Reds score multiple runs, still lose.

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Homer Bailey has had a solid start to 2018, his first healthy season since 2014. Today he was no different, throwing 7 solid innings, giving up up 3 runs on 4 hits while walking 2 and striking out 4. While that would be good enough on a lot of days to deliver a win, another poor showing by the offense doomed the Reds yet again. So have a trophy, Homer, and keep being a bright spot in this brutal start to 2018.

Honorable mentions are due to: Billy Hamilton, for smacking his first dinger of the season; Adam Duvall, who went 2-4 with a double and a solo home run; and Amir Garrett, who continued his great start to the season by striking out 2 in 1.2 shutout innings.

Key Plays

• The Reds, just as they have done for most of the season, found themselves trailing early. In the top of the 2nd inning, Yadier Molina lined a 1-out single up the middle to get things started. After he was retired on a fielder’s choice by Greg Garcia, Harrison Bader Smacked a 2-run dinger to right. Cardinals led, 2-0.
• The Cardinals added to their lead in the top of the 7th. Jose Martinez smacked a 1-out double past the glove of a diving Billy Hamilton to get things started. That brought up Molina, who singled to center to score Martinez. Cardinals led, 3-0.
• Carlos Martinez was dominant in this one, throwing 7 shutout innings while giving up only 2 hits, 4 walks, and striking out 11. Mercifully, he was removed in the 8th.
• The Reds scored! In the bottom of the 8th, the Reds finally got on the board. The Cardinals brought in Tyler Lyons to relieve the nearly unhittable Martinez, and he immediately served up a dinger to Billy Hamilton.
• The Reds were able to put another on the board in the bottom of the 9th, as Adam Duvall led off with his 3rd bomb of the season off of Bud Norris to cut the lead to 3-2. The Reds were able to continue to threaten by getting a couple runners on later in the inning, but a lineout by Billy Hamilton ultimately ended it. Reds lose, 3-2.

Tony Graphanino

Other Notes

• Homer Bailey is the first Reds starter to pitch into the 7th inning this season.
• Scott Schebler made his first rehab appearance after going on the disabled list for an elbow injury. Unfortunately, it didn’t go well for him as he finished 0-3 with 3 strikeouts.
• The Reds travel to Milwaukee tomorrow to face the Brewers. Luis Castillo (0-2, 7.31) will start for the Reds. He will face off against Brent Suter (1-1, 4.70). First pitch will be at 7:40 PM ET.
• Tunes.