Jonathan India, Jake Fraley Power Reds Over Orioles

 

Jonathan India's seventh home run of the season put the Reds in front.  The two-run shot off Baltimore Orioles starter Dean Kremer in the fourth inning broke a 2-2 forged earlier in the inning.

Tyler Mahle made the lead hold up in a 8-2 win that evened the series at a game apiece.

Mahle, the Reds starter, fell behind in the first inning.  Mahle is coveted by playoff contenders in the last few days until the trading deadline at 6:00 pm on Tuesday.

He finished with six innings, allowing just the two runs on five hits.  Mahle didn't walk a batter and struck out seven.

"I felt good from the start.  There were a h of ground balls that got through, then my spikes got caught on the balk," Mahle said.

The Orioles got consecutive singles from Adley Rutschman, Trey Mancini and Anthony Santander, who hit a home and three hits on Friday.  Santander's RBI single put Mancini on third and he scored on a balk by Mahle, who tripped out of his stretch.

The Reds reached Kremer for a run in the second inning.  Kyle Farmer singled to open the frame.  One out later Jake Fraley and Michael Papierski singled. The catcher drove in Farmer and sent Fraley to third. India flied to medium right and Santander used great technique to nail Fraley at the plate to end the inning.

While Mahle was dispatching 10 Oriole batters in a row, the Reds rallied in the fourth. Nick Senzel doubled with one out.  Fraley dumped his second hit into left. Senzel read it off the bat and scored easily. India broke the tie with his drive to left off Kremer.

Joey Votto added his 10th home run, leading off the fifth.

Farmer's second hit chased Kremer.

Beau Sulser relieved Kremer.  Senzel hit a high drive that bounced off the wall but directly into the glove of Austin Hayes.  Farmer was around second and believed Hayes caught it on the fly.  He reversed course and past Senzel which made the batter runner out by rule.  The Orioles tagged Senzel who was already out and thought they had a freak double play. Since Farmer made it back to first, only Senzel was out.   

It was a confusing play that the umpires explained in their dressing room.

Crew Chief Larry Vanover

"We have a batted ball off the wall into the fielder's glove.  You have a base hit on the play. The runner that was on first he's running to third, he thinks the ball is caught. He goes back to first.  They throw the ball in.  Now the batter runner, who hit the ball touches first and he passes the runner who is on first, so he becomes out for passing. So there is one out on the play.  The guy that was on base comes back to first and he's safe.  That makes two outs in the inning so we continue to play."

It was the third base umpire Dave (Rackly) went out on the play. He had no catch on the play."

David Rackly, the third base umpire.

"I gave the safe sign and held it up even as the ball was coming in I did two or three mechanics."

Larry Vanover

"The runner on first didn't see it.  It was a confusing play.  I've never been involved in a play just like that.  It was the first."

After the situation was sorted.  Senzel was out first baseman unassisted with no hit.  

Fraley belted a pitch into the right field stands. It was his second home run of the season and third hit of the game.  Fraley was out of action since May 1 but collected his third hit of the game on his long ball.

India doubled, his third hit, in the sixth and he scored on a single by Brandon Drury.  He needed the triple for the cycle.

"Indie is playing really well with a lot of confidence," David Bell said.

For the second time this month India needed a triple to capture the Reds' first cycle since, Eric Davis did it in 1989.

"I feel good. I feel like I did the beginning of the year," India said.  "I've been hurt a lot. It's taken me a little bit to get back.  I feel the same every single day no matter what, whether I get a hit or not but the results are coming.  And the cycle, it happens again. I'm trying to do something.  The only way to hit a triple here is over the center fielder's head or to right center and it bounces around.  All those thoughts are going through my head in that at bat. I screwed myself up trying to inside out the ball.  It was a wasted at bat but I'll make it up."

Reiver Sanmartin pitched a scoreless inning.  Ross Detwiler pitched a scoreless eighth.  Ryan Hendrix came on in the ninth and closed it out with a scoreless inning.

 

Cedric Mullins Delivers In The NInth To Stay In AL Wild Card Race

 

Cedric Mullins hit a tie breaking single up the middle against Buck Farmer in a four-run ninth to deliver a 6-2 for the Baltimore Orioles.

Trey Mancini singled home a run and Ryan Mountcastle hit a sacrifice fly to completer the scoring.

Farmer walked Ramon Urias to start his downfall.  Rougned Odor doubled to put runners on second and third with no outs. Mullins came through.

Dauri Moreta hit Anthony Santander, who had three hits, in the thigh.

Santander thought it was intentional and took two or three steps toward the mound.  Both bullpens and benches emptied but order was quickly restored. 

"He was upset that I called time out," Santander said through an interpreter. "I get it.  Pitchers don't like when you call time out late in the at bat but at the same time, you can't throw pitches that far inside.  It wasn't that I took steps to the mound but I had to let him know how I felt and I knew it was intentional."

Both teams have players coveted by teams in playoff contention.

The Orioles started play within three games of Tampa Bay for the final wild card spot in the American League.  A good showing in the weekend series against the Reds could help determine if they will maintain their current roster or sell off players. The Reds are way behind in the race.

Joey Votto got the Reds off to a fast start with his ninth home run of the season with a runner on in the first.  Kyle Bradish, reinstated from the injured list before the game started for Baltimore.

Bradish finished five innings, allowing just the runs generated by Votto.  He allowed five hits, and struck out seven with no walks.

Santander hit his 18th home run of the season with a runner on to tie the game in the sixth.  It was the 15th home run Mike Minor has allowed in his 10 starts.

Minor pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits.  He walked three and struck out four.  Joel Kuhnel relieved Minor.

The Reds put two runners on against reliever Joey Krehbiel in the sixth but Cionel Perez struck out Donovan Solano to presevere the tie.

The Reds had a chance in the seventh.  Michael Papierski walked to reach base for the third time against Perez. Jonathan India reached on an infield single. Dillon Tate relieved him with a pitch got away from catcher Adley Rutschman but not far.  Papierski took off for third and the throw beat him but the third base umpire ruled that Lopez missed the tag.  The call was reversed on the Orioles video challenge.

Jesus Sanchez and Jesus Aguilar Star In Miami's Comeback Win Daniel Castono OK After Taking Line Drive Off His Forehead

 

Jesus Sanchez tied the game with a pinch hit home run and Jesus Aguilar drove in four runs. The Miami Marlins scored three runs to gain a split in the four-game series with a 7-6 win.

The Reds sent hard throwing rookie Graham Ashcraft against the Marlins.

Miami sent out its third left handed pitcher in a row in the person of Daniel Castano, who took a line drive off his forehead and had to leave the game.  

The Reds literally knocked Castano out of the box early in the first inning.  Brandon Drury and Tommy Pham doubled with one out.  Castano hit Joey Votto with a pitch.  Hot hitting Donovan Solano sent a rocket back to the mound.  The ball hit off the pitcher's forehead and third baseman Joey Wendle caught the carom on the fly. Castano had to leave the game and was able to walk off on his own with a knot on his forehead.

"That's terrifying," Ashcraft said. "You never want to see a player hurt like that.  I was waiting to see blood coming out. I thught he got hit in cheek or his eye bone or something. I am hoping he's ok.  My stprayers go out to him and his family.  I hope he can come back and make his next start."

