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I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.

Saturday, July 25, 2020

Reds Bullpen Falters As Tigers Come Back To Edge Reds

Luis Castillo pitched six effective innings against the Detroit Tigers, allowing a run on six hits, while he struck out 11 batters.  

Joey Votto and Freddie Galvis homered to put the Reds 3-1 after six but Robert Stephenson, Michael Lorenzen and Raisel Iglesias allowed three home runs that produced a 6-4 Tigers' win to even the series at one game each.

"Those are the guys that did it for us last year," David Bell said.  "I know they are disappointed but we are going to use them again in those situations.  Raisel did a lot of good things last year but when he struggled it was in non save situations.  We were going for the win right there."

The Tigers got to Castillo in the first inning.  Jonathan Schoop singled with one out and scored from first base on a double down the third base line by C.J. Cron.  He walked Christin Stewart before stifling the Tigers on four hits over the last five innings.  Detroit had two singles in the in the third and fifth but retired the last five batters he faced, four by strikeouts.

Three of Castillo's strike out were at the expense of Miguel Cabrera.

"I wasn't trying to strike him out but I'm happy to strike Cabrera out three times.  He is one of the best hitters in the big leagues," Castillo said through interpreter, Jorge Merlos.

Votto's second home run off Ivan Nova tied the game in the bottom of the first.

Galvis deposited a two-run home run into the Detroit bullpen in right with Nick Senzel on base through a walk.

Stephenson started the seventh inning.  Austin Romine led off with a home run.   Jacoby Jones followed with a single.  Stephenson struck out Niko Goodrum, then was pulled in favor of Lorenzen.  Miguel Cabrera hit a long home run down the leftfield line to put the Tigers ahead, 4-3.

Curt Casali tied the game in the bottom of the inning with a home run off Shane Alexander.  

Iglesias pitched the ninth but right away Romine singled to open the inning.  Jones hit his first home run of the season and Joe Jimenez pitched a scoreless ninth to save the game for winning pitcher Buck Farmer.

"It stings," Casali said. "We squandered a good start by Luis.  The bullpen may have had too much adrenaline being their first game.  I didn't call the best pitches either.  That's on me. In a short season like this, it is more important not to lose a game like this.  We have no choice but come back tomorrow."

The Reds lost the services of Matt Davidson, who made the team with an outstanding spring.  Davidson tested positive for Covid-19.  Davidson sat out the 2019 season.

"We are concerned by Matt testing positive," Casali said.  "We were so proud of him for making the team after being out of the game for a year, now this.  We are concerned but once the game started, I honestly didn't think about it."

"We are all concerned with Matt's health," Bell said.  "Our staff, Steve Baumen and the rest of the staff do a great job.  This is where we have to just trust in the protocols."

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