Scott Feldman flirts with no-hitter, leads Reds past Cubs

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Scott Feldman carried a no-hitter into the 6th inning, and wrapped his evening having tossed 7 innings of 2-hit, shutout ball against the Chicago Cubs. That’s damn fine work, indicative of what Feldman has provided as the steady anchor of a rotation that has otherwise fallen apart around him so far this season.

Feldman struck out 7 against just 2 walks in his 108 pitches, lowering his ERA to 3.78 in the process, a number that stands out as applause-worthy so far this season. Congrats, Scott, and here’s to replicating that as often as possible while still a part of the Cincinnati Reds.

Honorable Mentions are due to: Zack Cozart, who singled twice and scored in his return to the lineup; Adam Duvall, whose 3-run blast was the big thump of the game (and he added a walk, a steal, and another run scored, to boot); Jose Peraza, who had a 2 hit night with a squeeze’d ribbie; and Joey Votto, who doubled twice and scored twice.

Key Plays

• The game reached the Bottom of the 4th with only a lone single by either team - one of the infield variety by Eugenio Suarez - on the ledger. That changed quickly, however. Billy Hamilton doubled, but was thrown out at 3B trying to turn it into a triple, but Cozart followed with a single, moved to 3B on Votto’s double down the 1B line, and all scored on Duvall’s 3-run oppo blast into the RF seats. Reds led, 3-0.
• Cincinnati added a fourth run in the Bottom of the 6th, just a few minutes after Feldman’s would-be no-hitter was broken up. Duvall opened the inning with a walk, and he moved up to 3B after stealing 2B and a later single by Scott Schebler, and it was then Jose Peraza dropping down a perfect squeeze bunt to bring in the Reds’ run. Reds led, 4-0.
• Votto played add-on in the Bottom of the 8th, as he doubled, stole 3B, and then motored home when the attempt at nailing him at 3B went awry. That left Cincinnati ahead 5-0. which is where things finished. Reds won!

Tony Graphanino

Other Notes

• Cozart’s activation meant the end of Kevin Shackleford’s initial stint with the Reds, as the latter was optioned back to AAA prior to the start of this one.
• Saturday’s game between the Cubs and Reds will see Jackson Stephens called up for a start, which will be the first big league outing of his professional career. He’ll be opposed by Eddie Butler, the former Top 100 prospect and Colorado Rockies hurler who has performed sorta kinda not bad since joining Chicago last offseason. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM ET.
• Tunes.