzen stayed in the game looking for his sixth save in his seventh try.  The Cardinals went down in order to complete the win.








Josh VanMeter


Luis Castillo

Red's Nightmare Inning Ruins Catcher's Dream Debut

The St, Louis Cardinals turned a 7-0 rout into a 12-11 win, ruining the debut of the Reds' newest player.

Ryan Lavarnway was out of baseball for a few hours.  The New York Yankees released him off the Scranton-Wilkes Barre roster.  The Reds, who were ravaged by injuries to all three catchers, signed him to share duties with Juan Graterol until Curt Casalli or Kyle Farmer return.

All the 31-year old Woodland Hills, California and Yale graduate made an instant impression.  He hit hit an RBI double and his first home run since 2015 off Adam Wainwright.  He hit his second home run off Dominic Leone. It was his second multi homer game.  He hit two for the Boston Red Sox on September 27, 2011 against the Baltimore Orioles.  Six RBI are his career high.

Tyler Mahle shut down the Cardinals as the Reds had their way with Wainwright, the Cardinals ace.  For some reason or another, the Reds have never feared Wainwright.  He is 9-12 with his last win coming in September 2016.  His ERA ballooned to 5.31 in his rivalry with the Reds.

The Reds were quiet in the first two innings but got loud in the third inning.  Mahle singled to open the inning.  Lavarnway doubled to the gap in left center.  Mahle scored from first.  Joey Votto doubled to score Lavarnway.  Jose Peraza, who replaced the ejected Eugenio Suarez, singled to score Votto and took second on the throw.  Yasiel Puig's single drove Peraza home.

Mahle escaped a jam in the top of the fourth.  Jose Martinez walked leading off the inning.  Paul Goldschmidt singled.

The Reds piled on Wainwright.

Jose Iglesias hit a one-out single.  The Reds pulled a hit and run with Mahle batting singled through the vacated shortstop position with Iglesias taking third.  Lavarnay hit a three-run home run into the Reds' bullpen in right. 

Suarez struck out in the first inning and expressed displeasure with home plate umpire, Carlos Torres call as he was taking his position to start the second.  David Bell followed Suarez to the showers, defending his third baseman for his seventh ejection of the season.

The Cardinals came roaring back in the sixth against Mahle and two relievers.

Harrison Bader singled to start the problems.  Tommy Edman followed suit.  Scooter Gennett dived to field a ground ball by Jose Martinez, who beat the throw to load the bases.  Goldschmidt hit a sacrifice fly.  Tyler O'Neil singled to score a run. Yairo Munoz singled to load the bases.  Iglesias athletic flip to second base was late. Kolten Wong hit a sacrifice fly to plate the third run.  Puig failed to hit the cutoff man trying to throw Fowler out going to third.  It was key when Paul  DeJong doubled past Peraza at third.  Jared Hughes replaced Bowman.  Andrew Knizner, replacing the injured Yadier Molina, doubled to make it a one-run game.  Bader walked.  The Cardinals tied the game when Votto booted the would be third out ground ball by Edman.  Martinez drilled his ninth home run to put the Cardinals in front 10-7.

"It was a step in the right direction," Mahle said.  "Even with 5-1/3 and four runs, it's the best I felt stuff wise. I am going to keep on getting better. We had a couple chances on close plays to get out of the inning.  That's baseball.  It's crazy."

Bell felt helpless watching from the clubhouse.

"A lot of things didn't go right," Bell said.  "It was unfortunate.  We had a nice lead. When you're on the field or on TV, it's tough to watch that.  As confident as you are as a Major League player, when things start going like that. It can really spiral.  Even the greatest players get on your heals a little tbit. We can see that happen and it was hard to watch for our guys."


DeJong hit his second home run of the series and 15th of the season off Robert Stephenson. Stephenson walked Wong with two outs in front of DeJong.

Josh VanMeter singled to open the eighth against Leone and Lavarnway crushed his second homer ot the game.  Andrew Miller replaced Leone and walked Jessee Winker.  Votto and Puig struck out.

Jimmy Herget, who had an awful Reds' debut pitched two scoreless innings.

Carlos Martinez entered the game for the Cardinals in the ninth.  Martinez fanned the first two batters but Derek Dietrich doubled and VanMeter walked to bring up Lavarnway as the tying run.  The drama rose as the count went to 3-2.  Lavarnway took ball four to load the bases.  Winker singled home two runs to cut the margin to one. Martinez got ahead of Votto 0-2.  Votto bounced out to first to end the game.

"We made a run there at the end but we had a big lead," David Bell said. "It was just a tough day.  It's unfortunate we had a big lead.  They can hurt a little more.  It was a game we felt like we should have won."







David Bell


"We knew that Lavarnway can hit.  I've seen him over the years.  It is a big deal to get the opportunity and have a big game.  We're really happy for him."

Tyler Mahle

Tweaked his hamstring but he's ok.


