The Cincinnati Reds currently hold a 20-13 record and sit one game out of first place in the NL Central. Over the last 24 hours, the club endured a historic, walk-filled blowout loss in Pittsburgh. They also saw high-potential performances across every level of the minor league system.
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MLB Game Recap
The Reds were routed 17-7 by the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday in a game highlighted by a nightmare second inning. Cincinnati pitchers tied an MLB futility record. They surrendered seven consecutive walks, forcing in four runs. This happened without a single hit in that frame. Starter Rhett Lowder struggled in his worst professional outing, lasting only 1.1 innings and allowing 8 earned runs on 5 hits and 4 walks on 52 pitches. The bullpen was forced to cover 6.2 innings. Catcher Jose Trevino took the mound for the final two frames. He saved a depleted relief corps.
Standout Performer
J.J. Bleday provided a much-needed offensive spark, finishing 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, two RBIs, and three runs scored. His two-run blast in the sixth inning traveled 376 feet into the upper deck. His season average now sits at a robust .308 with a 1.317 OPS. Bleday’s elite production and plate discipline have made him an indispensable fixture in the middle of the Reds’ lineup.
Key News & Notes
The Reds activated Graham Ashcraft from the bereavement list on Saturday. They optioned Zach Maxwell to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move. In Omaha, Nick Lodolo completed a vital rehab start for the Louisville Bats, throwing 79 pitches (45 strikes) over 4.1 innings with six strikeouts and no blister issues. Brandon Williamson was recently placed on the 15-day IL due to shoulder fatigue. Lodolo’s return to the big-league rotation appears imminent for the upcoming week.
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Farm Report
- Louisville Bats (AAA): Lost 8-4. Edwin Arroyo went 2-for-5 with a 390-foot home run. He continues to lower his strikeout rate. Noelvi Marte also homered in the loss.
- Chattanooga Lookouts (AA): Lost 11-4. Zavier Warren homered and walked twice. He provided one of the few highlights in a three-hit team performance.
- Dayton Dragons (High-A): Won 5-3; Nestor Lorant was dominant, striking out seven over 5.2 shutout innings to lower his season ERA to 2.66.
- Daytona Tortugas (Low-A): Won 7-6. Arnaldo Lantigua extended his hitting streak to eight games. He achieved this with two hits and two RBIs. The team celebrated its second straight walk-off win.
- ACL Reds (Rookie): Won 6-5; Ty Doucette enjoyed a perfect professional debut. He reached base in all five plate appearances. He hit a home run and scored three runs.
Looking Ahead
The Reds conclude their series in Pittsburgh today at 1:35 p.m. ET as Chase Burns (3-1, 2.65 ERA) looks to salvage a win against the Pirates’ Braxton Ashcraft (1-2, 3.71 ERA).
A Major League team rarely “walks” into the record books for futility. Getting Nick Lodolo back this week should provide an immediate boost to a reeling staff. What do you think?
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