Reds' manager David Bell was concerned for Castano and Solano.

"It is really awful to see that happen to anyone," Bell said.  "I've seen it happen before.  I had a conversation to see that every thing was ok.  It is just a major relief to hear that. It's very scary for everyone involved.  Certainly, for their pitcher and their home team and our team.  You almost want to stop playing the game. When he was kneeling and walked off on his own, we all felt a little better."

"I saw Donovan go over to the mound and check.  He came to the dugout.  I asked him if he was ok. I said, if you need to come out of the game.  We'll get you out.  I think the fact that he saw him walk off helped a lot."

Jeff Brigaham took his place on the Marlin's mound.

Miami took the lead against Ashcraft in the third. Jacob Stallings singled and was forced at second by Wendle.  Jesus Aguilar launched his team leading 12th home run of the season after going 0-for-9 in the first three games.  The Marlyins took a 2-1 lead.

The home run to Aguilar, I kind of went against the game plan," Ashcraft said. I threw a pitch I shouldn't have in a location I shouldn't have.  All and all I was pleased with it. There are still some things I have to work on like always."

The Marlins added an insurance run in the fourth.  Lewin Diaz singled and went to second on a passed ball by Mark Kolozsvary.  Miguel Rojas poked a single through the right side of the infield to plate the unearned run.

Brigham pitched two scoreless innings until the Reds put two runners on base with one-out singles by  Reynolds and Nick Senzel.  Miami manager Don Mattingly brought in left hander Richard Bleier to pitch to left handed batter, Tyler Naquin.  Bleier's wild pitch moved both runners up.  Kolozsvary delivered a twOo-run double to tie the game a 3-3.

Three straight singles by Pham, Votto and Solano put the Reds in front and caused Bleier to shower early with Steven Okert another lefty to face Reynolds. Okert escaped when Reynolds bounced into a double play.

Tyler Naquin blasted his seventh home run off Okrent in the sixth.  It was his second of the season off a left handed pitcher.

Ashcraft tried to get through the seventh but a double by Stallings put his quest in danger.  He retired Wendle with a ground out.  David Bell came to the mound but decided to allow Ashcraft to pitch to Aguilar, who doubled into the right field corner to cut the Reds lead to one. Bell came to the mound before Aguilar's at bat.  He was going to take out his rookie pitcher but changed his mind.

"I was pretty committed with going to Diaz right there," Bell said.  "In my heart I wanted Graham to have the opportunity.  It's tough.  He's every bit good enough to get that opportunity.  I've seen enough games. I know my team well enough most times I trust that I'm doing the right thing whether it works out or not."

Ashcraft wanted a chance to finish off the Marlin's slugger.

"It was what I wanted," Ashcraft said. "It was nice that he had that trust in me to go back out. He came out and asked, 'what you got?' I said I've got a strikeout and some other words.  He trusted with me.  After I came out he told me, "I trust you and the next time it will come out in your favor."

Bell brought in Alexis Diaz to protect the lead.  Diaz struck out JJ Bleday to end the inning.

Ashcraft turned in his sixth quality start with 6 2/3 innings, allowing four runs, three earned on eight hits and two walks.  He struck out six.  

Diaz retired all four batters he faced. 

Hunter Strickland entered the ninth looking, for his seventh save in nine attempts.  Jesus Sanchez hit a pinch hit home run to tie the game.  It was Sanchez' 12th of the season.  Strickland walked Luke Williams and hit Stallings with a pitch.  Bell brought on Buck Farmer.  Wendle doubled to the gap in right center to score Williams and send Stallings to third.  Aguilar came to the plate with three hits on the day.  His sacrifice fly gave him four RBI for the day.

The Reds bullpen has been good for a couple weeks. The produced 10 2/3 scoreless innings over the last four games. Strickland had two bad outings in which he allowed seven runs. In his other 34 games he had a decent 3.34 ERA and led the team in saves.

"It is going to happen," Bell said.  "The bullpen has been pitching well.  I have a lot of confidence in the way they've been pitching.  Definitely, Hunter's been doing a great job in that role.  It happens to the best of them. He will get a chance next time.  He's so tough. He'll bounce right back."

Tanner Scott got two quick outs in the ninth but walked India and Drury with two outs.  Pham singled to make it a one-run game and put himself on first as the potential winning run.  Votto struck out swinging to end the game.

Kyle Farmer and Luis Castillo Clutch In Reds Win Maybe Castillo's Last As A Red

Kyle Farmer and Luis Castillo came up big in the Reds' 5-3 win over the Miami Marlins.

Castillo faced his former team, sporting a 4-0 record against them.  

The Reds faced left handed pitcher Braxton Garrett, who was the seventh player chosen in the 2016 draft with Miami's first pick.  

Jonathan India wasted no time lining a single to right center.  Brandon Drury walked.  With Tommy Pham at bat, India was caught stealing third by catcher Nick Fortes.  Tommy Pham got credit for an infield hit when third baseman, Luke Williams couldn't short hop his ground ball.  Garrett was able to catch Joey Votto looking at strike three butFarmer came up with a huge two-out hit.  Farmer has made a habit out of driving in runs with two outs.  He doubled down the left field line to drive in his 48th and 49th runs.  Farmer is hitting .425 with two outs and runners in scoring position. 

"Whenever you can get an early lead for any pitcher it allows them to relax and make pitches," Farmer said.  "I just think it is the baseball God's on my side. Maybe I focus in a little more, I'm not sure. I'm thankful guys in a of me are getting on base and I'm able to drive them in especially with two outs.  That's kinda big."

The Reds weren't finished.

Red hot Donovan Solano doubled to score Farmer.  Matt Reynolds singled up the middle to give the Reds a 4-0 lead.

"The first inning was huge, Bell said.  "The big hit by Farm early.  It was a good night by Matt and Donovan."

Fortes got to Castillo with his fourth home run.

The Reds got the run back on a two-out single by Matt Reynolds to score Pham in the third inning.

JJ Bleday reached Castillo for his first Major League home run into the Marlin's bullpen.

The score held through the sixth.  

Castillo tempted fate by walking Lewin Diaz to open the seventh.  Willians Austudillo singled.  Jesus Sanchez hit a double past Votto at first to bring the Marlins within two runs with the tying runs in scoring postion with no out.

Castillo struck out Fortes and Williams.  Wendle brought his .294 average to the plate and battled Castillo until the Reds' as fanned him on a 2-2 pitch to end the threat.

"It was vintage Luis Castillo," Bell said.  "When he gets into trouble late in the game, he's been able to stay with it finish and get the job done."

Huascar Brozoban relieved Garrett and held the Reds after a leadoff double by Solano in the sixth.  He struck out five in two scoreless innings.

Alexis Diaz took over for Castillo in the eighth.

Castillo finished with his fifth straight quality start and fourth straight of seven innings.  He allowed three runs on six hits and a walk with eight strikeouts.  Two solos home runs by the Marlins kept the visitors in the game.

"Every thing turned out as well as it could have," Castillo said. "That last inning was marvelous, two runners on and I was able to punch out the last three.

Hunter Strickland gave up a leadoff single to Diaz but got a game ending double play to earn his sixth save.

Castillo, who might be pitching his last game in a Reds uniform, was actually with the Marlins twice.  Castillo traveled plenty as a sparkling young pitching prospent.

