Game 1: Reds Braves
Rays 2 Reds 1
Well, that figures.
The Reds led 1-0 in the bottom of the 8th when Fernando Cruz threw a bases loaded, two-out, strike three wild pitch to allow the tying run to score. The Cruz splitter bounced in the dirt and popped up and away from catcher Austin Wynns. Lucas Sims then came on to walk in what proved to be the winning run.
You just can't make it.
Once again, the Reds wasted brilliance by Hunter Greene: He tossed 7 innings of 2-hit baseball. He took a perfect game into the 5th and a no-hitter one out into the 6th. 100 pitches/69 strikes. ERA at 2.97. ERA in four July starts is 0.33 over 27 innings and 9 hits. And people still worry about starting pitcher W-L record.
The Reds offense was held to three hits and a scored just an unearned run on a day the Rays went with a bullpen game.
The Red lose the series to a team that punted on 2024 when they traded their two best hitters, their 2nd best starter and a reliever this weekend. The Reds finish the road trip 2-5 and fall to 50-55 on the season.
Offense in the series: 13 for 98 (.133) with 4 runs, 6 walks, 28 K.
Elly: 3 H, 4 SB (55). A have-to-see-it-to-believe-it backhanded, sliding catch into left field. Hard to believe Elly can get three hits, steal three bases and not score a run.
India 0 for the series
Santiago Espinal: One of the oddest 8 game hit streaks. It's come over the span of 15 games, and includes two pinch-hits.
Since June 14, Cruz, has allowed 12 runs over his last 14 innings (6.75). He has been among the best in MLB in stranding inherited runners, but once again was brought in to start an inning. I don't get it.
Base running: Two runners out at home, including Elly on the contact play....again.
At every turn, opportunity, and challenge presented, the Reds have proven they are just not good enough.
That 9-20 in 1-run games.