Jared Hughes

"We did see it coming.  We are prepared.  I had to execute pitches and get ahead in the count.  I threw a four seam by him earlier in the count. I thought I could get it by him again.  I have to put that in my memory bank.  I might have to face him tomorrow and get a ground ball."

Ryan Lavarnway

"It was fun wasn't it.  I was thrilled.  I was trying to make a good first impression.  I'm pretty excited about it."

"It would have been cool to hit another one in the ninth inning."

"I was just enjoying it.  I've been up and down so many times.  You never know when it's going to be your last one.  Earlier in my career I didn't let myself enjoy the highs. I tried to be stoic. I tried to be Jason Varitek.  I'm like a cat with nine lives right now. I'm grateful for the opportunity."

Rookie's Slam Lifts Cardinals Over Reds Tommy Edman New Reds' Menace

The list of red menaces and dirty bird arch villains, Yadier Molina, Matt Carpenter and Marcel Ozuna were missing from the St. Louis Cardinals lineup on Thursday but the Reds' were done in by a new generation of nemesis took up the tradition of torturing the Reds in a 7-4 first game triumph of evil over good.

Tommy Edman, rather than former Cardinal pain in the posterior Jim Edmonds, and Paul DeJong rallied the Cardinals.

The Reds jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Dakota Hudson.  Eugenio Suarez hit his 24th home run in the first inning on his 29th birthday.  Saurez has homered in the first inning in three of the last four games.

The Reds tacked on two more in the third inning.  Reds' starter Tanner Roark doubled to open the inning.  Jesse Winker singled Roark to third.  Joey Votto singled to score Roark and took second on the throw to third by Dexter Fowler, trying to cut down Winker at third.  Suarez nearly hit his second home run of the game but Fowler caught his deep fly against the fence as Winker trotted home.

Roark booked four scoreless innings but surrendered a single to Matt Wieters in front of DeJong's 14th home run.

"DeJong hit a change up. It could have been a little lower," Roark said.


David Bell brought Robert Stephenson into the game to start the sixth.  Stephenson was working on a streak of three straight scoreless outings.  With one out, Fowler walked.  Wieters hit his second single on a hit and run play.  DeJong singled home the tying run.  Kolten Wong singled to load the bases.  Pinch hitter Yairo Munoz flied out to right.  Yasiel Puig made a strong throw to catcher Juan Graterol to stop Wieters in his tracks.  Wong wondered way off the bag at first.  Graterol threw to a retreating Votto but Wong slid back head first on a close play,  It would cost the Reds dearly.  Edmon took Stephenson out to center field for his fourth home run of the season and first career grand slam.

"Robert was throwing strikes for the most part," David Bell said.  "The hit and run was a big one. Robert's been pitching well.  I would use him again in that spot.  We don't want to rely on the same guys and Robert has elite stuff."

Edman took advantage of a slider that wasn't that bad.

"I threw the ball pretty well probably one too many sliders," Stephenson said.  "There was a ground ball that got through.  The play at first almost got me out of the inning."

The Reds got one back on a double by Jose Iglesias and single by Graterol off John Gant.  Josh VanMeter walked to bring the tying run to the plate but Winker's high chop  up the middle off reliever Giovanny Gallegos was turned in to a rally killing double play by DeJong.

The Reds turned an unusual double play to end the ninth with Jimmy Herget getting his second big league appearance. With one out and Harrison Bader on first base with a walk, Edmundo Sosa hit his first career single, a bloop in front of Puig.  Puig threw Bader out at third.  Suarez threw to Iglesias catching Sosa trying to move up, a 9-5-6 double play.

Reds Battered Battery Recharged

The Reds knew something was wrong.  David Hernandez was so strong early in the season but the two weeks on either side of the All-Star break were rough on him.

The 34-year old ace reliever had seven straight scoreless outings, Hernandez hit the skids with eight appearances in which he allowed 14 runs in just 4-1/3 innings for a 29.08 ERA.

The Reds put Hernandez on the 10-day Injured List with shoulder fatigue.  The Reds recalled Lucas Sims who flourished as an emergency starter in the May 28 doubleheader.  He threw seven scoreless innings but gave up a three-run home run in the eighth inning to Kevin Newman of Pittsburgh.

Although Sims was a starter in the Louisville Bats rotation, he will pitch out of the Reds' bullpen while he is here.  Amir Garrett is nearly ready to come off the IL.   Alex Wood is expected to be ready after one more rehab start.  He pitched two scoreless innings for Louisville on Wednesday night.

The other end of the battery ran , down with a rash of injuries.  Tucker Barnhart was already on the Injured List with a strained oblique.   Curt Casali was catching with a strained right knee.  The Reds put him on the IL retroactive to Tuesday.  The luxury of having a third catcher in the versatile Kyle Farmer, became a less opulent group when Farmer took two direct hits in the mask off foul balls.  The second seemed to be a knockout blow.  He finished the game but the Reds put him into concussion protocol for seven days.  Cincinnati purchased the contract of Juan Graterol, who was with the team in spring training.  Graterol started against the Chicago Cubs in Wrigley Field on Wednesday afternoon.

