Cubs Roll Nick Lodolo To Avoid A Sweep UC Grad Stars For Cubs

  

University of Cincinnati graduate had three hits, including a home run as the Chicago Cubs rolled Nick Lodolo for a decisive 13-4 win.

The Reds won seven of the 10 games this season, including five of seven at GABP to insure a season series win. The two teams meet for three in Chicago to close out the season.

Cody Bellinger hit a bleeder past starter, Nick Lodolo, for an infield hit. Patrick Wisdom's swinging bunt put Bellinger on second. Nico Hoerner doubled off the left field wall to score Bellinger. Christian Bethancourt singled to drive in Hoerner.

The Cubs went up 6-0 in the second inning. Lodolo was 0-2 against Happ. He went to 3-2 and Happ hit an infield single. Lodolo was ahead of Isaac Paredes but hit the batter on the front toe. Seiya Suzuki doubled inside the third base bag to score two. Bellinger singled with Suzuki stopping at third. Wisdom doubled to clear the bases but he made the first out at third.

Kyle Hendricks started for the Cubs. He retired the first 10 batters before Elly De La Cruz doubled. TJ Friedl walked but De La Cruz was thrown out stealing third.

The Reds cut the lead in half in the fifth against Hendricks. Tyler Stephenson walked to open the inning. Jeimer Candelario singled. Jake Fraley, who entered July with one home run, hit his third home tun to clear the bases. Santiago Espinal hit a single to extend his hitting streak to 11 games.

Lodolo retired nine out of 10 batters into the sixth inning. Pete Crow-Armstrong singled with two outs. Happ hit his 17th home run to get two runs back. In 112 games against the Reds, Happ, a UC grad, has hit 31 home runs and driven in 85 runs against the Reds.

"Suzki just battled and battled and battled (in the third). I got the ball on the ground but he hit it in the right spot, Lodolo said. The result wasn't great but overall pitching wise, I thought it was significantly better than last week. I have to keep putting it together. My slider was better."

"I tried to give us length and keep us in the game and save the bullpen," Lodolo said. The last pitch to Happ stood out. That's the one pitch I want back."

He tried to save the Reds bullpen but ran out of gas with two outs in the sixth. He pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs tying a career-high. Lodolo allowed eight runs against the Tampa Bay Rays on April, 18, 2023. The Cubs clubbed 11 hits, including five doubles and a home run.

"Since the set back with the finger (he's had a tough time) but he's going to be alright," David Bell said. "He did some things tonight that will help him get better. He got ahead but wasn't able to put guys away. We're not concerned about him, obviously it wasn't his best night. The fastball velocity was there, throwing strikes and getting ahead, he'll be alright."

Jakob Junis, who was acquired from Milwaukee in the Frankie Montas trade, was greeted with a double by Paredes. Suzuki doubled to rebuild a six-run lead.

The Cubs added on with two outs in the seventh. Nico Hoerner singled with one out. Dansby Swanson sung and missed ball four. Bethancourt hitting .180 walked. Crow-Armstrong's double scored two but he was cut down trying for a triple.

The Cubs added two runs against Yosfer Zulueta on Bellinger's two-run single.

Back-to-back doubles in the eighth inning by Espinal and Will Benson scored the fourth Reds' run.

Eric Yang struck out as a pinch hitter in his first Major League plate appearance.

Santiago Espinal Leads Reds To A Win Over The Cubs

  

Santiago Espinal had four hits, the first four-hit game, including a two-run home run to pace the Reds to a 6-3 win.

The Reds jumped on Chicago starter, Justin Steele, in the first two innings.

Jonathan India walked to leadoff the game. Tyler Stephenson singled with two outs. Jeimer Candelario walked to load the bases. TJ Fiedl singled to score two.

Noelvi Marte walked to open the second. Espinal extended his hitting streak to 10 games depositing his seventh home run into the Cubs bullpen. India doubled and scored on Stephenson's two-out single.

"I think the utility role is the toughest role in baseball, not playing every day," Bell said. "You come in the big spots and are expected to make great plays. He's done that all along. Early in the season, he wasn't getting the playing time. It is tough to evaluate. He has that professionalism. He plays hard but he's able to slow everything down. Defensively, he has a lot of confidence in himself."

The Reds traded scheduled starter, Frankie Montas, Monday night. David Bell designated this a bullpen game. Tony Santillan started and pitched a scoreless first inning. Nick Martinez took over. He pitched four scoreless frames on only four hits.

"He's been going back and forth, start relief," Bell said. "To stay ready to do that shows that attitude to do that. It is just impressive what Nick is doing for our team."

There is a spot open in the starting rotation with Graham Ashcraft on the 60-day IL with a strained right elbow.

