The Cincinnati Reds have been through a roller coaster ride of 10 games.
There is not much better than sweeping a division rival. To make things even sweeter, a division leading rival. This is what the Reds achieved when they took a three game sweep from the Milwaukee Brewers, in Milwaukee. This sweep was preceded by a sweep of the Colorado Rockies as well, making it six wins in a row, drawing the race for first place in the NL Central closer. During this stretch of success for the Reds, the Chicago Cubs also dropped five games out of seven in their two series. Things were looking up in Cincinnati for the first time in a long time this season.
But, as everybody knows, every roller coaster ride has its ups and its downs. And it did not take long for the Reds to begin the trend downwards. The Reds traveled to San Diego for a four game set. This series began with a heartbreaking walk off loss in the bottom of the 9th inning. It continued with a dominant win for the Padres. In game three, the Reds experienced another collapse from their bullpen. The Padres finished a four-game sweep of the Reds on Fathers Day where they outlasted the Reds 3-2 in a pitchers duel.
Only Two Games Back
After finishing the sweep of the Brewers, the Reds were within striking distance in the NL Central. They found themselves just two games back from first place. All they needed was a few wins in San Diego and they were sitting pretty.
The energy among the team through the first six games that they won was incredible. The players were electric and excited, playing the game with their hearts on their sleeves. This energy translated to their performance as well.
The Reds saw great performances on the mound from their starters and even good outings from their bullpen. This was paired with the usual output from an above average offense. The Reds were hot and the only thing that could stop them, was them.
Downhill, Fast.
With no off day between their final game with the Brewers and their first game in San Diego, the Reds had no time to rest. They jumped into action, only to fall to two 9th inning home runs, losing on a walk off.
The slide continued over the next two games, as the pitching let the team down in both instances, one being another blown lead from the bullpen. Blown leads from the bullpen has become almost a regular occurrence for the Reds this season.
The Reds bullpen ranks dead last in the entire Major Leagues in ERA(5.70), HR allowed(45) and ER allowed(168). This comes with them also being bottom five in the league in WHIP(1.44) and walks issued(147). For the Reds to have more ups than downs, the bullpen is going to need some major improvements.
What Lies Ahead
The Reds will finish their road trip with a stop in Minneapolis, Minnesota with a two game series with the Twins. The Reds will get to use the DH for the two games, marking the first time this year where they have had that luxury. They start the series with, potentially their ace, Tyler Mahle, on the mound. Mahle has posted a perfect 5-0 record in his last five starts, paired with a sub 2.5 ERA.
They finish the two game series with Wade Miley on the mound, who has also been exceptional in his last five starts. Miley has been incredible this season, holding a 2.88 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP, both his best since 2018, the WHIP being the best of his career. He has also posted his career best in the slash line allowed, at .215/.268/.326.
The road that lies ahead will be challenging for the Reds. They have already dealt with injuries in the early beginnings of the season. But, with the return of Nick Senzel looming, as well as the return of lockdown relief arm Tejay Antone, the Reds seem to still be in good shape, despite their four game losing skid.
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