The Reds went shopping and signed a journeyman catcher,Ryan Lavarnway, who was released by the New York Yankees on Wednesday.  He was the sixth round pick of the Boston Red Sox in the 2008 draft. The 31-year old Yale graduate has appeared in  146 games in the Big Leagues, including six with Pittsburgh last season.  For his career Lavarnway has a .208 average, hitting seven home runs and driving home 43 runs.  The Woodland Hills, California native has a slash line of .208/.268/.326.  Lavarnway played for Boston, Baltimore, Atlanta, Oakland and Pittsburgh.   He broke in with the Red Sox on August 18, 2011.

"These guys are a little banged up right now," Lavarnway said.  "I played with a few of the guys around here and played against most of them."

Lavarnway was told last night that the deal was a probability after the game last night in Scranton, PA.

"The final termination was completed by 11:30, Lavarnway said.  "I had to get my life together real fast.  The Yankees were trying to do right by me.  They are super deep at the catching position.  At-Bats were getting fewer for by the day. I had to find a flight real early and bring my life with me but if it's in the big leagues I'd do it 100 times."

"We will just keep helping those guys through this,"  David Bell said.  "We can't wait to get them back and most important is to get them healthy.  In the mean time we are going to do our best to replace those guys.  We feel good about how we've done that.  From a baseball standpoint, this is to be expected. The challenge of every season is to survive this and get through it."

Indians Take Ohio Cup With Their Sixth Straight Win The Reds 41-46 At AS Break

The Cleveland Indians took the longest winning streak in baseball at six with a 11-1 win over the Reds.  They keep the Ohio Cup another year.

The irony is the Indians will be no closer to American League Central leading Minnesota Twins than the last place Reds to either Milwaukee or Chicago at 41-46.

If Minnesota beats Texas, the Indians will be 6-1/2 games out.  If Texas wins the Indians will trail by 5-1/2.   The Reds will be either stay at 4-1/2 out if Milwaukee and Chicago both lose.  They will be five games out if Milwaukee wins and Chicago loses and 5-1/2 if Chicago wins.

"It was just two games," David Bell said.  "They were big games for us but two games doesn't take away what we did, which was give us a chance and set us up for the second half. What helps us is our ability to bounce back.  The team that bounces back the best is the team that will win this division."

Reds' starter Tyler Mahle and Indians starter Trevor Bauer were locked in a scoreless duel for three innings.

Mahle had to pitch out of a bases loaded jam in the third to keep it that way.  He struck out Bauer to start the inning but Francisco Lindor and Greg Allen found holes in the infield with a pair of ground balls.  The dangerous Carlos Santana walked to load the bases.  Mahle reached for a little extra and struck out Jason Kipnis and Jose Ramirez swinging.

"I had to battle through the third inning," Mahle said.  "I think that was one of the reasons, I was taken out in the fifth.  With a 1-0 ballgame, my spot is coming up the next inning. I was going to get hit for anyway.  Usually, when you keep battling out of jams, eventually they are going to get you."

Bauer pitched around a single and two walks to keep the Reds' off the scoreboard.

Mahle retired the first two batters of the fourth but Tyler Naquin hit a long home run to right, his seventh to break the deadlock.

The Indians ambushed Mahle in the fifth. Allen singled for the second time;  Sanatana walked for the second time.  Jared Hughes replaced Mahle.  Kipnis bunted to move the runners up.  Ramirez hit a sacrifice fly to center field but Jake Bauers blew the game open with a two-run home run off the batter's eye in center.

The Reds seized one run back in the bottom of the inning.  Jose Peraza singled off Bauer.  Josh VanMeter hit a run scoring double to left center.  He took third on the throw by Lindor that got past Roberto Perez. Perez was shaken up when he leaped for Lindor's throw and undercut by Peraza's slide.

Cleveland added a run in the seventh.  Allen's third hit of the game was a triple of Robert Stephenson.  He scored on Kipnis' single off David Hernandez.

They have won the last seven games they've played in Great American Ball Park to win their second straight Ohio Cup and fourth in their last five.  The teams tied in 2017. The last Reds' winning series was in 2014.

The Indians added six more runs in the eighth three off Hernandez and three off Jimmy Herget, making his first Major League appearance.

Allen hit a two-run home run, his second of the season and Kipnis hit his seventh both off Herget in the inning.

Nick Senzel left the game in the second inning with a right ankle sprain.  He caught his spikes on the padding in right center, chasing Santana's double off the wall.

"Senzel hurt his same ankle but it is not as bad.  I think he will be ready right after the break,"Bell said.

"It's a close group I told them to enjoy the time with their family but I know they will look forward to getting together again as a group," Bell said.

Sonny Gray Replaces Max Scherzer On National League All-Star Team

David Bell enjoyed making a phone call to Sonny Gray.