"We have to figure that out," Bell said. "Nick has been valuable in so many roles."

Martinez could be moved into the rotation now that Frankie Montas has been traded.

"I still have some fight in me. We lost some good guys that could help us win. We really put out the vibes but we have Pagan and Gibaut coming back. For me it is more lead by example. I could step in whatever the team needs. If they need me to step in there, I'm ready to go or if they need me to continue doing what I'm doing, I'm ready to do that."

Any personal preference?

"At this point, I'm fighting to get into the playoffs. That's what my focus is. If that is what they think will get us into the playoffs, then yes, put me into the rotation. If the role that I have now gives us the best chance to make the playoffs, let's rock and roll."

Lyon Richardson entered in the sixth. Seiya Suzuki singled off Elly De La Cruz' glove. Cody Bellinger, who just came off the injured list hit his 10th home run. Richardson retired the next two batters but walked Dansby Swanson. Bell brought on left-hander, Justin Wilson to face left-handed batter, Pete Crow-Amstrong. Wilson preserved the three run lead as Crow-Armstrong flied out to deep right.

Chicago scored a run on a bases loaded wild pitch, Wilson walked Ian Happ and left with two outs. Fernando Cruz walked Suzuki and Bellinger singled to load the bases. Cruz threw a wild pitch before retiring Isaac Paredes on a soft line out to short.

Stephenson had three hits. Espinal was 4-for-4 with a home run, single and two doubles.

Will Benson ran for Espinal in the eighth. Spencer Steer hit a two-out double to increase the Reds' lead to 6-3.

Alexis Diaz entered to earn his 21st save in 23 attempts.

  

Reds Trade Frankie Montas To Milwaukee For A UC Grad

 

  

Frankie Montas lasted five months with the Reds and thought of the team as family, even though he is with a team that will likely win the Central Division in the National League.

Montas was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for Joey Wiemer, who played baseball for he Cincinnati Bearcats and Jakob Junis, a right-handed pitcher.

Montas was signed by the Reds on January 2.

He was 4-8 with a 5.01 ERA in 19 starts. Montas had some brilliant games but a few clunkers also.

He gave up one hit in seven innings on June 4 in Colorado, a 4-1 win. Montas gave up one run on two hits in a 6-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on June 28. He defeated the New York Yankees on July 4, his last win with the Reds.

Montas also allowed five or more runs in four outings, including a season-high seven runs on July 19 at the Washington Nationals. He was scheduled to pitch against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday the 30th. 

"It is rough. It is like leaving my family," Montas said. "I spent more time the last five months with them than I did my own family. I would love to come back when I'm a free agent."

David Bell echoed the same thing.

"He was a good teammate," Bell said. "Those guys in the clubhouse will miss him. He meant a lot to us and not just on the mound."

Hunter Greene credited Montas with teaching him some things.

"It sucks that he is leaving," Greene said.

Montas said the reverse.

"Hunter Greene was Hunter Greene when I got here," Montas said. "I learned from him."

Joey Weimer, the Brewers' 4th pick in the 2020 draft, broke in with the Brewers last season. He is a talented outfielder who can play center field. He played 132 games with Milwaukee last season, hitting with a .204 with 13 home runs, 41 RBI and 12 stolen bases. 

Weimer played 19 games with the Brewers but was sent to Nashville in late May.

Junis was 4-0 with Milwaukee. He had a 2.42 ERA in 10 appearances with them, that included one start. He was a 29th round pick of the Kansas City Royals in 2011. Junis pitched six seasons with the Royals and totaled 89 starts with a 29-35 record and a 4.82 ERA. Junis had one complete game on August 28, 2018. He defeated the Detroit Tigers, 6-2.

The Rock Falls, Illinois resident pitched in San Francisco in 2022 and 2023.

Junis started 21 game with a 9-10 record and a 4.18 ERA.

He signed with the Brewers on February 7, 2024.

Reds Club Cubs Will Benson and TJ Friedl Homer

 

Two big home runs and outstanding outfield defense allowed the Reds to tame the Chicago Cubs in a 7-0 win.

Will Benson unloaded on a Jamison Taillon hanging curveball to belt his 12th home run with Jake Fraley on second base to put the Reds up 2-0 in the second inning.

Carson Spiers started for the Reds for the first time since July 12. He suffered a right shoulder impingement that put him briefly on the injured list. Spiers pitched five innings, allowing one hit and two walks. He struck out four. Spiers retired the last 12 batters he faced.

The Reds added a run in the third inning. Spencer Steer doubled with two outs. He took advantage of  Patrick Wisdom playing too far off the third base bag and beat him to steal his 17th base of the season. A low 2-2 pitch got away from catcher, Miguel Amaya, and Steer trotted home.

