Mark Sheldon

1 week ago | mlb.com | Mark Sheldon

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon's Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox. CINCINNATI -- Long duels between pitcher and hitter can create some of the most excitement and drama during a game. In a span of two plate appearances on Friday vs. the Cubs, the Reds' Tyler Stephenson saw 21 pitches against lefty starter Matthew Boyd.

1 week ago | bvmsports.com | Mark Sheldon

1 week ago | mlb.com | Mark Sheldon

The lead was extended to 3-1 after four innings before the Reds added three more runs in the fifth. Against Rea, TJ Friedl led off with a single to center field and took second base on an errant pick-off throw. Espinal followed with a push bunt to the right side for a single that put runners on the corners. CINCINNATI – In need of a win after a crushing loss in Friday's opener, the Reds were lifted to a 6-4 victory over the Cubs by Elly De La Cruz with four RBIs, including a first-inning home run.

1 week ago | mlb.com | Mark Sheldon

CINCINNATI -- Friday marked the beginning of a stretch where the Reds play the National League Central-leading Cubs in six of the next nine games. Call it their first big test of this season, a chance to see where they stand against one of baseball's best offenses. The early answer stung. Cincinnati was slapped with a 13-6 loss at Great American Ball Park on the strength of four home runs by the Cubs. It came after the Reds led 4-0 after three innings and 6-2 heading into the fateful seventh.

1 week ago | bvmsports.com | Mark Sheldon