Gray was selected to take the place of Max Scherzer on the National League squad Tuesday night in Cleveland.  Scherzer threw 103 pitches in seven scoreless innings in the Washington Nationals 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.  He will be honored as an All-Star but will not be available to pitch.

Gray, who is 5-5 with a 3.59 ERA and 103 strikeouts will take his place.  It will be the second AS selection for Gray.  He was a member of the American League team in 2015 but didn't pitch in the game at Great American Ball Park.  Gray is also among the NL leaders of the lowest batting average against category at .224.

"David called me last night with Dick (Williams) on the phone," Gray said.  "It was really excited.  Having to leave tomorrow, there are so many thoughts in my head.  There are so many guys that are deserving.  It is an honor.  I've always said I know what kind of pitcher I was.  Being here and making the transition has been an amazing experience.  Being with DJ (pitching coach Derek Johnson) has been such a blessing.  I feel he's taught me how to pitch twice."

Johnson was Gray's pitching coach at Vanderbilt University.

The Reds' have developed one of the best pitching staffs in the game as shown by first half statistics.  Bell pointed out that Gray joining Luis Castillo honors the team.

"He had planned to do something else," Bell said.  "It was a welcome change of plans for him.  When you hear it from someone else's voice, you remember how much it means to be recognized as one of the best players in the game. He deserves it. I figured he'd be excited but it was fun hearing it in his voice."

"We know what we have in him, whether he was on the All-Star team or not.  It's nice when you get rewarded.  We talk about how good our pitching has been.  He's been a big part of that. We have one of the top staffs in the game.  It is nice when you get a couple guys recognized for that."

Reds Rock Threads From 1956 - David Bell Wears Grandfather's Replica Uniform

There are few people who have grown up with Reds' lore than David Bell, the current Reds' manager.

Wally Post, Ted Kluszewski and Gus Bell

The Reds are wearing the uniforms the team wore in 1956, David's grandfather Gus was a member of that team that set the then record for home runs by a team at 221.  Gus Bell hit 29 of them as the Reds' center fielder and made the All-Star team that season.  Rookie Frank Robinson set the rookie record with 38 as the Reds left fielder.  Former Reds' broadcaster, pitcher Nuxhall, chipped in with two.

Wally Post from St. Mary's, Ohio hit 36 and Ted Kluszewski, "Big Klu" hit 35 and was known for cutting off the sleeves of the red T-shirt the Reds wore underneath the jersey.

Gus Bell hit 206 home runs in his 15-year career.

The team had a 91-63 record and finished in third place in the National League, two games behind the champion Brooklyn Dodgers and one game behind the second place Milwaukee Braves.  The manager was Birdie Tebbetts.


The Reds' were in first place as late as July 12.

Bell, who wears number 25, worn by his grandfather and father, Buddy Bell.  Buddy had an 18-year career and hit 201 home runs, including 43 from 1985 - 1988 when he was a member of the Reds.  Mike Bell, who is David's brother, played 19 games with the Reds in 2000.  He hit two home runs.

Gus Bell played his last Major League game on May 1, 1964 as a member of the Milwaukee Braves.  David was born in 1972 and played his Major League game on May 3, 1995 with the Cleveland Indians.  His grandfather passed away four days later.


David was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals later that year and hit the first of his 123 home runs against the Reds in Riverfront Stadium on August 30 of that season.  Bell hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning off Mark Portugal to break a 2-2 tie.

"I am wearing the sleeves," David Bell said.  "My grandfather did wear the sleeves.  I haven't seen any pictures of him without the sleeves.  If he would have done it.  I would have done it."

"When I saw the notice go up in our locker room last night.  I didn't realize what we were wearing," Bell said. That's definitely one I wanted to wear.  It will be fun to wear,"

Roberto Perez And Francisco Lindor Power Indians Over Reds

Roberto Perez had four hits and broke a tie that Francisco Lindor created with two home runs.  Shane Bieber controlled the Reds.

Perez hit his 16th home run with a man on off Michael Lorenzen in the eighth inning to give the Cleveland Indians a 7-2 win.  The Indians extended their winning streak to five while snapping the Reds' three-game winning streak.

Lindor hit his 13th home run into the Reds' bullpen in right field to lead off the game against Anthony DeSclafani,  the fourth time this season he started the Indians offense with a fence buster.

"The pitch was right where I wanted it, honestly," DeSclafani said.  "It was three or four inches out of the strike zone.  He just put a good swing on it."

Shane Bieber couldn't hold the lead for four batters.   After two hard hit fly balls were caught in center field.  Eugenio Suarez singled sharply to left.   Yasiel Puig hit a low line drive to right field.  It had just enough height to clear the fence for his 20th home run.

Puig had three hits, including a fence rattling double and raised his average to .253.  A month ago he was languishing at .210.

"Puig is coming on strong," David Bell said.  "We knew he was capable. He's been a better player in the second half of the season throughout his career.  He hit the double harder than the home run."