TJ Friedl doiubled the score with one swing. Santiago Espinal extended his hitting streak to nine games with an infield single. Jonathan India walked. Friedl reached the seats with his fifth home run of the season.

Friedl ran down three balls on the warning track and Benson picked off a viscious line drive from Reds' killer Ian Happ to end the sixth 

Jeimer Candelario launched his 17th home run of the season in the eighth inning against Nate Pearson, who was just acquired by the Cubs from the Toronto Blue Jays. Pearson hit Tyler Stephenson in the head with the next pitch. He and Cubs' manager Craig Counsel were ejected from the game and warnings were issued to both benches.

Michael Busch broke the shutout with a home run, his 13th. Buck Farmer then closed the game out. 

Rece Hinds Homers Twice To Lead The Reds Power Barrage

 

  

Rece Hinds continued his six-game assault on the normality of Major League baseball with two home runs to lead the Reds to a 10-6 win over the lowly Miami Marlins.

Hinds had three RBI on the day after he launched a grand slam home run of 397 feet, the only homer under 400 feet of his five long balls.

"It is amazing to watch," David Bell said. "Any baseball player that locked in and into the zone, is using his natural ability. He's contributing in a big way since he's been here."

Hinds is the second player since 1900 to hit five home runs in his first six games. Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies hit seven in his first six games in 2016.

I'm just grateful for the opportunity that I've been given. I'm happy to contribute to the team, anyway I can," Hinds said. "I'm just using the same approach that I've been doing for the last couple of weeks, looking for a pitch over the plate and capitalize on it. 

The Reds belted six home runs, including three in the third inning.

Spencer Steer joined the Reds' 15 home run club with a long fly to left against Edward Cabrera in the second inning. 

The Marlins answered after Jazz Chisholm hit a bloop single to center. Jake Burger and Josh Bell both hit 3-0 pitches for home runs. Bruger's 10th and Bell's ninth were the fifth set of back-to-back home runs for Miami this season.

Andrew Abbott gave up 18 home runs this season, tied for fifth in baseball.

Rece Hinds hit his fourth home run of the season off Cabrera in the bottom of the third. Elly De La Cruz launched his 16th into the batter's eye in left center field. Jeimer Candelario hit his 16th into the bullpen. 

Abbott gave up singles to Jonah Bride and Nick Fortes to open the fourth inning.  He got Chisholm to fly to straight away center before he turned the game over to Buck Farmer.

Farmer threw one pitch and Bryan De La Cruz hit into a 6-4-3 double play. The play was reviewed and De La Cruz beat the throw. Then he stole second base. Burger hit a two-run single to put the Marlins back in front. 

Abbott was charged with five runs in 3 1/3 innings on seven hits, including two home runs and two walks. He struck out four.

"I wasn't able to locate off speed pitches which narrowed it down to swinging at fastballs. When you can't hit spots, hitters will punish you and that's what happened today," Abbott said.

The Reds reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Tyler Stephenson and Noelvi Marte singled off Cabrera. Hinds was hit with a pitch to load the bases. Huascar Brozoban relieved Cabrera. Will Benson grounded out to the shortstop behind second to score Stephenson. Marte scored on a passed ball by Fortes. Hinds scored on a single by Santiago Espinal, who replaced Jonathan India in the top of the fourth. India was shaken up on a collision with Dane Myets in the second inning. India suffered a left knee contusion.

Burger singled for his third hit of the game against Fernando Cruz. Josh Bell doubled Burger home to cut the Reds' lead to 7-6. Burger singled again in the eighth for his fourth hit. 

Reds Homers Hook Marlins. Jonathan India, Jeimer Candelario And Rece Hinds Go Deep

 

  

Jonathan India led off a game with a home run for the 10th time in his career. Jeimer Candelario homered and Rece Hinds hit his first career grand slam. The Reds deep sea drives hooked the Miami Marlins in a 7-4 win.

India opened the game with his eighth home run of  the season. Yonny Chirinos the Marlins' starter retired Elly De La Cruz on a pop up but Candelario hit his 15th home run halfway up the sun deck in right field.

For the second straight game the Reds' starting pitcher struck out the first six batters. Carson Spiers did it against the Marlins. Hunter Greene struck out the first six Rockies' batters on Thursday. He struck out two in the third to establish a new carrer high at eight.

"Spiers had a great start," David Bell said. "He's had great stuff. His fastball is a special pitch. It doesn't light up the radar board but the way it plays up is special. He uses it well. He has quality pitches to go with it to set it up."

The Reds added a two-out run in the second inning. Hinds walked and Will Benson doubled off the base of the right field fence that scored Hinds.

