Dodgers 6 Reds 0
For the third consecutive day the Reds dug themselves an early hole vs the Dodgers. But this time, a comeback vs Hall of Famer to be Clayton Kershaw was not to be. The Dodgers salvaged the final game in the series with a 6-0 win over the Reds.
Of concern going forward is the status of Reds starter Graham Ashcraft, who took a comebacker off his leg and eventually exited in the third inning. He’d pitched two scoreless innings before a three run third unfolded around the injury.
Elly: 1 for 4, SB, 3 K. We got to see the switch hitter bat RH for the 1st time, facing the LHP Kershaw. DecLa Cruz fought one off his hands for an infield single behind 2nd base to start the 2nd. He immediately stole 2nd. He’s hit for the combined cycle in his first three games.
2nd AB: K
3rd AB: K
4th AB: K
He got hosed on at least a couple of strike calls on the day.
Ashcraft: 2.2 IN, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 HBP, K, 46 pitches/21 strikes.
He certainly looked more dialed in for the first two innings. But he took a comebacker off his leg in the 3rd. He was checked on, threw three warmup pitches, and remained in the game. Then HBP, RBI 1B. Checked on by Bell, trainer, again…..line out, BB, 2 run 1B. He left, down 3-0. Fernando Cruz came on.
Kershaw: 7 IN, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 9 K. He entered the game with a 2.25 ERA over 14 career starts vs the Reds.
Rarity: Kevin Newman walks to lead off the game. Per Jamie Ramsey, Reds media relations, it was Kershaw's 1st walk to the first batter this season and only his 5th since 2015.
Rally thwarted: The Reds threatened in the 6th after McLain singled and went first to third when India slapped a single the other way. But De La Cruz struck out on a nasty Kershaw slider, Steer popped out and Stephenson struck out.
Newman: BB, 2B. He made a heck of a diving stab at 1B on a Mookie Betts liner.
McLain: K, K, 1B, 2B…..that’s multi-hit games in 5 of his last 6 games.
Barrero sighting: He singled in his first appearance since a week ago today in the wrap up game vs Boston.
Pen: Cruz 1.1 IN, 3 R, 26 pitches…Young 1.0 IN, 0 R…..Salazar 2.0 IN, 0 R.
That’s three consecutive scoreless appearances by the rookie (6 IN/3 H).
Ian Gibaut 1.0 IN, 0 R. He made is 29th appearance, after making 33 with the Reds last season. He’s on pace for 73 appearances.
Cruz 26 pitches
Salazar 37 pitches
Gibaut 35 pitches
Fresh arm from Louisville will be headed to St. Louis.
It could be worse. The 2.2 innings by Brandon Williamson after 6-0 in the 3rd last night certainly helped the pen with their 6.1 innings to cover today.
Response? Reds pitchers hit three LA batters.
Attendance: 24,323, the largest crowd of the series.
How the Reds scored:
They didn’t