He was signed by the San Francisco Giants.  The Giants traded him to the Marlins. The Marlins traded him to the San Diego Padres on July 29, 2016 and three days later traded back to the Marlins.  The Marlins wanted Dan Straily from the Reds and packaged Castillo with two players who are long gone in January 2017.  The Reds brought him to the big leagues later that year and he's been with them since.

Castillo, who won't turn 30 until December 12, is coveted by teams still in a pennant race.  He is not eligible for free agency until 2024, giving buyers an extra year of control.

"Really it is up to the people upstairs what happens.  It doesn't change any thing for me going out to the mound," Castillo said. "I don't know what is going to happen next but every one in the dugout was hugging me and telling me good job.  I have been here five years and I've been able to create a family with everyone in there and with you guys as well but I have been traded four times.  It is part of the business of the game."

"They (Reds) are the team  gave me the opportunity to pitch in the big leagues.  I ould like to be in the Reds uniform the rest of my life but baseball is a business."

Bell, who has grown up in and around Major League baseball with his grandfather, father and brother all playing for the Reds, knows what is coming and knows he can't get to emotional about it but still values the relationships formed by the game.

"It's been an absolute pleasure to be around Luis.  He is a Cincinnati Red," Bell said.  "That's how I see it.  It h beeyen a great experience.  I absolutely love him and so does every one else in the clubhouse.  I look forward to continue our relationship."

"We care about each other but we know its a business and no matter what none of us will stay together forever."

Pablo Lopez Tames Reds - Marlins Even The Series

Pablo Lopez turned a team the scored 11 runs the night before look anemic in a 2-1 win for the Miami Marlins. 

The Red had beaten the Marlins hurler in his other two appearances. Lopez was 0-2 with a 7.45 ERA, allowing eight runs in 9 2/3 innings.

Hunter Greene and Lopez matched zeroes for fout innings.

Greene allowed three hits in the first four innings but the Marlins broke through in the fifth with four hits.

"I just simply challenged them and kept going after them.  If they got a little hit here or hit there, I kept going after them.  I kept competing.  That's my biggest take away," Greene said.

Bryan De La Cruz lined out to Nick Senzel in center field.  Jesus Sanchez followed with a double.  Luke Williams lined the first pitch to center field but Sanchez was caught napping and stopped at third. Williams took off to steal second with the Reds in a shift.  Catcher Michael Papierski held the ball with the runner on third.  Greene had a chance to escape when he struck out Jacob Stallings but Joey Wendle singled to right center to drive in two runs.  Willians Austudillo singled Wendle to third but Greene got J.J. Bleday to fly out to right.

Lopez allowed a lead off single to Jonathan India to start the game then the right handed pitcher retired the next 12 batters, four by strikeout.

"Lopez had as good as stuff as we've seen all year," David Bell said.  "He had a good fastball, you didn't know which way he was going to cut it. He had a good sinker and great change up."

The streak ended when Mike Moustakas hit a 3-2 pitch into the right field seats for his sixth home run of the season.  

"Mike (Moustakas) is feeling better," Bell said.  "It's been a tough stretch where he didn't play a lot of games.  That may have helped."

The score held through the sixth inning.

Greene began to show signs of fatigue.  Williams flied out deep to center.  Stallings and Wendle both singled sharply.  David Bell brought in Buck Farmer to get out of the inning.  Farmer got out of the inning with two pop outs to the infield.

Greene pitched 6 1/3 innings.  He gave up just two runs on nine hits but he only walked one.  Greene struck out six.

"It was the same with Hunter," Bell said.  He had as good as stuff as he's had all year.  He was definitely throwing hard.  I thought it was a great start. They strung together a few hits there but other than that, it was one of his best starts."

Farmer escaped a mini jam in the eighth.  Avisail Garcia beat the shift with a slow ground ball that India had to chase down on the outfield grass.  Miami manager Don Mattingly sent former Red Billy Hamilton into run with everyone in the entire park expecting a stolen base.  Hamilton pilfered second beating the throw by plenty.  Lewin Diaz put Tyler Naquin against the right field fence as Hamilton rounded third after the catch.  Farmer walked Sanchez but struck out Brian De La Cruz and Williams to end the frame.

Lopez turned the game over to Anthony Bass after completing seven innings allowing just two hits, including Moustakas' homer.  He didn't issue any walks and struck out 11.

Tanner Scott entered in the ninth for the Marlins tasked with protecting the one-run lead. Scott finished off the Reds for his 13th save in 16 tries.

Jonathan India, Brandon Drury Power Reds Past Marlins

Jonathan India's three hit night that included his first career grand slam and Brandon Drury's three-run home run backed the pitching of Nick Lodolo for a 11-2 win over the Miami Marlins.

"India and Drury are a big part of our success all the time but without the home runs tonight, It's a totally different game," David Bell said.  "Jon swung the bat really well tonight.  He's been trending that way and Brandon has been doing it consistently."

Young left handed pitchers battled in Great American Ball Park on Tuesday night.  Both were first round draft picks.  Trevor Rogers was the Marlins' first pick in the 2017 draft. He was runner-up to India for Rookie of the Year.  The Reds picked Nick Lodolo niumber one in the 2019 draft.

The Marlins got after Lodolo right away.  Nick Fortes singled with one out in the first inning.  He stole second and second baseman, Donovan Solano was charged with an error when Michael Papierski's throw snuck under the infielder's glove and Fortes reached third.  Avisail Garcia's two out single put the Miami up a run.

The Reds wasted early scoring chances against Rogers.  Jonathan India, who was the designated hitter while nursing a bruised quad muscle, doubled and stayed there as Rogers got the next three batters.

Kyle Farmer walked and Solano singled to open the second but Rogers squirmed out of that mess too.

Lodolo caught a break as well in the third.  Jacob Stallings singled. Miguel Rojas singled and Fortes walked to load the bases with no outs.  Lodolo struck out Jesus Aguilar.  Garcia scorched a line drive directly at Joey Votto who gloved it and flipped to Farmer to double up Rojas.

"It was big getting out of bases loaded, no outs," Lodolo said.  "I was just trying to limit damage.  I got the punchout of Aguilar.  The next guy hit is right at him.  That was big.  And I just wanted to keep going."

Lodolo settled in.  He was charged with two runs but both were unearned. The rookie allowed five hits and two walks in his career-high six innings.  Lodolo struck out nine Marlins.

"Last outing it unraveled a little bit," Lodolo said.  "I worked on just throwing down the middle and let my stuff work.  I usually get stronger as the game goes on but this was the first time I could get to this point.  I just tried filling up the strikezone, throwing every thing middle and let it play."

The Reds broke through against Rogers in the third. India singled for his second hit of the game.  Drury forced him at second.  Tommy Pham singled but Rogers struck out Votto.  Farmer came through with two outs with a ground ball single to left.  Solano doubled to the gap in left center both runners scored.  Solano was out trying to go to third on the throw.

The Marlins scored another unearned run in the fourth.  J.J. Bleday doubled.  He went to third on a throwing error by Papierski and scored on a wild pitch.

Drury followed Nick Senzel's double and India's walk with a home run on a 2-0 pitch into the left field stands. It was Drury's team-leading 19th home run of the season. 