Hinds hit a grand slam in the thitd inning. His third home run of  the season followed a walk to Candelario, a single by Spencer Steer and Noelvi Marte was hit by a pitch. Hinds has seven extra-base hits in his five games.

"I got a pitch over the heart of the plate with runners on base I wanted to drive in runs," Hinds said. "I got the pitch. I'm always ready for the heater."

Hinds has seven extra-base hits in five games with eight RBI.

"It's unheard of really. Rece isn't surprised," Bell said. "People in our organization aren't really surprised. He has the ability to do it. He has the talent to do it. He's stepped right in at this level and do what he's capable of. It says a lot about Rece and what he's gone through to get himself here. Also, reading the repots in our organization the staff at Triple A have done a great job of helping him prepare.

He is the second Red since 1900 to notch a grand slam in his first five games. Vada Pinson did it in 1958.

"I'm trying to stay humble and even keel and live in the present and have fun with it. I think there are a lot of highs and lows in baseball. If you get too high or too low, there are too many emotions in baseball," Hinds said.

The Marlins broke through in the fourth. Xavier Edwards singled for the first Miami hit. Bryan De La Cruz check swing was fielded by India but too late to make a play. Jesus Sanchez launched his 11th home run into the stands in right.  Spiers recovered to rack up his ninth strikeout against Nick Gordon.

Nick Martinez relieved Spiers in the sixth inning. 

Spiers pitched five innings, allowing three runs on six hits with no walks and a career-high nine strike outs.

Martinez pitched three scoreless innings. Alexis Diaz needed an inning of work and entered in the ninth. Diaz hasn't pitched since July 7 against Detroit or four games.

Gordon doubled and Ali Sanchez singled for the fourth run. It was Sanchez first career RBI.

 Diaz got Edwards to ground out to end the game.

Hinds and Benson both made fine running catches in the seventh inning when the first two Marlins reached base on infield hits.  Hinds was an infielder when he was first drafted but transitioned to the outfield to avoid injuries to his legs.

"I've been working really hard," Hinds said. "Obviously, its a new position. I've been playing a lot of right field. I go out there every day to get live reads and a feel. To see it payoff is really cool."

Tyler Stephenson Rocks The Rockies. Hunter Greene Pounds Them With Srrikes

 

  

Tyler Stephenson homered twice and drove in five runs, helping Hunter Greene and the Cincinnati Reds beat the Colorado Rockies 8-1 on Thursday.

Greene (6-4) struck out a season-high 10 in six innings. The All-Star right-hander allowed one run and two hits.

“It is super important to finish the first half strong,” Greene said. “It's a long season. You got to keep that focus. It is going to be even harder the second half because you're not a fresh.”

It was Greene's first win since June 14. He pitched seven scoreless innings against Detroit on Saturday, but the bullpen stumbled in a 5-3 loss to the Tigers.

The All-Star Game is on Tuesday night at Texas, and Greene could be in line to pitch for the NL. Reds manager David Bell is part of the coaching staff for the National League team.

“It starts with establishing the fastball. Also attacking the strike zone throwing strikes. The slider was maybe more deceptive today,” Bell said. “It looked a little bit more like a fastball today.”

Jonathan India and Spencer Steer each had three hits and scored two runs as the Reds improved to 3-4 on their 10-game homestand leading up to the break. They won three of four against the Rockies to finish their season series with a 6-1 record.

“Jonathan has played great for a while,” Bell said. “The defense is there. He's running well. He definitely fits our need as a leadoff batter. I know he had a good day at the plate but he made a couple nice plays in the field, too.”

Stephenson hit a three-run shot off Austin Gomber (2-6) in the third inning. He capped Cincinnati's four-run seventh with a two-run drive against Anthony Molina.

It was Stephenson’s first career multihomer game. He has 10 homers this season.

“Everything is going well right now. This game's hard. You try to minimize those lows as much as you can,” Stephenson said. “I've been trying to use my legs and hit the ball in the air more."

Gomber was charged with four runs and seven hits in five innings.

Michael Toglia hit a leadoff drive in the fifth for the Rockies. It was his 12th homer of the season.

“He’s making some strides. He’s gaining on some things,” Rockies manager Bud Black said. "He can be impactful with the power. He’s getting closer but still a ways to go. It was good to see him hit a homer off an All-Star which is always positive.”

Colorado finished with three hits in its fourth loss in five games.

Santiago Espinal started at shortstop for Cincinnati in place of Elly De La Cruz, who got the day off. Espinal hit a solo drive in the fourth for his fifth homer of the season.

Reds rookie Rece Hinds collected two more hits, including a double. He is batting .500 (8 for 16) with six extra-base hits in his first four major league games.

