PITTSBURGH – Because of some historic events that unfolded at PNC Park on Saturday, including an MLB-record seven consecutive walks issued by the Cincinnati Reds, a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates staff was asked during the game if he planned to gather anything from the game to send to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
“Send them four balls,” somebody quipped.
It certainly was the story of the day for a Reds staff that walked 11, got battered for 19 hits and gave up three five-run innings in a 17-7 loss that was never that close.
It knocked the Reds out of first place for the first time in 18 days.
Granted, some of that damage came against catcher Jose Trevino, who pitched the final two innings (two runs, five hits, one hit batter – on a 34-mph “fastball”).
The more important story for the Reds – even bigger than the consecutive-walk record Rhett Lowder and Connor Phillips teamed up to tie – was the fact Trevino was called upon to pitch for the third time in four games. That the Reds were blown out in three of their past four games. That the cracks in all that pitching depth they thought they had are starting to show.
“Golly, a lot of walks,” manager Terry Francona said, “and some balls over the middle that got hit. Uncharacteristic of Lowder, who just couldn’t reel it back in.”
It’s happening just as the Reds hit this weeklong stretch of games against division opponents, including a four-game set in Chicago against the Cubs – the team that nudged the Reds out of their tie for first on Saturday by beating the Diamondbacks earlier in the day.
The Reds already led the National League in walks with 146 before this one.
“That’s one thing we need to get better at as a pitching staff,” veteran closer and staff mentor Emilio Pagán said. “Trust our stuff a little bit more. Obviously, early in the season you’re dealing with some cold weather and stuff, and it’s harder to feel the ball or whatever. But those are excuses we can’t lean on.
“We’ve got to understand who we are, how talented we are and be in the zone more.”
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Reds trounced for 3rd time in 4 games, set ugly MLB record along way
Reporting by Gordon Wittenmyer, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