Zach Pop relieved Rogers.

India's third hit was his first career grand slam after hits by Matt Reynolds and Papierski combined with a walk to Senzel loaded the bases.

I got a good sinker," India said.  "He was throwing hard in.  I just tried to clip it at the right angle. It's hard to hit those sinker ballers.  I tried to get my hands through as quick as possible and I got it there."

India has had numerous injuries holding him back in his sophomore season.  It has take an while to get his timing back.

"The longer you play the better you're going to get in this game. The more games I log in the more I get going.  Hopefully, that's a sign. I'm ready.  I feel good right now," India said.

As for the possibility of the Reds first cycle since Eric Davis in 1989,

He had a single, double and home run entering his last at bat in the seventh but he lined out to Jesus Sanchez in left.

"I thought about the cycle that whole at bat.  I was hoping he'd have to dive for it," India said.

Reynolds added an RBI single against Jordan Holloway in the sixth.

Former Red Billy Hamilton entered the game at second base when the Marlins brought Willians Astudillo in to pitch.  He walked Votto but finished a scoreless eighth.

Joel Kuhnel pitched two scoreless innings and Dauri Moreta pitched the ninth.

Tyler Mahle Survives Paul Goldschmidt Home Runs To Beat Cardinals. Reds Take Series As Joey Votto Homers

Joey Votto belted his eighth home run of the season with two runners on off Miles Mikolas in a four-run third inning to pace the Reds to a 6-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

"It is exciting that Votto got some results from making some minor adjustments.  I think he's seeing the ball real well," David Bell said.

It was the eighth series win against the Cardinals in the last 22 tries.

"Coming off the All-Star break, they beat us a couple of times in St. Louis," Bell said.  "Then come back and win a series against a really good team.  It keeps us going in the right direction."

Tyler Mahle started for the Reds after being activated from the Injured List from a strained right shoulder.

Mahle retired the first eight Cardinal batters before issuing a walk to Andrew Knizner, the ninth batter in the lineup.  

Nick Senzel reached base on an infield single to lead off the fourth against Mikolas.  One out later Tyler Naquin singled.  Brandon Drury's bloop single loaded the bases.  Tommy Pham flirted with a grand slam but Lars Nootbaar collected the long fly in the extreme right field corner.  Votto delivered the other runners with an opposite field home run into the first row of the left field stands.

"It was a really good sign for me. I've been struggling against all kinds of pitches," Votto said.  "I haven't really been driving the ball well to left center.  It was good to do it on an off speed pitch.  Hitting the ball the opposite way opens up the rest of the field. It is part of my game."

Mahle walked Tyler O'Neill to open the Cardinals' fourth.  Paul Goldschmidt deposited his 23rd home run of the season into the right field bleachers.  It was the third of the series for the Cardinals' first baseman.

"Goldschmidt hits mistakes," Mahle.  "The two balls he hit were mistakes.  He's a great hitter.  I disagree that just because it was Goldschmidt, it's ok.  My job is to make pitches."

The Reds got the runs back in the bottom of the inning. 

Mikolas walked Mike Moustakas.  Matt Reynolds, who gave Jonathan India a day off, singled off the second base bag, sending Moustakas to third. Mikolas nearly escaped, getting Senzel to pop to short. Michael Papierski attempted to bunt twice before he struck out but Naquin delivered an RBI single with Reynolds advancing to third.  The Reds ran with Drury at the plate.  Naquin took off for second.  Knizner threw through to second.  Naquin retreated and Reynolds crossed home plate before Naquin was tagged out.  The Reds went into the sixth with a 6-2 lead.

"It was a tough decision with Drury hitting." Bell said  "A lot of times they don't throw through.  It was big to get one run.  You'd like to get two but that was a big run."

Goldschmidt struck again with a solo home run into right field.  It is the 22nd multi home run game of his career. 

Mahle completed six innings with Goldschmidt's home runs the only hits he allowed.  He walked three and struck out five.

"Probably, I wasted some pitches, like some off speed that I couldn't get over, like walking Kninzer, but I was happy with my fastball and the outcome," Mahle said.

Alexis Diaz took care of the top of the Cardinals order in the eight in 1-2-3 fashion.  

Hunter Strickland pitched the scoreless ninth to earn his fifth save in seven tries. 

Mahle has been mentioned in trade rumors as the trade deadline approaches on August 2.  While Mahle reads the rumors, he doesn't dwell on them.

"It was good to have Tyler Mahle back," Bell said.  "He could have gone farther just watching him but it was a good place to take him out.  I nice that we didn't have to push him."

Paul Goldschmidt And Tyler O'Neill Daliver For Cardinals To Even Series

 

Tyler O'Nsil drove in three runs and Paul Goldschmidt continued his pursuit of the triple crown with his 22nd home run to pace the St. Louis Cardinals to a 6-3 win over the Reds.

Mike Minor started for the Reds. Minor is struggling to find his form and the Cardinals took advantage of his struggles in the third inning. 

"There is a small margin for error with that lineup and Mike was just missing," David Bell said.  "He got too much of the plate to O'Neill and Goldschmidt. He got off to a good start, a good first inning.  He had to come back to the middle and they didn't miss them." 

Dylan Carlson opened with a double.  O'Neil plated him with ola single. O'Neil stole second.  Goldschmidt drove in his 1,000th career run with a single.  Nolan Arenado doubled Goldschmidt to third with no out but Minor pitched out of it with no more damage.

The Reds responded with two runs to tie the game against Steven Matz.

Sruart Fairchild took first after he was hit by a pitch.  Mark Kolozsvary forced him at second base.  Jonathan India worked a walk.  Brandceon Drury doubled into the left center field gap.  Kolozsvary scored easily but India had to hurry.  He ran through J.R. House's stop sign and beat the tag with a head first slide.  

The Cardinals continued the assault on Minor. Carlson was hit by a pitch with one out. O'Neill hit his fifth home run of the season.  Goldschmidt followed with his home run.

"I missed a lot over the plate," Minor said.  "I was trying to go to one side and they went to the other side.  My changeup was bad early on.  I was getting behind and couldn't throw my off speed for a strike."

The Cardinals added a run off Joel Kuhnel.  Arenado doubled and scored on Tommy Edman's single.

Matz retired nine of 10 batters until he chased Joey Votto's slow roller to the first base line.  He gloved the ball but twisted his ankle and had to leave the game.

The Reds put two runners on base but Junior Fernandez struck out pinch hitter Tyler Naquin looking to end the threat.

Kolozsvary hit his first career home run off Fernandez in the seventh.

"It was really cool," Kolozsvary said. I"t is something growing up you think about and dream about and for it to come true is awesome and really exciting."

"It was good to see Kolo hit his first home run," Bell said. "It is something that he will remember the rest of his life. He's worked so hard and wants to show he can stay here."

After Fernandez hit India with a pitch. The Cardinals summoned Giovanny Gallegos to the mound.  He walked Drury.  Tommy Pham forced India at third and Votto bounced out to the mound.

Ryan Helsley finished off the Reds getting the last four outs.

Tyler Naquin And Donovan Solano Deliver Against Adam Wainwright And The Cardinals

 

Tyler Naquin drove in four runs with a single and triple and Donovan Solano drove in three to provide the Reds with an 9-5 win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

"Oh man I love that," Naquin said.  "I like when guys are on base.  I think the break resets things.  It resets the mind.  I felt good tonight. I plan to ride that out."