“He's playing like he belongs here,” Bell said. “The rest of the team did a nice job of welcoming him.”

TRAINER’S ROOM

Rockies: OF Charlie Blackmon was out of the lineup for the third straight game. He is dealing with a hamstring injury.

UP NEXT

Rockies: Rookie RHP Tanner Gordon (0-1, 7.11 ERA) starts Friday night at the New York Mets. LHP Sean Manaea (5-3, 3.43 ERA) goes for New York.

Reds: RHP Carson Spiers (2-2, 3.64 ERA) starts Friday night against Miami. RHP Yonny Chirinos (0-0, 4.19 ERA) gets the ball for the Marlins.

Sam Hilliard Returns To The Rockies And Provides The Offense In Win Over Reds

 

  

Sam Hillard hit two home runs, his first since April 2023 to lead the Colorado Rockies to a 6-5 win over the Reds to give them a shot at a series split on Thursday.

Hilliard hit his first home run in over a year with Nolan Jones, who walked on first base.  His contract was selected from Albuerque on June 21 after leaving the Rockies in 2022 to play in Atlanta.

Ezequiel Tovar doubled over the head of the newest Red, Austin Slater, and advanced to third with no outs in the third. Tovar scored on a two-out single by Elias Diaz off Reds' starter Frankie Montas.

Jonathan India victimized Rockies' starter Kyle Freeland leading off the third inning with his seventh home run.

Hilliard hit his second home run into the left field stands to start the fourth.  The Rockies added a run in the sixth. The red hot Brenton Dolye walked and scored from first on a double from Jake Cave.

The Reds had a promising inning deflate when Tyler Stephenson was thrown out trying to stretch a double into a triple.  After a ground out Noelvi Marte doubled, his second hit. Rece Hinds' sixth hit of his young three-game career was his first single to drive in Marte

"When an outfielder dives for a ball like that you think triple, David Bell said. "Even when he got to second base, I thought it was a triple all the way. We got thrown out on it. We would prefer he was on second. It look like his stride broke around second."

Three straight singles resulted in a run off Brent Suter in the eighth. Doyle  drove home Ryan McMahon. Michael Toglia hit into a double play to mitigate the damage.

Stephenson picked up third base coach J.R. House who was frantically waving him to third.

"Obviously, I don't have Elly's speed where it is an automatic but I picked him up," Stephenson said. "He was giving me the green light and I gave it everything I could. I'm not the perfect example but we're aggressive. They made a great relay."

Victor Vodnik relieved Freeland. He finished the seventh and pitched a scoreless eighth.

Montas lasted seven innings, allowing five runs on eight hits and two costly walks and Hilliard's two home runs. He struck out seven.

"We saw his best fastball, a really good split," Bell said. "The walk before the first home run hurt but other than that, he looked strong and had great stuff. We have to go back and look but he looked great and strong. We look forward to him having a good second half."

Freeland pitched into the seventh, allowing two runs on eight hits and a walk. He struck out nine.

Tyler Stephenson homered off Vodnik, his eighth of the season and second in two games. Jalen Beeks relieved Vodnik.  Pinch hitter Austin Wynns singled. Marte's third hit brought the tying run to the plate. Hinds lined out to right. Santiago Espinal singled to score Wynns, send Marte to third and he went to second on the throw to third. India hit a sacrifice fly to right. Elly De La Cruz grounded out to end the game.

"We had good at bats that inning," Bell said. 

"Any time you fall short it's tough," Stephenson said. "We made them use another reliever before tomorrow.  We had a little momentum there."

Reds Pound Rockies With A Sledge Hammer With Four Home Runs

 

  

Tyler Stephenson, Rece Hinds, Will Benson and Spencer Steer hit home runs to power the Reds to an 12-6 win over the Colorado Rockies.

Hinds hit a 421 foot home run in his debut on Monday night and had a double. He was better in his second game with a double, triple and a 458 foot home run. He is the first player in Major League history to get five extra-base hits in his first two games.

"I was looking for a single on the last at bat," Hinds said. "I didn't come through though. I didn't know that (the first player to get five extra base hits in his first two games). I know that I was doing some pretty cool stuff though. I try not to look at the board. I try to stay the course and stay humble and do my thing out there."

The Reds exploded for five runs in the second inning. 

"Rece is playing with confidence and is having fun," David Bell said. "He's contributing to wins and these are big games for us. I saw on the board that he was the first player to get five extra base hits in his first two games. That makes sense. I've never seen that before."

Reds' starting pitcher, Nick Lodolo, struck out the side in the first inning. Rockies' starter Cal Quantrill followed suit by striking out three Reds batters in the bottom of the first.

