Cincinnati Reds Players, Francona Dealing With Illness in Milwaukee

The Cincinnati Reds are not quite living up to the offseason hype that fans and pundits alike attributed to them. Through seven games, the team is 2-5 and very well could be 7-0. However, when you don't score, you'll find it difficult to win baseball games.

Heading into Friday night's game, the Reds have been held off the scoreboard for 28 consecutive innings (29 if you count the home half of the win on Monday...but they didn't bat, obviously). The team tied a record with its third consecutive 1-0 loss on Thursday and became just the second team in the live-ball era to do so (1960 Philadelphia Phillies).

They need a boost. The lineup is struggling and the team looks flat. Unfortunately, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer's Gordon Wittenmeyer, the Reds are battling a mystery illness.

The lineups are not out just yet but it appears like the Reds may have to play a little shorthanded against the Milwaukee Brewers. Over the last few seasons, the Brewers haven't needed help to beat the Reds. 

Will this game be a catalyst to kick the Reds lineup in gear or will it be what secures a record? Nick Martinez is expected to take the hill for his second start of the year. In his first start, he tossed 6.0 innings of four-hit, four-run baseball while striking out five and walking one.

Time will tell if any of the team's stars are affected. This could be a great opportunity for the lineup to wake up and show they can get things together. However, it's going to have to earn it.