The Reds faced its old foe Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals.  They were secure in the knowledge that they owned a 16-10 record against the Cardinals' long time ace.

His mound opponent Graham Ashcraft was making his 11th start and second against the Cardinals'  He had a no-decision in that one, giving up four runs in 4 2/3 innings.

The Red had a bad break in the first inning.  Catcher Tyler Stephenson took a foul ball off his right collarbone (clavical).  He tried to stay in the game but when Paul Goldschmidt his a slow roller in front of the plate.  Stephenson went to his knees in pain, unable to make the throw to first.  The catcher left the game with what proved to be a broken clavical.   Nolan Arenado reached Ashcraft for a double but the rookie right hander retired Nolan Gorman on a ground out.

"Stuff happens in baseball.  I had the freak concussion, the thumb and now the clavicle.  It is a tough position but it is one I've grown up playing.  I love to play it," Stephenson said.

"I thought the pain would go away but when I went to throw I couldn't do it," Stephenson said.  "I asked Graham what I said, He said I told him it popped.  I have to sleep in a chair.  I can feel the bones rub together.  The good thing is no surgery.  It just has to heal right."

The Cardinals broke through with two runs in the second inning. Brendon Donovan reached on an infield hit with one out. Lars Noosbaar walked. Austin Romine struck out but Tommy Edman walked to load the bases.  Tyler O'Neil delivered a two-run single past a diving Jonathan India.

"Graham was out there grinding, man," Naquin said.  It was good to pick him up.  He's got great stuff."

The Reds answered with four runs in the bottom of the frame.

MIchael Papierski walked in his first at bat.  Kyle Farmer his a double into the left center field gap.  Tyler Naquin tied the game with a two-run single and scored ahead of Donovan Solano's second home run of the season.

"The bottom of our order has been doing a really nice job," David Bell said.  "They've been a big part of our order -over the last few weeks. It takes the pressure off the other guys.  Getting contribution from everyone is really important."

Joey Votto added to the lead with a solo home run, his seventh in the third.

Ashcraft guarded the lead until the fifth.  He walked O'Neill and the National League's leading hitter launched a two-run home run.  It was his 21st of the year.

"From what has happened the last couple of outings It was a step in the right direction.  We handled it pretty good tonight," Ashcraft said.

The Reds opened the lead in the sixth.  Wainwright walked Papierski and Farmer with one out.  Naquin greeted Jordan Hicks, relieving the starter with a triple past a diving attempt by Dylan Carlson.  Solano's sacrifice fly to right pushed the Reds lead to 8-4.

India hit his fifth home run of the season against Johan Oviedo in the seventh. 

"Our bullpen did a really nice job.  They all got big outs," Bell said.

Reiver Sanmartin, Buck Farmer and Alexis Diaz pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings.  Ian Gibaut gave up a run in the eighth on Edman's single.  Hunter Strickland pitched a scoreless ninth. 

It was bitter sweet for the Reds losing a young hard hitting catcher who was improving day by day.

"It is tough losing anyone to injury.  Tyler is such a big part of our team.  He's going to be missed.  On the positive side, he has such a long career ahead of him.  If anyone can handle anything it is him," Bell said.

"Our dugout was very deflated. Our guys did a nice job of rallying around him and staying with it.  We played well the rest of the game."

Reds Bomb Wounded Rays To Sweep Series

After two extra inning walk off wins over the Tampa Bay Rays, the Reds showered runs like raindrops in a heavy Florida thunder storm.

Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson and Mike Moustakas hit home runs in the seven run third inning against the drowning Rays starter, Shane Baz in a 10-5 win.

"It is important," David Bell said. "We played some pretty good teams.  This whole homestand was important, we had a winning record.  More importantly it's the way we went about it.  Our team has gotten healthier and gotten better.  We have a long way to go."

All three players that homered have spent time on the Injured List. Stephenson came back from a broken thumb on Saturday afleter he missed a calendar month.  India missed 48 games and has struggled at the plate in the 23 games he's been back.  He followed Matt Reynolds single with his third home run of the season, one row into the left field stands.  Moustakas missed a total of 16 games with two stints on the IL Moustakas hit his fourth home run of the season, a two-run job into the seats in right.  It was the 200th home run of Moustakas' career.  He has gone 37 games since he homered in Pittsburgh on May 13.

A lot of good things happened," Bell said.  "It was an exciting day with Moose getting to 200 home runs."

For Moustakas it was a relief after it was a long time coming.

"I've done some pretty cool stuff in my career," Moustakas said.  "I won a World Series, a couple All-Star games and all that good stuff.  It is definitely up there.  A lot of hard work went into that, 200 home runs over 10 years. I have to thank my wife for being by my side and three kids.  It's a family accomplishment."

"You want to get it out of the way to keep going. I started struggling pretty bad for a minute. But I've been feeling pretty good the last few games."

One Reds run in the inning scored after Tommy Pham hit a triple, a line drive that escaped the dive of Josh Lowe in right field.  Tyler Naquin hit a one hopper to a drawn in first baseman, Isaac Paredes. Paredes threw home.  Pham was half way to the plate but retreated back to third.  Catcher Rene Pinto's throw eluded Yandy Diaz at third and Pham scored.  When Stephenson homered it was a two-run shot.

The Rays had to put three players on the Injured List and optioned one to Triple A Durham.  That gave the Rays 15 injured players.  As the Reds are getting injured players back.  The Rays are losing them.li

New Rays hurler Phoenix Sanders relieved Baz.  He ended the inning by striking out Albert Almora Jr. and Reynolds to end the third.

Nick Lodolo started for the Reds and got in trouble right away.  Diaz doubled and Harold Ramirez hit an infield single to open the game.  Lodolo came back to strike out Taylor Walls and Randy Arozarena before Paredes popped to India at second.

The Rays fought back.

Arozarena hit his 10th home run to lead off the fourth, a drive to the grassy knoll in center field.  Paredes and Lowe singled but Lodolo fanned Yu Chang and Pinto.  He then hit the ninth batter in the lineup, Brett Phillips, who started the game hitting .148.  Diaz ripped his third hit of the game to drive home two runs before Lodolo caught Walls looking.

"It is to be expected," Bell said.  "He worked his way back but it still is just his second start back.  He was not as sharp as his first time out.  He was just missing.  He was real close to being outstanding but he was not quite as sharp.  Getting out of the first inning changed the game, even in the fourth inning, he was able to limit the damage.  The way our bullpen was to finish the fifth was big for us."

The Reds got all three back against Sanders.  

Brandon Drury doubled.  Pham singled but Drury held third.  Naquin doubled to the gap in right center to score two.  Donovan Solano's third single to left got Naquin home just ahead of Arozarena's throw.

Lodolo qualified for the win in spite of a lead off double by Arozarena but he was stranded.

"I didn't feel as strong as my last outing. I kind of weathered the storm," Lodolo said. "I wish I could have pitched deeper in the ballgame.  When you get a lot of runs in an inning like that, you want to throw up a zero.  Obviously, I didn't do is that.  I'm upset about that.  I just have to stay focused and stay at it."

Dauri Moreta pitched two scoreless innings.