Lodolo threw a scoreless second inning. Tyler Stephenson hit a 3-0 pitch into the upper deck in left field. Edwin Rios took a walk. Noelvi Marte was hit with a pitch. Santiago Espinal singled to center to score Rios. Benson hit a three-run home run his 10th. The Reds weren't finished. Elly De La Cruz blooped a double to left. Jeimer Candelario hit a long drive down the right field line. It was ruled a home run by first base umpire, Emil Jimenez but it was overturned because it was foul. Candelario grounded out to end the inning.

Rain delayed the game for 44 minutes after Lodolo got two outs in the third inning. 

Brenton Doyle hit his 12th home run to deliver the Rockies' first run of the series in the fourth inning. Jacob Stallings doubled and Michael Toglia hit his 11th home run to put the Rockies within two runs. Nolan Jones singled to drive Lodolo from the game.

He pitched 3 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on five hits and a walk. I his first start since coming off the Injured List with a blister on his left index finger.

"We didn't expect Nick to go deep in the game. He was really good before the rain. The rain was a big factor. He was only going to go five innings," Bell said.

Nick Martinez, the long man, entered the game with the tying run at the plate. Hunter Goodman, who doubled for the Rockies' first hit, lined a pitch down the third base line to close within in a run.

The Reds increased their lead in the fifth against Peter Lambert. Candelarion walked. Stephenson doubled to the left center field gap. Hinds tripled to score Stephenson.

Hinds second home run started a two-out rally. Espinal singled. Benson doubled and Espinal scored on an error by right fielder Goodman. Steer hit his 14th home run.

"I've always had power growing up," Hinds said. "I guess I have some natural strength. I definitely do get hot and when I do I feel like nothing can stop me. Whatever I can do to help the team honestly. I like being here with they guys and they welcomed me with open arms.

Doyle hit his second home run in the game, his 13th of the season, along with a double and a walk.

Marte hit a sacrifice fly after Stephenson doubled and Rios singled him to third.

Andrew Abbott Aces Rockies To Put Reds Back On Track

 

  

Andrew Abbott shut shut down the Colorado Rockies on three hits over seven innings to put the Reds back on track with a 6-0 win over the Colorado Rockies.

It was Abbott's fourth straight win and ninth on the season.

"I felt good," Abbot said. "There is a lot revolving around a good start. A play in the first inning, the double plays play into a good start. I'm healthy for sure. We are at the edge. We know it's going to come. We just have to keep playing. Being humid it is a little easier to stay loose.

Rece Hinds doubled for the his first Major League hit in the fifth inning after he was robbed by Ezequiel Tovar in his first at bat.

"It feels great," Hinds said. "I'm still not believing it. Coming out here and having fun. It's a big wow. Obviously, when I was driving up from Louisville I was a wreck. I teared up a couple of times. I didn't eat anything all day. I came in and saw all these familiar faces. Everyone just greeted me, like they were happy for me to be here. It was like a nice place in my heart. It made me more comfortable, like I was home."

Hinds hit the first home run of his career against Tyler Kinley in the eighth inning. The ball traveled 449 feet into the upper deck of the left field stands.

"That's a normal home run for Rece," said Abbott who played with Hinds in the minor leagues.

The Reds scored a pair against Ohio State Grad Ryan Feltner. Elly De La Cruz opened the fourth inning with a single. Jeimer Candelario singled up the middle to put De La Cruz on third. Spencer Steer walked for the second time to load the bases.

"Base running is a key part of our game, David Bell said. "Elly did it all tonight. He's had a lot of huge plays that was at the top of the list. He has all kind of energy and he is doing everything in his power to get us off to a good start. It was me to get on the board first. They made a great play."

Tyler Stephenson hit into a double play as De La Cruz scored. Candelario scored when Elias Diaz high return throw eluded Feltner.

"Elly creates chaos," Abbott said. "There is nothing he can't do. He provides us a spark."

Fernando Cruz off a blown save against the Detroit Tiger logged a perfect eighth inning.

De La Cruz doubled home Will Benson with the fourth Reds' run in the eighth. De La Cruz went to third on Kinley's wild pick off attempt and beat a comeback ball hit by Candelario to score. Santiago Espinal contributed an RBI single. 

"That's the way the contact play works," Bell said. "You can't wait around. For Elly to make that play he had to get a great break and make a good slide."

Feltner pitched well enough to win for the Rockies but poor fielding cost him. He pitched seven innings, allowing two runs, one earned on four hits but issued three untimely walks.

Yosvier Zulueta finished off the Rockies in the ninth.

Elly De La Cruz Is The Reds All-Star

 

  

The Reds lone member of the 2024 National League All-Star team is Elly De La Cruz.

One of the most exciting players in the game will represent his team in Texas for the mid-summer classic.

