Cincinnati Reds Win 3rd Straight, Break Bullpen’s Runs Streak

For the first time in 23 games, the Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen did not allow a run, as the team won its third straight game by defeating the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night in Great American Ball Park, 5-1.

It was another solid victory all around, as the Reds smacked two more home runs and Tim Adleman again threw the ball well in his second time on a big-league mound.

Here are some observations from the game:

The streak is over

It seemed at times like it would never end, but the Reds bullpen finally did not allow a run in a game after setting the all-time record at 23 straight games. Tasked with throwing four innings, the unit combined to give up four hits and a walk, but in a true rarity, did not allow anyone to cross the plate. Caleb Cotham followed Adleman with two scoreless innings, allowing just a single. He turned the reins over to Blake Wood in the eighth, but the right-hander allowed two hits and recorded only one out before manager Bryan Price pulled the plug and brought Tony Cingrani into the game for a five-out save, the first of his career. Our own Brandon Shrider wrote in April that Cingrani would be the best candidate for the closer role and it looks like Price finally agrees.

Offense stays hot

With another five runs tonight, the Reds have now scored 34 times over the last six games and have hit 11 home runs in that span. On Friday, the long balls came from Joey Votto, who hit a solo shot in the first inning, and Brandon Phillips, who smacked a homer for the third straight game with a three-run blast in the third. Adam Duvall was unable to stretch his home-run streak to four games, but did pick up an RBI double in the second inning and is now 5-for-his-last-13 with four extra-base hits and a walk.

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Adleman builds on solid debut

After seeing the bullpen blow what should’ve been a win in his first start in the majors, Tim Adleman had a better fortune the second time around. The right-hander wasn’t quite as pitch efficient on Friday as he was in his debut, but he did throw five impressive frames of one-run, four-hit baseball, while walking three and striking out four. His only big mistake came in his final inning when he allowed a solo home run to Alex Presley. It was a long road to the big leagues for the 28-year-old, and it looks like he’s here to stay for now.

Notes:

• The Reds had a bit of a scare when the Brewers’ Chris Carter collided with Votto at first base on an infield hit in the second inning. Votto’s left arm took the brunt of the hit, but he was fine and both players stayed in the game.
• Speaking of Votto, he also had two walks in addition to his home run, and is now hitting .333/.473/.548 with one double, three home runs, nine runs batted in and 12 walks since snapping his 0-for-19 drought.
• Zack Cozart hit his 10th double of the season in the third inning, making him the first shortstop in the National League to reach that mark and the 14th player overall.