Lowe and Pinto hit their second home runs off the season in the eighth off Joel Kuhnel.

Reds Rally For Fourth Walk Off Win This Week In 10 Innings.

 

Nick Senzel slapped his second single of the game to right field in the the 10th inning off Calvin Faucher to send the Reds to a 5-4 walk off win.

After playing nearly half the season without a walk off win, the Reds have turned in four since Sunday against the Braves.  They got the NL East leading New York Mets once and the Rays on consecutive days to start the season.

"Our clubhouse is so excited," David Bell said.   "You'll take wins any way you can get it but when you can do it like that, it takes nine, 10 whatever it takes. It is definitely not easy and wasn't perfect. We're playing good teams.  We believe we can play with these teams but you have to go out and do it."

Jeff Hoffman, who started the second game on Tuesday, was tasked with keeping the Rays scoreless. Ramirez ruined his plans with a high chop down the line against a drawn in Reds infield after Yandy Diaz flied to right to move Lowe to third with one out. It was Ramirez third double of the game. Ji-Man Choi followed with his fourth walk but Hoffman got out of the inning without further damage.

Calvin Faucher, inherited ghost runner, Kyle Farmer to try to save the game after Matt Wisler pitched a scoreless ninth.  Matt Reynolds singled sharply to right to put runners on the corners with no outs.  Farmer scored on a wild pitch.  Donovan Solano's soft single to right put runners at the corner again it set up Senzel's winning hit.

"I just wanted to get a hit and go home," Senzel said.  "There have definitely better results.  Even when things weren't going the best I stayed level headed and tried to stay positive."

Senzel had a tough start and some injuries early in the year.  He's had a couple base running gaffs but has played a really good defensive center field.

"At the beginning of the year there was some unluckiness and some good at bats but there were not so good at bats," Senzel said.  "I'm stringing more good at bats together.  I'm trying to stay confident every day."

"Senzel is playing with confidence," Bell said.  He's still a young player. He's playing every day.  Everyone is a little banged up but he's playing through it.  He knows he can help us win.  Today he came up in a big way.  Right now he's enjoying playing and contributing to our team.

The Reds first pick in the 2016 draft the number two overall pick continues to work and strive for his potential.

Hunter Greene pitched one of his better games but the Reds couldn't come up with a big hit on offense as three runs were gift wrapped by walks and mental errore.

Greene retired eight of the first nine Rays batters with Ji-Man Choi reaching on an error by Jonathan India.  Isaac Paredes hit into a double play, allowing Greene to face nine batters in three innings.  Harold Ramirez doubled down the third base line for the Rays' first hit.  His nine strikeouts on the day give him 107 for the season.

Tampa Bay scored in the fifth.  Greene lost the strike zone, momentarily,  walking two batters in front of Francisco Mejia's RBI single.  Greene got a break when his wild pitch bounded back to Tyler Stephenson right at home plate, who fired to third to get Taylor Walls. Josh Lowe grounded out to end the inning.

The Reds squandered two golden scoring chances against Rays' starter Drew Rasmussen.  Brandon Drury hit his first double of the game in the first inning.  Tyler Naquin walked with two outs but Stephenson, playing in his first game since breaking his thumb on June 9,  struck out. 

The Reds loaded the bases with one out in the third but Naquin popped to third and Stephenson lined out to third.  Drury's third hit a double put a runner in scoring position against reliever Jalen Beeks but Tommy Pham and Naquin struck out.

Stephenson led off the sixth with a single.  He advanced to second on a wild pitch.  Kyle Farmer sent him to third with a ground out to the right side.  Mike Moustakas struck out for the third time.  Senzel hit a hard ground ball right to shortstop Walls and the Reds remained scoreless.

Buck Farmer, who was brought up from Louisville before the game, took over in the seventh and threw a scoreless inning.

Greene pitched six innings of one run, three hit baseball.  He walked four and struck out nine.  It was the walks that caused his problem.

A leadoff single by India went to waste against Jason Adam in the seventh.  Drury forced India a second.  Pham and Naquin struck out.

Ian Gibaut took in the eighth.  Moustakas, who is not normally a first baseman was late to the bag on a ground ball by Mejia to start the inning.  Josh Lowe walked. Yu Chang, who replaced Wander Franco, hit a slow ground ball to India but Moustakas chased it and wasn't there to cover first.  Gibaut couldn't get to first in time.  Ramirez doubled to drive in two.  Choi reached for the third tim via walk.  Randy Arozarena popped out to Moustakas at first.  Paredes hit into a double play.

The runs were officially earned because there were no physical misplays but two outs should have been recorded to keep the game closer. 

The Reds threatened again against Brooks Raley in the eighth.  Stephenson and Kyle Farmer singled.  Matt Reynolds pinch hit for Moustakas and sent Lowe to the wall to make the catch.  Raley hit Donovan Solano for the second time in as many at bats to load the bases.  Kevin Cash summoned Colin Poche to face Senzel. Senzel walked to force in the Reds first run.  India fouled out to Choi at first on a 3-1 pitch.  Drury tied the game with his fourth hit a single through the hole at short.  Poche fanned Pham to end the inning.

Hunter Strickland survived a leadoff single by Kiermaier to pitch a scoreless ninth.

The Reds were 1-13 with runners in scoring position before coming up with three of them in the 10th.

Tyler Stephenson Returns From Broken Thumb Injury

 

The prognosis was extremely accurate.

When Tyler Stephenson broke his thumb on June 9 against the Arizona Diamondbacks, team doctors estimated it would take 4-6 weeks to heal.

"It wasn't a muscle injury so he was able to keep his legs in shape," David Bell said.

One month to the day, Stephenson is in the starting lineup for the Reds against the Tampa Bay Rays.  The 25-year old catcher in his second full season missed 27 games and a chance to be the All-Star catcher. Willson Contreras of the Chicago Cubs won the fan vote.

Stephenson was leading National League catchers with a .306 batting average, slugging percentage .476, and RBI with 27.  He was second with a .370 on-base-percentage and tied for fifth place with five home runs.

Stephenson could still be selected by player vote.

Contreras by comparison is hitting .274 with 13 home runs and 35 RBI.

Mark Koloszvary, who appeared in one game as a pinch runner, was returned to Louisville.  He was the runner who scored on Matt Wisler's balk on Friday night.

The Reds selected the contract of Buck Farmer from Louisville and placed Ross Detwiler on the 15-day injured list.

Reds Take A Balk Off Win Against The Rays

 

Pinch runner Mark Kolozsvary scored on a balk by Matt Wisler  to send the Reds to a 2-1 extra inning win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Matt Wisler started the 10th on the mound for the Rays.  Nick Senzel bunted the winning run to third.  Almora Jr. walked.  Tyler Naquin was sent to pinch hit for Michael Papierski.  Before a 1-2 pitch to Naquin, home plate umpire Edwin Moscoso called Wisler for a balk.  He said Wisler flinched after coming to a set position.

"I didn't see the balk at all but we'll take it," David Bell said. "I'd rather think about getting to that point.  So many good things happened.  We played a great game to be able to be in the position to win it."

When the Rays failed to score in the 10th it Bell turned to a different strategy.  Senzel is one of the Reds' hottest hitters but he elected to have him bunt the runner to third.

