The Cincinnati Reds stretched their winning streak to 12 games with an 11-10 win on Friday in front of a sold out crowd. Cincinnati proceeded to drop the next two games against Atlanta, both by a score of 7-6.
Along the way, the Reds answered several questions. They proved any doubters left that they belong in the conversation with some of the best teams in the National League. They also proved how much they desperately need to make a move for a starting pitcher. Finally, the Reds — the fans, rather — showed how winning cures all, especially in a town starved for competent baseball.
NLCS Preview?
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker had some interesting comments about the Reds following Sunday’s 7-6 victory.
That is high praise from a World Series-winning manager, especially for such a young team. The Braves’ lineup is incredibly deep, and they are likely one of the two best teams in baseball right now. The Reds played three straight games within a run of Atlanta, all while starting Luke Weaver, Graham Ashcraft and Levi Stoudt.
Cincinnati proved how dangerous their playing style and energy can be. The scariest part for the rest of the National League might be the Reds’ youth. As Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh and Joey Votto have both touched on, this team is so young that their naïveté plays to their benefit. They play with such fearlessness that they can beat any team in baseball, any given night, thanks to the electricity that guys like Elly de la Cruz, Matt McLain and others bring every night.
The Reds scored 23 runs in the three-game series against a talented pitching staff. For reference, the 7.67 runs scored per game would rank first in MLB. The Texas Rangers currently lead all of baseball, scoring 5.99 runs per game. Obviously, a three-game series is a small sample size, and 7.67 runs per game is significantly higher than the 4.92 runs per game Cincinnati averages in 2023, which ranks ninth in MLB. However, the Reds are scoring 6.22 runs per game since Elly de la Cruz’s debut on June 6.
Offense clearly is not an issue for the 2023 Reds. The lineup is as deep as it has been in years and it has versatility to mix and match and play well against any type of pitcher they will face. So, how can the Reds climb into the same tier as the Braves and set up what could be an electric NLCS down the road?
Starting Pitching
Heading into the season, the Reds just had good enough starting pitching. A three-headed monster of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft looked outstanding on paper. Greene has been as advertised in 2023, but just landed on the 15-day injured list and likely will be out until August, according to The Athletic. Lodolo began the season hot, but also landed on the injured list and is out until August as well. Ashcraft struggled early on and just came off the injured list this weekend.
Behind those three were Connor Overton and Luis Cessa to begin the season. Overton has been on the 60-day IL since April 15 and was ineffective prior, anyway. Cessa was released on May 14 after allowing 26 runs in 26 innings over seven appearances with Cincinnati. Since then, the starting rotation has been pieced together with starts from Luke Weaver, Ben Lively, Brandon Williamson and rookie Andrew Abbott.
For the most part, those four have filled in admirably. Yet, if the Reds are serious about contending for a National League Pennant in 2023, that rotation will not get the job done. General Manager Nick Krall should be working the phones nonstop until he finds a solution.
Perhaps someone like Detroit Tigers starter Michael Lorenzen would be a good fit. Lorenzen, a former Red, has a 4.41 ERA in 72 innings pitched over 12 starts this season. Lorenzen loves Cincinnati and would be a stabilizing force in the rotation right now, and when the starters get healthy.
Fan Support
The fans showed out for the biggest series of the year at Great American Ballpark.
After setting record lows for attendance earlier this season, the fans are setting record highs coming off of the 12-game winning streak. Cincinnati has finally put together an exciting product and the fans are bought in.
There was a legitimately raucous atmosphere at all three games this weekend. In what could have been a playoff preview, the fans showed up to create a playoff-like atmosphere. Hopefully, the Reds front office paid attention and will do what is necessary to ensure this winning streak was not just a flash in the pan.
This team has staying power, but they need a boost. Deliver it, Nick Krall.
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Featured image courtesy of Reds.com
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