Puig's 20-home run first half put him ahead of every season except for the 28 he hit in 2017 and the 23 he hit last year.

"This is the first time I hit 20 home runs at the All-Star break," Puig said.  "This is the best first half of the season in my career.  I am going to practice with my teammates and have a better second half."

Lindor hit his second home run of the game and 14th for the season, high off the foul pole in right field to tie the score.

DeSclafani wiggled out of a bases loaded jam with the help of a brilliant diving stop by shortstop Jose Iglesias.  Carlos Santana hit a ball hard up the middle.  Iglesias playing on the second base side of the diamond gloved the ball mid dive.  He was able to lift his body just enough to get off a throw to the stretching Joey Votto.  First base umpire David Rackley ruled Santana safe but Votto summoned the dugout to challenge the call.  Santana was ruled out.  Jason Kipnis singled.  One out later Jake Bauers walked.  Roberto Perez second of three singles in the game was fielded by Puig, who prevented Kipnis from running.  Tyler Naquin flied out to right.

"Desco pitched a pretty good game," Bell said.  "He gave us a chance to win."

Like Puig he has shaken off a subpar start in the first season that wasn't delayed by injury in the last four years.

"I've made some progress," DeSclafani said.  "I have to come up with some better plans and continue to progress.  We are close at the break so we are all encouraged about the second half."

Cleveland loaded the bases again in the sixth inning.  DeSclafani caught Jose Ramirez looking for the third time. It was the second out of the inning.  Bauers singled.  Perez hit a high chop bouncer into center field.  Nick Senzel nearly threw Bauers out at third.  Bauers got a safe call from Chad Whitson that held up under review.  The Reds ordered Tyler Naquin walked to go after Bieber, who grounded to short.  Pui

Bieber retired 16 of 17 Reds, eight each surrounding a double by Puig.

The Reds went to Michael Lorenzen in the seventh inning.   DeSclafani allowed seven hits and two runs.  He walked two but one was intentional and struck out six.

Puig singled to the hole at shortstop to start the bottom of the seventh.  Ramirez throwing error put him on second but Bieber struck out Derek Dietrich.  Senzel hit a bouncer to the mound and Puig was caught going to third.  Iglesias flied out to left.

Ramirez doubled with one out.  Lorenzen struck out Bauers on a foul tip.  Perez hit a towering drive into the seats in right for his fourth hit of the game.

Bieber protected the lead in the eighth.  Bobby Bradley hit for Bieber in the top of the ninth against Matt Bowman. Bradley hit a lead off double and left for pinch runner Greg Allen.  Lindor grounded to second to send Allen to third.  Oscar Mercado hit a line drive toward Bowman.  The pitcher knocked it down, held Allen and threw to first to get Mercado for the second out.  The Reds walked Santana.  Kipnis walked to load the bases.  Ramirez worked a full count, then took ball four to drive in a run.  Bauers second hit of the game made put the Indians up by five.  The Reds got a moral victory by getting Perez out for the first time on a ground ball.

Nick Goody pitched the ninth for Cleveland.

Votto doubled for the 389th time to tie Dave Concepcion for third on the Reds career list.

Scooter Gennett Resting Until Break - Alex Wood Starts Rehab Assignment

Scooter Gennett returned from three months on the injured list with a strained right groin. He left the game on Wednesday with tightness in his left groin which he felt when he batted.

The Reds had a rare Friday off day and Gennett was on the field testing his groin and taking treatment afterward. 

"He is available to pinch hit," David Bell said.  "He won't start today or tomorrow.  We think with the time off he will be ready by Friday."

The Reds take on the Colorado Rockies in Denver on July 12 after the All-Star break.

Alex Wood, who hasn't pitched for the Reds since February, where he made on start of one inning in Goodyear, Arizona.  Wood has suffered since then with a sore back, having several setbacks along the way.

The Reds obtained Wood in the trade with the Dodgers, along with Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp and Kyle Farmer.  Wood was expected to be one of the Reds' starting pitchers this year and the lone left-hander in the rotation,

His back will be tested in a  rehab start in Columbus with the Louisville Bats.  Wood will pitch two innings or 35 pitches.  The Reds will revisit his condition in the days after to determine what is next.  The Bats will also be on the All-Star break, starting Sunday.

Luis Castillo's All-Star Performance Skunks Brewers

Luis Castillo started for the Reds against the National League Central Division leading Milwaukee Brewers.  His next turn with the normal four days rest would be Tuesday, which happens to be the night of the All-Star game in Cleveland.  As a member of the NL squad, Castillo would be in line to start the game.

Castillo was brilliant in protecting a one-run lead and shutting down a potent Brewers lineup in a 1-0 win.

The All-Star game is next on his mind after a stunning pitching performance.

"I think it would be a neat experience for me," Castillo said through interpreter Julio Morillo.  "If they give me the opportunity to start the All-Star game it will be something I'd never forget."