"Clearly one run wins the game.  Nick's been swinging the bat well. It's not like it's an easy decision," Bell said.  "I trust his athletic ability and his  level on the baseball field to be able to do it.  I can't remember the last time he did it. (it was his first career sacrifice).  It was a perfect bunt.  He made the third baseman field it.  It looked like he does it all the time.  I felt great about getting the runner to third base with the guys we had coming up.  Albert had a really incredible and tough at bat.  There were a lot of great sliders he laid off of."

The Reds were tasked with facing one of he toughest pitchers in baseball, Shane McClanahan, who came into the game at 9-3 with a tiny 1.74 ERA.  He is a hard thrower with plenty of command.  He averages 98.6 MPH on his fastball.  He walked 17 batters in 98 1/3 innings while striking out 133.

His mound opponent Luis Castillo has been outstanding in his last four starts.  He had quality starts in three of the last four and pitched seven innings in two of them.

""If there are a better couple of pitchers in baseball, I don't know who they are.  We're just more familiar with Luis," Bell said

The Rays scored first.  Yandy Diaz placed a one out double into the right field corner.  A ground ball got him to third where Ji-Man Choi delivered Diaz with a ground single to center.

Brandon Drury hit a solo home run on a 3-0 pitch, his career-high 18th home run off McClanahan to tie the score in the third inning. Mike Papierski singled to start the inning but Jonathan India rolled into a double play to clear the bases in front of Drury's bomb.

"I just thought it was my best chance to get a fastball," said Drury, who had another home run on a 3-0 pitch earlier in the season.

McClanahan retired the last 10 batters he faced to finish with six innings.  He allowed three hits and two walks with the lone run, striking out eight.

Castillo was with him pitch for pitch. After Choi's single, Castillo retired 13 of the last 14 he faced to finish with seveddsn innings.  He allowed one run on four hits and a walk.  He struck out eight. Castillo dropped his ERA under three to 2.94.

The Reds put two runners on with one out against Colin Poche.  Matt Reynolds walked and Nick Senzel singled, his second hit.  Albert Almora Jr.'s slow ground ball to short was turned into a force of Reynolds at third.  It would have been a tough play to get Almora at first.  Papierski lined out to center to end the threat.

Alexis Diaz, fresh off the injured list from a sore shoulder, relieved Castillo.  He walked Franco but struck out three to post a scoreless inning.

Ryan Thompson retired the Reds in order in the eighth.

Hunter Strickland got into trouble with a pair of two-out walks to Kevin Kiermaier and Isaac Raredes before he retired pinch hitter Francisco Mejia on a routine fly to right.

Jason Adam was chosen to pitch the ninth but Ray's manager Kevin Cash.  The Reds were looking for their third walk off win on the homestand.  Adam got a double play ball from Donovan Solano to send the game to the 10th.

Joe Kuhnel was entrusted with the tie game in the 10th with Mejia the ghost runner at second.  Josh Lowe singled to right but Almora got to it quickly and Mejia held third.  Yandy Diaz hit a slow roller to Kyle Farmer at shortstop. He threw home to nip Mejia.  The Rays challenged that catcher Papierski was illegally blocking the plate.  The Rays lost the challenge.  Franco hit a soft line drive right at second base.  Farmer caught it in stride and stepped on second to double Lowe.

"You can strategize all you want, get the guys in the right position but it really comes down to players making plays," Bell said.  "That is a very difficult play.  Farmer has to read the situation.  We put him in a situation where it is all on him to read the play.  In some ways that play really won the game."

Farmer had to make a quick decision and Papierski had to make a good tag with Mejia bearing down on him.

"Its a play that we have in our repitoire where it is in between double play depth and infield in," Farmer said.  "If it is hit softly, I go home and if it's hit hard I turn two.  I just read it well and Pap made a good tag at home.  Once I saw him (Diaz) get jammed, I just went home.  It was a do or die play."

The rule on a catcher blocking the plate is relatively new and murky at best.

"About blocking the plate. It is a rule.  Plays to the plate on balls to the infield is a little more lenient, I believe, because the catcher really doesn't have anywhere to go," Bell explained.

Kolozsvary is a catcher by trade and had this explanation.

"It is really kind of a judgement call right there," Kolozsvary said.  "As a catcher, you're always taught to get out in front of the plate and when the ball's coming drop back. I think he did it perfectly and made a nice play on it."

Unexpected Pitching Duel Turns Reds Way Sparked By A Pirate Fielding Error

Brandon Drury's two out triple broke open a low scoring tight game to give the Reds a split in the makeup double header with a 5-1 win.

The second game of the makeup doubleheader between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds turned into an unexpected pitching duel.

The Reds orginally scheduled Tyler Mahle to make the start but he was placed on the injured list on Wednesday with shoulder fatigue.

The Reds were forced into a bullpen day and when they lost Luis Cessa in the first game.  They placed Robert Dugger on the roster.  Dugger pitched for the Reds earlier this season without distinction.  He was claimed on waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays on May 4.  He pitched three innings, allowing three runs and was designated for assignment.  Clearing waivers, he was assigned to Louisville.

"It started with Hoffy," David Bell said.  "No matter what we were going to put guys in situations that they were uncomfortable with.  We would have to stretch some guys based on their work load.  Dugger came up in a tough spot.  We asked a lot of him. " I never expected Reiver to finish the game based on what he's done the last couple days but it got to a point that it was easy for him."

The Reds started Jeff Hoffman who pitched a 1 2/3 scoreless innings. Ross Detwiler was next.  He game up a one out double to Ben Gamel and a two out single to Daniel Vogelbach to give the Pirates a 1-0 lead.

Pirates starter, Bryse Wilson, brought up as the 27th man for this game, protected the lead.  The Reds put a runner on second base in each of the four innings but couldn't score until Tyler Naquin hit a two-out solo home run in the sixth.

Dugger was in his fifth inning, having completed the third with a strikeout and adding five more whiffs before putting two guys on in the seventh.  Oneil Cruz opened with an infield single.  Josh VanMeter walked with one out.  Pinch hitter Ke'Bryan Hayes hit a ground ball to short but the Reds couldn't turn the double play.  

"My job today was to eat some innings and keep us in the ballgame," Dugger said. "I thought I did a pretty good job of that.  Me and Papierski had a pretty good connection. We work out together in the off season."

Reiver Sanmartin struck out Ben Gamel to end the frame.

Wilson held the mound into the seventh inning.  He got the first two Reds batters out but VanMeter booted Nick Senzel's slow roller.  Mike Papierski singled into right field, sending Senzel to third.  Jonathan India delivered the Reds second run with a single to right.  

"Their pitcher pitched a good game but it was a matter of time before we broke through," Bell said.  "It was a big hit for Jon.  He's just grinding it out."

Wilson left the game in favor of Chris Stratton.  Wilson pitched 6 2/3 strong innings.  He allowed four runs, one earned on seven hits. He did not issue a walk and struck out four.

Sanmartin earned the win with 2 2/3 innings. It was his first win after four losses.  He won two games at the end of last season but struggled as a starter at the beginning of the season.

"I was going to do whatever I could until they took me out of the game," Sanmartin said. "Just to have the coaches, the manager and the team had the confidence in me to finish the game, gave me confidence."