De La Cruz is hitting .247 and been on base at a .343 clip with a OPS plus slugging at a healthy .813 rate.

The 22-year old, who burst on the scene in June of last season has excited fans all over baseball.

"It was very well deserved,, Reds' manager David Bell said. "Our team is so excited for Elly, starting with him as a teammate. He is a joy to be around every single day. From day one of spring training he has started to get better in all areas. He's played every game except for one inning. He's played hard every single day. To be recognized at the half way point for what he's done. It is nice for guys to get recognized."

Although he's made some mistakes and leads baseball with 119 strikeouts, his energy can carry a team now and he is learning.

"He has adjusted so fast," Bell said. "He doesn't have the kind of ego where he thinks he has it figured out. He is very observant and smart. There will be more things to come up, yet he is very stable and sure of himself. You look him in the eye and say it one time and he uses it."

He is hitting .252 left handed and .246 right handed. De La Cruz hit 11 home runs left handed and four right handed. He is fourth in baseball in triples and lead Shohei Ohtani is the speed/power ratio at 22.2. (home runsXstolen bases/home runs plus stolen bases) x2.

 "It means a lot. I thank God for the opportunity. It means a lot to me," De La Cruz said. "I wasn't thinking about being an All-Star. I want to go. I just like playing every day. I expect good things like the All-Star games and World Series to happen."

As a fan favorite a lot of De La Cruz shirts are all over Great American Ball Park.

"It feels great the fans like me," De La Cruz said. "I'm happy that I can be an example for the young fans. I hope they are able to play hard and play well like I do."

The youngster from Sabana Grande de Boya, Dominican Republic is working hard to adjust to the game and life in the United States.

"I'm most proud of learning English. Second it has been the adjusted I made this season. It is very important that I play every day. That's what it's all about," De La Cruz said.

"The good energy that you bring could change the game. The outcome can change immediately. It's the way that I play. It means a lot that my teammates are happy for me. It shows they will over have my back."

De La Cruz will seek out Ohtani at the game in Texas.

"I'm learning Japanese to speak to Ohtani."

Tarik Skubal Strikes Out 13 To Dominate Reds And Sweep The Series

 

  

Tarik Skubal dominated the Reds to win his 10th game with 13 strikeouts and the Detroit Tigers swept the Reds in the three-game series, 5-1.

It was a come down for the Reds, after sweeping the New York Yankees last weekend. The Reds and Tigers now have the same record at 42-48.

After the high of the road trip then being swept by the Tigers, you can't help but be the most disappointed in the season.

"I don't know how to compare it," said David Bell. "It was a tough weekend. We have to figure out how to get our energy back. We have to continue to do the things we do well and focus on that."

The Tigers opened the fourth inning with three straight singles off Graham Ashcraft. Wenceel Perez, Gio Urshela and Zach McKinstry put the Tigers ahead. Ashcraft got Jake Rogers to hit into a double play and Parker Meadows grounded out to prevent more scoring.

Skubal the Tigers' ace kept the Reds scoreless by surviving a leadoff double by Austin Wynns in the third inning. Wynns is subbing for the injured Luke Maile. He stroked four doubles in six at bats in his only two games for the Reds.  The home team couldn't capitalize as Will Benson and Jonathan India struck out. 

"He was tough. Our players may not to admit to that but he's good," Bell said.

Ashcraft pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing one run on six hits and three walks. He left with a runner on first and two outs. Sam Moll struck out Riley Greened to end the inning.

The Tigers added a run against Nick Martinez in the seventh inning. Martinez walked Jake Rogers to open the frame. Matt Vierling doubled and Colt Keith hit a run scoring single. 

The Reds broke Skubal's shutout in the seventh. Jeimer Candelario doubled. Spencer Steer reached on an error by McKinstry.  Skubal threw a wild pitch. Candelario scored on Noelvi Marte's ground out. Skubal established a new career high with 13 strike outs when Wynns struck out to end the seventh.

A two out error by Marte led to a two-run home run by McKinstry, his third of the year to balloon the Tigers' lead to 4-1. Rogers followed with a single and stole second. Parker Meadows drove him home with the third unearned run off Alexis Diaz.

Will Vest took over for Skubal in the eighth. 

Skubal pitched seven innings.He allowed one run on three hits.

Hunter Greene Tames The Tigers But Suffers From Blown Save

 

  

Hunter Greene tamed the Detroit Tigers on three hits over seven innings but was a victim of a blown save. The Reds fell to a 5-3 loss to lose for the second straight day.

The bullpen gave up five runs in the eighth inning by sending 10 batters to the plate.

Greene started for the Reds while the Tigers were on a bullpen day.

