Reds news: Cincinnati looking to do this for the first time in 31 years

The Cincinnati Reds have ripped off three straight victories against their hated rival, the St. Louis Cardinals. Having secured a series win, the Reds now trail the Cardinals by just 2.5 games in the NL Central and are within striking distance of the first-place Chicago Cubs, whom they trail by four games.

With on win on Sunday, Cincinnati will have secured its first four-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals on the road since the franchise’s wire-to-wire World Championship season in 1990. The Reds will count on Wade Miley to get the job done today.

Reds look to sweep the Cardinals on the road for the first time in 31 years.

The Cincinnati lineup of Eric Davis, Barry Larkin, and Chris Sabo was quite impressive in 1990. It’s been that long since Cincinnati has taken four straight games on the road against St. Louis. If the Reds offensive producers continue to rattle off base hits and RBIs, the Redlegs have a great chance to match a feat that hasn’t been accomplished in the last 31 years.

Yesterday, it was the newly installed leadoff hitter Jonathan India who shined brightly. The Reds rookie went 2-for-4 with a walk and a home run. Nick Castellanos also extended his hitting streak to 21 games going 2-for-5 with a pair of singles.

India wasn’t the only Reds player to enjoy watching a ball enter the stands at Busch Stadium. In the top of the 6th inning, third baseman Eugenio Suarez launched his 13th home run of the 2021 season and gave Cincinnati a two-run advantage.

The Reds would play add-on in the seventh inning when a wild pitch gave Jesse Winker the opportunity to snag third base. Had backup catcher Andrew Knizner been on the money with his throw, the Cardinals may have preserved their two-run deficit. However, Knizner was way high of the covering Nolan Arenado, and Winker scored easily.

The Reds starting pitchers have looked the part versus the Cardinals.

Over the past three games, the Cincinnati Reds starting pitching has been quite effective. Rookie Vladimir Gutierrez went five innings on Thursday and allowed just two earned runs. Luis Castillo was impressive on Friday evening, going six strong and allowing just a solo shot. Tyler Mahle went seven innings yesterday, allowed just two runs, and punched out eight.

Wade Miley is on the bump today. The 34-year-old returned from a stint on the IL last week to go six innings in his last start against the Philadelphia Phillies. Miley allowed just one earned run and struck six in Cincinnati’s 11-1 victory last Monday night.

Miley’s last start versus the Cardinals saw the southpaw go six inning and allow just two runs on five hits while striking out two. With as good as the Reds offense has been lately, allowing only two runs to dent the plate may be enough. However, that would put a lot of pressure on the Reds beleaguered bullpen.

Tejay Antone and Lucas Sims, David Bell’s best relievers, both saw action yesterday. Each only worked one inning, including only 10 total pitches from Antone. With an off day on Monday, there’s reason to believe Antone could go at least one frame if needed.