Bell was playing every thing by ear.  He was goins to react to the effectiveness of each pitcher.  

 I never expected Reiver to finish the game based on what he's done the last couple days but it got to a point that it was easy for him,"  Bell said.

 

Pirates Come Off The Mat To Out Score Reds In First Game

Mike Minor retired the first 10 batters he faced but the Pittsburgh Pirates ruined his day in a 4-2 win over the reeling Reds.  The Pirates scored four runs in his last three innings.

"This was the best I've thrown all year. Still they came away with four runs," Minor said. "I thought my stuff was a lot better.  I had a lot of swing and miss stuff.  Balls in the gap with guys on base killed me.  The solo home run, I'll take it.

Minor (1-6) lost his third straight decision. He pitched 6 1/3 innings, his longest of the year.  It was needed with the double header with 
Tyler Mahle suddenly unavailable for the second game with shoulder fatigue.

"I didn't get the win or a quality start but I got to the seventh inning," Minor said.  "I've pitched in double headers before so it was in the back of my mind a little bit.  Most of those guys won't say no to pitching twice in a day even though you don't want them to.  You don't want to go just four or five innings.  You have to help them out in the bullpen."

The veteran allowed four earned runs on five hits and two walks.

Diego Castillo hit his ninth home run to lead off the fifth.  Castillo homered for the sixth time in his last 15 games.

Young Roansy Contreras allowed three harmless singles until Donovan Solano hit his first home run as a Red also into the Reds' bullpen to lead off the bottom of the fifth.  It was Solano's second hit of the game, coming off one hit in his last 20 at bats.

Ke'Bryan Hayes hit an infield single in the sixth.  Minor hit Reynolds with a pitch and Michael Chavis doubled into the right centerfield gap to score both runners.

Jason Delay doubled home Ben Gamel, who reached on a bunt single. It is Delay's first major league hit.  

Luis Cessa took over for Minor with one out in the seventh. Cessa got Hayes on a ground out but appeared to be injured and was removed from the game.  Ian Gibaut, who was picked up this week from the Los Angeles Dodgers on waivers, made his Reds debut with a 3-2 count on Reynolds.  Reynolds walked and it was charged to Cessa. On the first pitch to Chavis, Reynolds took off for second.  Aramis Garcia threw to Farmer, who returned the throw to Garcia to catch Delay stealing.

Gibaut logged 1 1/3 innings, he allowed two hits but no runs in his first game

Duane Underwood Jr. entered the game for the Pirates in the seventh, pitching a scoreless frame.

Contreras pitched six innings.  He gave up just one run on four hits and one walk.  Contreras struck out seven.

The Reds got to Wil Crowe in the eighth.  Jonathan India doubled down the left field line for his second hit.  Tommy Pham delivered him with a single to center.

David Bednar came on in the ninth to nail it down for the Pirates for his 14th save.  The Reds brought the tying run to the plate when Mike Moustakas hit a one-out double.  Solano stepped in with three hits on the day.  Solano struck out. Albert Almora Jr. grounded out to end the game.

The Reds and Pirates are making up one of the canceled games from the first week of the season.  The second game was the result of a rain out in Pittsburgh's last visit.

The Reds had to make some quick roster moves after Cessa left to be examined.

 Jeff Hoffman will start game two

Luis Cessa left to the 15-day IL.

Vladimir Gutierrez is being transfered to the 60-day He had a set back pitching live batting practice on Tuesday.

Aramis Garcia is going on the 10-day IL. There will be an update on his injury.  He had his left hand hammered by a foul ball and a catcher's interference that kept him out a couple days.  He was also hit on a back swing in the Mets series.

RHP Robert Duggar's contract was selected from Louisville.

Catcher Mark Kolozsvary is being recalled.

Mets Take Series From Red With Extra Inning Comeback

The New York Mets scored five runs in the 10th innings to take a 8-3 decision and win the series.

Dauri Moreta gave up a run scoring double just inside the first base line by Dominic Smith to score the ghost runner.  With two outs, David Bell elected to walk Luis Guillorme to face light hitting James McCann, who spoiled the strategy with a ground single to left, allowing Smith to beat the throw from Tommy Pham. 

Brandon Nimmo followed with a three-run home run, his seventh of the season.

"You have to play all nine innings, sometimes 10," David Bell said.  "That's what we did and that's what the Mets did.  They got us tonight but we gave ourselves a chance to win."

Two young pitchers battled on Wednesday.  Graham Ashcraft started for Cincinnati.  David Peterson, a new father, came off paternity leave to pitch for the Mets.

"Graham was really good," Bell said. "No walks not that many strikeouts, one, maybe two, I don't even know but it just speaks to how hard it is to square the ball up off of him.  He was really good tonight against that lineup."

Ashcraft has had some good games among his first nine starts but two of his last three he has allowed 13 runs in 7 2/3 innings.  Between the two he had an eight inning start against the San Francisco Giants.  He allowed two runs over eight innings.

Peterson started the game with a 5-1 record. He has allowed no more than four runs in any of his 10 starts.

The Mets scored in the first on a single by Jeff McNeil, whose batting average is second in the National League.  Nimmo was hit with a pitch to start the frame.  Pete Alonso smashed a two-out single past second baseman Matt Reynolds in front of McNeil's single.

Nick Senzel hit his third home run with Reynolds on base off Peterson.  The Reds added a run in the third inning.  Brandon Drury singled.  He found his way to third with a stolen base and a wild pitch.  Kyle Farmer returning from a sore wrist, doubled on a ball that hit a couple feet fair and bounced into the Mets bullpen in right. 

Ashcraft allowed a leadoff double to Dominic Smith in the fourth.  He scored when Ashcraft shattered Tomas Nido's bat and the ball flaired into right for a hit.

The Reds wasted a chance in the bottom of the fourth.  Senzel and Albert Almora Jr. walked but Nido picked Senzel off second base.  Michael Papierski walked but Mike Moustakas, who replaced Jonathan India as DH struck out.  Adonis Medina relieved Peterson and fanned Drury to end the threat.

Ashcraft allowed 10 hits over his six innings but kept the Mets off the scoreboard in the last two innings in spite of not having a one-two-three inning.  

"He trusted his stuff and threw strikes.  When you do that you're going to give up hits but he kept making pitches," Bell said.

As confident as a young pitcher can be, Ashcraft is improving and understanding what it takes to stay in the big leagues and not just make it here.

"I was just missing the bottom of the zone a little bit. This whole season has been learning.  Learning to throw to these hitter and learning myself even more," Ashcraft said.  "You can't take a day for granted.  You have to learn each day. If you look at it I'm a ground ball pitcher.  Striking out 10 would be cool but I'd rather get ground balls and get quick outs."

Joel Kuhnel got two outs in the seventh before Pete Alonso singled for his fourt hit.  David Bell brought in Reiver Sanmartin, who got McNeil out on one pitch. 

Sanmartin added another scoreless inning.

Hunter Strickland gave up a single to Nimmo and a run scoring double to Starling Marte to tie the game. He got Francisco Lindor on a comeback to the mound for the second out.  He got Alonso to pop out the catcher, looking for his fifth hit.

Jonathan India left the game after he was hit by a pitch on the ankle.

"It just missed my pad," India said. "It is swollen but its not broken.  Its been a weird year but that's part of it."