MLB Playoffs: 3 takeaways from the Reds extra-inning loss to the Braves

2. Reds slugger Mike Moustakas missed a lot of opportunities.

The Cincinnati Reds spent a lot of money this offseason with eyes toward upgrading the team’s offense. Their spending spree didn’t bring much of a return, as Mike Moustakas and Shogo Akiyama were a collective 0-for-6 with two strikeouts. Moustakas alone stranded five runners on base while at the plate.

That’s not to say that the blame for this loss rests solely on the shoulders of Moustakas. If it weren’t for his hot hitting down the stretch, the Reds might not even be in the postseason. However, there were several opportunities for Moustakas to break the game open and he didn’t do it.

The closest Moose came was in the top of the 13th inning with Joey Votto at third and Eugenio Suárez sitting at first base. Moustakas worked the count full and then fouled off three consecutive pitches before drawing a walk in a nine-pitch at-bat. That handed the reigns over to Aristides Aquino who promptly struck out swinging.

Mike Moustakas is a grizzled veteran, and every player on the team refers to him as the leader in the clubhouse. If that’s the case, then expect to see some fire from Moustakas when the Redlegs take the field tomorrow. There’s nothing that can be done about today’s loss, but the Reds get another crack at it tomorrow. Let’s hope Moose and the gang are ready.