Prologue
Finally home, the Reds need to make hay against a Marlins team riding the Struggle Bus themselves. Only playing .500 baseball (29-29) at home, the boys need to start winning more games at GABP.
Game 116
The game’s first run was scored by the Marlins. After Luke Weaver retired the first two batters, back-to-back doubles by Jake Burger and Joey Wendle made the score 1-0 Miami.
In the bottom of the second, a TJ Friedl double brought home Kevin Newman, who had reached on a fielder’s choice. Reds 1, Miami 1.
In the top of the fifth, Weaver, who was at 89 pitches, gave way to Sam Moll.
But in the bottom half of the inning, Stuart Fairchild dropped one into right field that right fielder Sanchez over-ran the ball which went to the wall. Fairchild then hit third base and ran right through third base coach House’s stop sign, coming all the way around to give the Reds the lead, 2-1.
STUART FAIRCHILD LITTLE LEAGUE HOME RUN! pic.twitter.com/achV7in5PS
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 9, 2023
In the top of the 7th, Buck Farmer got two outs before hitting Nick Fortes. David Bell brought in Lucas Sims, who surrendered a homer and the lead. Miami 3, Reds 2.
The Reds bats would remain silent the rest of the way. In the 9th, Joey Votto would pinch hit for Kevin Newman and walk with two outs, but Christian Encarnacion-Strand would take a called strike 3 to end the game.
The Arms
Weaver pitched far better than anyone could have hoped, giving up only 1 run in 4 and 1/3 innings. Sam Moll has been a welcome addition to the bullpen, giving another solid outing. Fernando Cruz gave an inning of solid relief. Sims, making his 3rd appearance in 3 days was ineffective. Derek Law pitched a scoreless 9th.
What Did We Learn Today?
As much as we focus on the pitching, the Reds are simply not hitting the way they did in the first half. The team batting average is a good 20 points lower, and that’s leading to fewer men on base, and thus, fewer opportunities to run and put pressure on the opposition. Sims made 1 poor pitch and that was the difference.
Final Thoughts
The Reds fall one game under .500 at home. That’s not going to do it if they expect to make the postseason.
On Deck for the Redlegs
Miami Marlins vs. Cincinnati Reds
Wednesday, August 9 at 12:35 pm ET
(J. Cueto (0 – 3 | 5.32 ERA) vs. Graham Ashcraft (6-7 | 5.18 ERA)
