As shaky as the starting pitching has looked, the damage this series has been contained to mostly the first inning. If you're feeling charitable, you can blame colder weather or early-season jitters. Leake and Bailey combined for 12.2 IP and 7 earned runs. Not terrible for Early April in the Back of the Rotation.
The bigger story, especially after 3 scoreless bounce-back innings from the bullpen last night, is the completely punch-less offense. Except for Bruce and Cozart (the latter already has two triples), it's been a flatline for pretty much every other Reds' hitter. There have only been 8 hits by players not named Jay and Zack over the last three games - and 3 of those belong to the sidelined BP.
One reason the Reds have been struggling to score - other than good pitching opponents, cold weather and bad wood on the ball - is that the Reds are only seeing 3.6 pitches per plate appearance. That would put them dead last in the NL compared to last season's team averages. In 2011, they were above league average at 7th.
They have managed 5 walks and 12 baserunners this series, but only 2 have come around to score -- on a sac fly and throwing error. Which means they're 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
Here's hoping they can wear down Garcia a little and actually come all the way around the bases to touch home plate. If they do they'll be awarded one point.