time will tell whether Cincinnati Reds have actually arrived earlier than anyone anticipated, but for the time being, their recent surprising success has generated enough excitement
Wednesday’s 7-4 win over the host Kansas City Royals reds their third series sweep of the season, and they improved to 27–20 since falling a season-worst eight games under .500 on April 23.
Cincinnati opened a three-game road series against Houston Astros Friday went on a five-game winning streak, claiming their last four road series and winning five of their last six series. reds Last time won five consecutive road series in 2014
The surprising sequence of victories has come despite Reds 12 rookies playing in at least one game this season, with nine making their major league debuts in 2023
Cincinnati hit four home runs in the final out against the Royals, a stellar effort for a team that has the third fewest homers in the majors (57). Reds Compensated by swiping 70 bases to finish second in the majors
It all speaks to an exciting brand of baseball that has not only taken the league by surprise but also by storm.
“It’s a good feeling,” Reds said rookie shortstop Matt McLain. “We feel it. We’re Team America. It’s a good feeling.
Will make his third career start for rookie left-hander Andrew Abbott (2-0, 0.00 ERA) Reds in the series opener on Friday
Abbott is the only Reds pitcher to begin his career with at least five consecutive scoreless starts in the last 130 years. His 11 2/3 scoreless innings to start his career represents the third-longest streak by an A. Reds pitcher behind Amir Garrett (12 innings in 2017) and Wayne Simpson (15 innings in 1970)
Abbott would make his first career interleague start.
Astros Rookie right-hander JP France (2-1, 3.54 ERA) will make his eighth career start on Friday. He earned his first win in four weeks on Saturday after limiting the Cleveland Guardians to three runs on seven hits and striking out six over 6 2/3 innings in a 6-4 victory.
The six walks were double his highest in any previous start. France went 0–1 with a 4.84 ERA in the four starts between his first and second wins. Opponents recorded a .848 OPS during that span.
France ready to face Reds for the first time
After absorbing his third blown save of the season on Wednesday, Houston closer Ryan Pressley gave up a home run to Kibert Ruiz in the bottom of the ninth inning. Astros‘ a 4-1, 10-inning loss to the Washington Nationals on Thursday
Pressley has allowed one run in five consecutive games, including three earned runs among seven total runs during a difficult stretch.
“I thought he pitched well,” Astros Manager Dusty Baker, referring to a 2-2 slider from Pressley, said that Ruiz drove 389 feet into the right field seats. “Sometimes hitters hit you. It’s not always the pitcher’s fault. Sometimes they catch you.
– Field Level Media