Jessee Winker, who had three hits and scored the only run.

"Castillo got better as the game went on.  He just dominated today.  I peaked up in the fifth inning and said to myself, oh boy, the no-no is coming," Winker said.  "It has been a treat playing behind all these guys. If he got the start in the All-Star game it would be incredible.  I hope he does get the ball because he deserves it.  I think the world's going to see Luis Castillo and it will be a treat."

The Reds got a quick start as they scored a run in the first.  It was the 71st run scored in the first inning, the most by any team in that particular inning. Winker greeted Milwaukee starter Brandon Woodruff with a line double to right center.   Joey Votto singled with Winker stopping at third.  Eugenio Suarez struck out but Yasiel Puig's infield hit scored Winker.  Derek Dietrich hit a hard single to right to load the bases but Nick Senzel hit into a 5-4-3 double play.

Castillo pitched like the All-Star starter.  He hit two batters but allowed nothing else until Keston Hiura hit a clean single one out into the seventh.

"I wasn't thinking of the no hitter," Castillo said.  "When the got the hit in the seventh the crowd started cheering and I looked around and though oh its the first hit."

Rain forced a delay with two out and bases empty in the top of the eighth. Pinch hitter Jesus Aguilar had a two ball, no strike count.   David Hernandez replaced Castillo after a 69 minute rain delay.  Hernandez walked Aguilar on a 3-2 pitch.  It was the only walk issued by Castillo.  Hernandez struck out Yasmani Grandall to send the game to the ninth inning.

"Castillo was clearly the story today," David Bell said. "He was outstanding.  He was close to the end of his day when the rain came.  It would have been nice for him to finish that inning."

The 26-year old right-hander wanted to go back out to finish the game.

"I asked David how long the rain would take," Castillo. "He told me a little longer than he expected so he told me that I did a really good job today."

Castillo pitched 7-2/3 scoreless innings allowing a hit and a walk with nine strikeouts.  He hit two batters.  He faced the Brewers on May 22 and June 22.  In those two games Castillo surrendered 10 runs in 6-1/3 innings to the Brewers.  He studied and made adjustments.

""They hit me well a couple times when I faced them," Castillo said.  "I made some adjustments in the bullpen and in the game. I watched the video or the last two outings. started to pitch backward the opposite way I worked in my last two outings."

"This was the best outing not only of the season but of my career," Castillo said.

Raisel Iglesias took the mound in the ninth, needing to protect the one-run lead against elite NL hitter, Christian Yelich, Mike Moustakas and Keston Hiura.  Yelich hit a 3-2 pitch for a double to open the inning.  Moustakas fouled out to Phil Ervin in left, who made a fantastic catch into the stands after a long run.  Earlier this week after a similar run a fan interfered with him trying to catch the ball.

"I felt it hit my club.  I was hoping it would stay up and tried to spin off the wall," Ervin said.  "I knew Yelich was at second.  I didn't want to go into the stands and give him time to go to third. I don't think he thought I was going to catch it.  This one was harder than other play.  This was harder because I had to go into the stands a little more.  The other one the fan came out to the field with it.  I feel like I was going to make both of them."

Bell, as low key as he is, stressed the importance of the play beyond the out.

"That was a tough play for Ervin to make.  To be I don't want to say reckless but aggressive, that was a huge play for us. It shows how much he wants to win," Bell said.  "A play like that can give the pitcher an extra boost to finish the game."

Hiura grounded out to second as Yelich moved to third.  Eric Thames was the last man standing between the Reds and victory.  Thames flied out high to right.  Iglesias earned his 16th save in 18 tries.

Reds pitching shut out the Brewers in the last 23 innings of the series and moved within 3-1/2 games of first place by taking three of the four games.

"I don't know what to say about our pitching," Bell said. "They are doing everything they can.  To limit the scoring like they did in the last three games of the series shows so much about their preparation and hard work.  They continue to develop as a staff."

As for closing in on the top of the division.

"Sure we watch the standings," Bell said.  "The only statistic that matters is where you are in the standings but we can't get ahead of ourselves.  We have to keep focusing on what we have to do each day and stay in the moment."

Red's Physical Condition Going Into Break

Scooter Gennett's left groin is tight.  He left the Wednesday night game against the Milwaukee Brewers as a precaution.  He felt it in the batters box.  It is the opposite groin, the right, that put him out of action for three months.

"He felt better than he thought he would today," manager David Bell said.

The Reds placed Amir Garrett on the 10-day injured list with a strained left lat.

"I don't think it will be 10-days but we have to take care of it," Bell said.  "He's had a good year and is important to us."

The Reds recalled Josh VanMeter from Louisville.  The infielder/outfielder spent 14 days in Kentucky, hitting .393 in 14 games with eight doubles and a home run.  He hit safely in 11 games.

Alex Wood threw a bullpen on Tuesday and is within a week of a rehab assignment.

