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Reds blanked in rubber match by Astros, 6-0

A former NL Central rival went to the mound for a former NL Central rival and kept the good guys guessing at the plate all day.

By Tony Wolfe
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

The Reds are now 16 games under .500, only had one player reach base twice today, and didn't have a single pitcher go to the mound without allowing a run. So today, the JNMHSotG trophy goes to dads, or anybody filling the role of one. Eat some awesome food, drink more awesome beer, and try not to melt in the sun. And hope for brighter days ahead for your favorite team.

Honorable mention to moms. You guys are cool, too.

Key Plays

  • Things got going in the bottom of the second, with Brandon Finnegan allowing a two-out single Danny Worth. Evan Gattis then shot a double into right center to bring home Worth, then scored himself on a single by Luis Valbuena. Astros led 2-0.
  • The lefty starter settled in for a few innings, but got bit by a familiar face again in the bottom of the fifth when Valbuena took Finnegan deep to right to begin the frame. Jake Marisnick walked behind him, and was replaced by George Springer on a fielder's choice. Springer stole second and reached third on a wild pitch, then scored on a sacrifice fly, which would totally would have been a two-run double if not for:
  • The Reds' best chance to score came in the top of the sixth. Zack Cozart walked to begin the inning, then reached second on a 3-1 groundout by Joey Votto. Jay Bruce came up two batters later and lined a pitch back at Houston starter and former Brewer Mike Fiers, which ricocheted off his leg, leading to an infield single and putting runners at the corners. Fiers was removed from the game and relieved by Chris Devenski. Devenski induced a hard lineout out of Adam Duvall, and the shutout remained intact, 4-0.
  • Another familiar face, another dinger in the 7th, this time courtesy of Gattis against J.C. Ramirez. 5-0 game.
  • It was Ross Ohlendorf's turn on the mound in the eighth, and he allowed a walk and two hits to allow Houston to stretch the lead to 6-0.

Fangraphs what are you doing no stop no


Source: FanGraphs

Other notes:

  • Seriously, the Reds should just explore using Duvall in left and using Hamilton to patrol center and right at the same time. It's basically what's already happening.
  • Despite the bullpen seeing lots of action in the past few games, Bryan Price opted to remove Brandon Finnegan from the game following just five innings and 77 pitches thrown. Price told the Enquirer's Zach Buchanan after the game that Finnegan's innings count for the season played a role in his departure.
  • On the minor league front, it was announced today that the Pensacola Blue Wahoos had clinched their second consecutive Southern League title. With the stacked pitching staff it had entering this season, it should hardly come as a surprise.
  • In keeping with that tone, Reds sorta-prospect Scott Schebler homered for the sixth time this month today. Jesse Winker is the player everyone's excited to see once Bruce is inevitably dealt, but Schebler's re-arrival could be even more impactful on this lost season.
  • Tunes.

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