Cincinnati Reds: Bullpen falters once more in series finale

Busch Stadium remains house of horrors for Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have struggled to win in St. Louis over the years, and Sunday was no different, as they dropped yet another series to the Cardinals, losing the rubber game by a final score of 4-3. It looked promising early as the Reds got on the scoreboard in the first inning, but the Cardinals tied it heading into the late innings. But once again, the Reds bullpen factored into the loss, giving up the go-ahead run in the eighth. From there, Trevor Rosenthal took over in the ninth to close it out.

Jon Moscot Returns

In his first start since June 15 last year when he injured his shoulder diving headfirst trying to tag a runner out at second, Moscot pitched 5 2/3 innings and gave up six hits and three runs. He walked one and struck out two. Of the three runs Moscot surrendered, two came via the home run: a solo shot to Jedd Gyorko in the second and a solo shot to Matt Carpenter in the fifth. Aside from the two home runs, Moscot pitched well in his season debut. He’ll be back when his spot in the rotation comes around again. 

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Bullpen Woes Continue

It started off well for the bullpen. Blake Wood was able to get one out after Moscot was pulled in the sixth. Of the three who pitched, Tony Cingrani was the most impressive of the three bullpen arms on Sunday. He allowed a lead-off walk to Carpenter in the seventh, but was able to retire the next three batters in order.

Then came the dreaded eighth. Ross Ohlendorf had been warming up in the seventh, but sat back down when the Reds were batting. Bryan Price called on him after the Cardinals announced a pinch hitter to lead off the inning. Ohlendorf walked that leadoff batter, Aledmys Diaz. He then got a gift from Zack Cozart in a nice running over-the-shoulder catch. But St. Louis back-up catcher Eric Fryer, who was already 2-for-2 in the game, hit a gap shot to left center to drive in the go-ahead run.

Zack Attack

Cozart just continues to hit. He went 2-for-4 including a double and a run scored in the first. He also had a single in the fifth and made that nice catch in shallow center field in the eighth. His batting average is now at .483 and his on-base percentage sits at a cool .464. Cozart is using the entire field when he is at bat and he’s making contact. It’s good to see him pick up where he left off last season before his injury.

Notes:

• Brandon Phillips’ defense continues to be puzzling. He committed an error on a very routine ground ball in the first inning and now has two errors in the first 10 games.
• Joey Votto was hitless, but still managed to drive in a run with a sacrifice fly in the first. Even when he’s struggling, he still produces.
• The Reds kick off a seven game home stand Monday with Alfredo Simon trying to slow down the hot-hitting Rockies at 7:10 ET.