"We are a couple of conversations away from making a determination about his next step," Bell said.

Wandy Peralta and Cody Reed are throwing.   Peralta has been out long enough that Bell thinks a rehab assignment is necessary.

Reds Celebrate Fourth of July In A Good Place

The old baseball saying goes, whoever is in first place on the 4th of July wins the pennant.

It wasn't true then and it isn't true now but that was a common saying in the days of two eight-team leagues.

The Reds are in last place in the National League Central.  That is a true statement but the distance between the Reds and the top of the division is small.  With three games left until the All-Star break and 78 left in the season, the Reds are within three games of everybody in the National League in the loss column with the exception of Los Angeles and Atlanta.

Why is the loss column important?

A team can make up a win but it can not make up for a loss.

The Reds have played 84 games, the division leading Brewers 87, the second place Cubs 87, the third place Cardinals 84 and the Pirates 85.

In hockey that uses a points system, two points for a win, one for a tie, they call those games in hand. If a team has three games fewer than the team higher in the standings, the opportunity is there for the lower team to make up six points, no matter what the team above them does.

In the Reds case for instance, the Brewers have 41 losses the Reds 44.  Those are permanent; written in stone; they ain't changin.   The Reds have 40 wins the Brewers 46.  The Reds can win three games and make up a game and a half no matter what the Brewers do. That alone would put the Reds three games out of first place.   The same goes for the Wild Card.  By winning the three games in hand versus the Cubs the Reds have the opportunity to move within two games of the second Wild Card.  The Phillies currently hold the first Wild Card.  The Reds have two games on them.  They have the opportunity to close to within three games of the Phils.

The opportunity is there.  It is up to the Reds to take advantage.

Yasiel Puig Homers Sonny Gray Buys The Pizza

Yasiel Puig hit a rocket to left field off Jhoulys Chacin leading off the second inning.  Sonny Gray struck out 12 Milwaukee Brewers to make Puig's 19th home run stand up in the Reds' 3-0 win that brought them with 4-1/2 games of first place.

Milwaukee manager Craig Counsel that Puig looks for a certain pitch and sticks to it until he gets it.  He got his pitch on the third thrown to him by Chacin.

Gray manhandled a lineup without Christian Yelich and Yasmani Grandall both getting a planned day off.  Gray's eight innings established a season high.  His strikeouts tied a career high. It was pizza for everyone.

Chacin retired 13 straight Reds' batters after Puig's blast until Puig led off the seventh with a line single to center.  He scored the second run after Derek Dietrich and Jose Iglesias singled.  Jeremy Jeffress replaced Chacin.  Curt Casali struck out and Gray hit for himself.  It was a departure from Bell's MO of hitting for more runs.  Gray sacrifice put two runners in scoring position for Jesse Winker, who flied out deep to right to end the inning.

Gray struck out Tony Saladino for his 12th strikeout.  Manny Pina hit a towering fly ball to the right field wall that Puig gloved easily.  Grandall hit for Jeffress.  Gray issued his first walk on four pitches.  Manager David Bell walked to the mound.  After a word with Gray, the crowd cheered when Gray was allowed to stay in the game.  Lorenzon Cain representing the tying run worked the count to 2-2, fouled off a pitch, then flied out to shallow right.

"I had a good curve ball tonight so I used it," Gray said.  "We made some good plays. Puig made a catch in the eighth.  The double play in the sixth was huge.  When David came out in the eighth I said 'may I please finish this'.  It was a good moment it was a big at bat. I'm glad I could get him out."

Bell wanted to give him the opportunity.

"I wanted to make sure he had another hitter in him after the walk," Bell said.  "When I saw the look on his face there was no doubt.  You can tell when someone means it.  It seems like he's kind of getting momentum.  He's been going a little deeper in the game.  It is good to have him out there the way he competes."

Scooter Gennett who returned to the Reds from a right groin injury on Friday, left the game with a tight left groin.  Ironically, he suffered the initial groin injury against the Brewers in the last week of spring training.

"We just got him out of there as a precaution.  He felt it more hitting," Bell said.

The Reds added cushion in the bottom of the eighth.  Joey Votto walked,  Eugenio Suarez doubled down the left field line.  Nick Senzel, who replaced Gennett, grounded out to third base.  Puig's fly to center drove in his second run of the game.

Jose Iglesias replaced Gray who allowed no runs on four hits in his eight innings.  Iglesias completed the shutout to earn his 15th save in 17 tries.

Brewers Use Five Run Inning To Defeat Reds - Christian Yelich Hits His 30th Home Run

Lorenzon Cain's fifth home run off Tyler Mahle,  lit the match to a five-run frame that sent the Milwaukee Brewers to a 8-6 win over the Reds.

Mahle pitched four hitless innings until Brewers, rookie Keston Hiura hit his sixth home run to open the fifth.

