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Cincinnati Reds: Tyler Mahle has a tough task while seeking an elusive win

By Drew Koch

SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 21: Tyler Mahle #30 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park April 21, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - APRIL 21: Tyler Mahle #30 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park April 21, 2019 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /
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Tyler Mahle takes the bump today for the Cincinnati Reds. After Anthony DeSclafani was shelled last night, Mahle has his work cut out for him as he searches for his first win.

If Tyler Mahle wants to snag his first win of the season, he’s going to have to bring his A-game to Great American Ball Park this afternoon. Today’s tilt between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers will be no picnic for the right-hander.

Hopefully, the Cincinnati Reds’ bats wake up and give Mahle some run support. The Reds’ one-run losses this season have been well-documented, but few have suffered more than Tyler Mahle. The Reds have lost 13-of-20 one-run games and Mahle has started 3 of those 13 losses. He was also on the hill for the Reds’ 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins, but was not the pitcher of record.

Mahle’s had two poor performances this season. One was on the road in St. Louis where he gave up 5 runs on 7 hits to the Cardinals. The other was, unfortunately, against the same team that Cincinnati will square off against on Saturday.

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    • The Los Angeles Dodgers lit up Mahle when the two clubs clashed at Chavez Ravine. Tyler Mahle gave up 11 hits in 6 innings pitched against LA. The Dodgers won the game 6-1 and Mahle was charged with 4 earned runs. The Reds’ right-hander cannot afford fall behind again.

    Mahle gave up a two-out RBI single to Alex Verdugo in the first inning and then another two-out hit plated two more runs in the second inning when Joc Pederson took Tyler Mahle deep and gave the Dodgers a 3-0 lead. Back-to-back-to-back singles, all with two-outs scored another run and Los Angeles took a 4-0 lead into the top of the third inning.

    To Mahle’s credit, he was the only offense the Reds could muster against Kenta Maeda. Mahle doubled in the third inning and came home on a double to the gap in right field by first baseman Joey Votto.

    Tyler Mahle settled in after the second inning and only allowed three hits over the next four innings, but the damage was already done. Mahle left after a 1-2-3 inning to close out the sixth inning. That version of Tyler Mahle is the one the Cincinnati Reds need to see on the mound today against Los Angeles.

    Not only does Tyler Mahle have to be better, but the Cincinnati Reds’ hitters have got to find their groove. The Reds only recorded four hits in Mahle’s last start against the Dodgers. One of those belonged to Mahle and another was a single by Matt Kemp, who ‘s no longer on the roster.

    Walker Buehler will oppose Mahle today. The Reds were silenced by Buehler in their previous matchup earlier this season. On April 17th, Buehler went 6.1 innings and allowed just 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 8.

    The Cincinnati Reds have their work cut out for them against the red-hot Dodgers this afternoon. Los Angeles has a record of 30-16, a 4-game winning streak, and have won 8 of their last 10 games. All those are tops in the National League.

    The Reds need to get to Walker Buehler early, which is easier said than done. The Lexington, Kentucky native is 4-0 on the season with a 4.15 ERA. He doesn’t give up many walks and he’s not very susceptible to the long ball.

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    Joey Votto has been the only player on the Cincinnati Reds who’s had any real success against Buehler. Votto is 2-for-5 with a walk and a run scored. The Reds need Nick Senzel to set to the table early and Joey Votto to perform up to his lofty standards in order to have any chance against the Dodgers this afternoon.

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