The Reds currently hold a 20-16 record after falling to the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday night. Cincinnati lost its fifth straight game in walk-off fashion in the last 24 hours. They also lost closer Emilio Pagán to a significant leg injury.
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Cincinnati lost 3-2 in 10 innings. Michael Busch delivered a game-tying solo homer in the 8th inning. He also hit a walk-off RBI single in the 10th. Andrew Abbott was effective in his start, pitching 5.2 scoreless innings (5.2 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 4 K, 4 BB on 98 pitches). The bullpen could not hold a 2-0 lead. This lead was built on solo home runs from JJ Bleday and Nate Lowe. Tony Santillan blew the save, and Sam Moll took the loss.
Nate Lowe was the bright spot in the lineup. He finished 2-for-4 with a 404-foot solo home run. He also scored a run. His sixth home run of the season gave the Reds a 2-0 cushion in the 6th inning. It provided the bulk of the team’s offensive production. This happened on a night where the club went 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position.
The series in Chicago continues today at 2:20 PM ET as Brady Singer (2-2, 5.57 ERA) faces Cubs Colin Rea (4-1, 4.41 ERA).
Losing the closer while on a five-game slide is a brutal blow. However, the impending return of Nick Lodolo offers a much-needed silver lining for the rotation. What do you think?
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