Alex Faedo opened the game and allowed one hit. Rookie Beau Brieske followed and struck out the side in third.

The Reds broke through in the fifth, breaking a scoreless tie. Brieske walked Spencer Steer and Nick Martini to open the inning. Tyler Stephenson launched a double into the left center field gap to put the Reds in front. 

Greene shut out the Tigers with a stingy three-hit performance. He walked two and struck out seven. Greene pitched 19 straight starts with five or more strikeouts.

Fernando Cruz took over in the eighth. Parker Meadows doubled and pinch hitter Wenceel Perez tied the game with his fifth home run of the season. Cruz walked Matt Vierling and David Bell brought Sam Moll into the game. He walked pinch hitter Andy Ibanez. Mark Canha hit a ball off the end of the bat that got past Steer for an RBI double. Ibanez scored on a ground out by Riley Greene. Carson Kelly doubled home the fifth run of the inning against Lucas Sims.

"Hunter was outstanding," Bell said. "Give them credit they were laying off Fernando's split. He has other weapons of course. That was a good job by them. The split wasn't what he typically has. Sure I thought of sending Hunter out again. Where we were in our bullpen I felt it was the right decision."

Greene finished the seventh strong ending with 104 pitches.

"My body felt great. I didn't know that Cruz was coming in. He's been great," Greene said. "Obviously, there have been tough games for him like everybody else. I think David was ready to make that call. I have confidence in him as well."

Steer homered for the third straight game. It was his 13th of the season. Noelvi Marte singled with two outs bringing Edwin Rios to the plate representing the tying run.

Andrew Cafin entered to try to get the last out for his first save. Santiago Espinal pinch hit for Rios. Espinal struck out swinging.

"The last couple days haven't gone our way (with the tying run at the plate). On the road trip every one contributed. We just came up short the last two games," Bell said.

Tiger's Colt Keith Claw Reds With Two Home Runs

  

The Detroit Tigers launched four home runs, two by Colt Keith to take a 5-4 decision against the Reds to open the series.

Notorious home run thief, Stuart Fairchild, cheated Gio Urshela of his third home run of the season to end the second inning to save starter Carson Spier. 

He could not steal Parker Meadows third home run of the season to open the third inning on his first day back from Toledo where he was sent to rebuild his confidence.

Fairchild robbed Matt Vierling of an extra-base hit but Keith slammed his sixth home run. Keith followed an infield single by Vierling with his second home run of the game, his seventh of the season. It is the first multi-home run game of Keith's career. 

Spiers left with the bases loaded and trailing by four runs. He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowing four runs on eight hits and two walks. Spier struck out three. 

"Spiers again showed good stuff. I think he missed a few spots. The home runs hurt us. Maybe he fell behind a little bit more," David Bell said.

Buck Farmer struck out Urshela to hold the score.

Tiger's starter Reese Olson walked Elly De La Cruz after he retired the first 10 batters but faced the minimum when Jeimer Candlerario hit into a double play to end the fourth inning.

His luck ran out in the bottom of the fifth as Spencer Steer launched his 12th home run into the left field upper deck. Olson struck out the next five batters before Jonathan India singled to right. De La Cruz walked. Candelario hit an infield single into the hole at shortstop. Ryan Krieder's throw got away from Urshela at first base and India scored putting runners at the corner with two outs.

Will Vest relieved Olson. Candelrio stole second base. Steer lined out hard to right to end the inning. 

Olson allowed two runs, one earned on three hits and two walks, while striking out eight.

Riley Greene hit his 17th home run and third hit of the game against Brent Suter. 

Jason Foley entered the ninth seeking his 14th save.  De La Cruz beat out an infield hit, stole second and went to third on a balk. Candelario struck out. Steer lined a single off the glove of Vierling for an RBI single. Nick Martini hit a line drive off the the glove of Urshela for a run scoring triple. Blake Dunn ran for Martini. Tyler Stephenson hit a one-hopper to third. Dunn was called out at home by CB Bucknor. The Reds challenged the call was confirmed. Noelvi Marte singled to put the tying run in scoring position with two outs. Santiago Espinal grounded out to first to end the game.

"I knew going into that situation we were going to try to tie the game in that situation. We had the contact play on," Dunn said. "I felt like I had a good jump and timed it up well off the bat. I was hustling down the line. I thought maybe my hand got in. It was so close. It was hard to tell. We're banking even with the ball at third base, we have the speed. It was unfortunate it was hit to the third baseman. If the throw was an inch higher, he wouldn't be able to get the glove down in time."

The Reds have been aggressive all season. Sometimes it pays off but this time it the Tigers executed to cut off the run.

"It was worth the risk with one out with no outs we wouldn't consider it. It would have been an out anyway. I like our approach," Bell said.