"I was a little shaky the first couple innings.  I got away with some things.  They hit a few balls hard,' Mahle said.  "From the third on I felt pretty good about it.  I babied a splitter to Hiura.  He trusted me to hold the lead and I blew it.  It is the worst when the manager has faith in you and you blow it."

Matching scoreless innings with Mahle, Adrian Houser allowed four hits through five innings but quickly exited after Jesse Winker's 14th home run left to the opposite field in left.  Joey Votto walked and Eugenio Suarez launched his 18th home run to left center.  Suarez had two hits in his third straight game.

"Tyler's been getting stronger as the game goes on," David Bell said.  "He's been impressive.  He continues to get better.  I just think he gets better as the season goes on."

Cain got one of the runs back with a line drive home run to right, his fifth.  Eric Thames legged out a hit to the hole at shortstop.  David Bell took the ball from Mahle and handed it to David Hernandez.  Hiura singled to center and Ben Gamel tied the game with an RBI double to left.  Pinch hitter Ryan Braun flied out to shallow right.  Tony Saladino walked to load the bases. Hernandez walked in a run when Yasmani Grandall took first, bringing Christian Yellich to the plate with one out.  Yellich singled to score Gamel.  Mike Moustakas gave the Brewers a three-run lead with a sacrifice fly to left.  Cain closed the inning by flying out to left.

"You can't take away from what our bullpen's done," Bell said.  "David has gotten us through some tough situations.  It just didn't work tonight."

Hernandez last two outings have been bad but it came after a streak where he pitched in seven straight games, 8-2/3 innings without giving up a run.

"We just took the lead the inning before.  That's what made that inning so bad," Hernandez said.  "These are big games within our division and right before the All-Star game.  I just didn't have it.  There is something mechanical.  It's not good when you're trying to adjust and you feel like you're doing something different every pitch."

Suarez hit his 19th home run with Votto on base off hard throwing Josh Hader to close the gap to one run.

"When he was going through a lull, he continued to play good defense," Bell  "He's such a good player.  He continues to compete.  When you do that, you're going to start hitting again."

"I try to do my best everytime," Suarez said.  "I just try to be more relaxed.  I try to see the ball come to me longer and react with my swing.  I have a chance if I see it.  If I don't see it, I don't have a chance."


Yelich hit his 30th home run with Grandall on base with a walk off Robert Stephenson.  It was a high fly that carried into the front row in the left field corner.

Phil Ervin singled to drive home Jose Iglesias to provide the final margin.  It was his third RBI in the last two games.  Jose Peraza grounded out to end the game and Jeremy Jefferes earned his first save.

Reds Make Changes To Bullpen - Veteran Zach Duke Makes Room For Rookie

Zach Duke was one of a quartet of Pittsburgh Pirate young arms that was going to turn the franchise around.  Duke, Ian Snell and Paul Maholm were originally drafted by the Pirates and developed into Major Leaguers.  Oliver Perez was only 20-years old with the Pirates but he came to Pittsburgh in a trade with San Diego.

Duke, a 36-year old left hander, was designated for assignment on Monday, which is exactly half way through the 2019 season.  Duke made 30 appearances in 81 games.  He won three games and lost one.  His ERA was 5.01.

"It's tough losing Zach," David Bell said.  "He's been here a long time.  He's been a big part of our team on and off the field.  He's had a great career to this point.  He will be missed."

Duke played for nine teams so far, including two tours with the Reds, in his 15-year big league career.

The Reds recalled Jimmy Herget.

Herget is a 25-year old right handed pitcher with an almost sidearm delivery.  The native of Tampa was taken in the sixth round of the 2015 draft.  He pitched two years with the University of South Florida.  This is his first trip to the big leagues.

Herget has made 176 relief appearances in the Reds' organization, all in relief, coming into this season.  He is 12-11 with a 2.77 ERA in the minors.

This season in Louisville, Herget made 33 relief appearances with a 1-4 record and 3.58.  Herget had an awful April after being in the Reds' camp in Goodyear, Arizona this spring.  He had three outings in which he accumulated one inning and allowed 12 runs.  In his other 30 games, he allowed just three runs in 36-2/3 innings for an 0.74 ERA.  He last pitched on Thursday against Toledo.  He logged 1-2/3 innings of scoreless baseball.

"The first month was a little tough," said Herget after a spring training in which he allowed one run in five innings over four appearances.  "I had a couple bad ones, where I walked too many guys. I had a talk with Jeff (Fassaro).  I just started to attack.  Attack every hitter no matter what the score is.  In the past I've been a late inning pitcher but I wanted to attack and not give any at bats away."

As usual the Louisville manager, Jody Davis pulled a prank on Herget before telling him he'd been recalled.

"When I first got to the clubhouse, Jody called me in and told me that people were upset with me.  Then he said that I'd been traded," Herget said.  "Then he told me that he thought they were in Cincinnati tonight.  When he didn't know what team it was, I thought, ok this is happening."

"It is a dream come true," Herget said.  "Ever since I started playing at four years old it's been a dream.

"Whe