Second Straight Series Win for Cincinnati Reds: Postgame Takeaways

Frankie Montas (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)(Chris Szagola | AP)

After a brutal month of May, going 9-18 during this stretch, the Cincinnati Reds seem to have found their rhythm now winning 9 of their last 12 games. After completing the sweep over the Colorado Rockies, the Reds will finish their road trip and fly home optimistic going into their upcoming series against the Chicago Cubs.

The Rally Reds recent success has been in large due to their clutch hitting and shutdown bullpen both of which were major problems for them during their early season struggles. Hot stretches from a returning TJ Friedl and Spencer Steer have provided the Reds pitching staff with some much-needed run insurance. Rising superstar Elly De La Cruz has also seemed to break out of his recent offensive lull securing his first multi-hit game in 6 games. This combined with timely hits from Jeimer Candelario, Jake Fraley, and now Johnathan India, have the Reds offense looking just as electric as it was throughout their exciting 2023 season.

Cincinnati’s bullpen has also seen improvements as of late, during game one of their previous series against the Chicago Cubs, the Reds found themselves down early as Graham Ashcraft gave up 3 runs in 4.2 innings. Despite this, Cincinnati’s bullpen surrendered just one run throughout the final 4.1 innings and the Reds would go on to win the game. In their series against the Colorado Rockies, Andrew Abbott and Frankie Montas both threw impressive games only allowing 8 hits and 3 runs between the two of them. Their relievers complimented them with scoreless outings from Sam Moll, Lucas Sims, Fernando Cruz, and Brent Suter who all helped relieve a struggling Graham Ashcraft and secure the Reds first sweep in Colorado in 12 years.

The Reds will start their six game homestand on Thursday including a four-game set against the Cubs and a two-game set against the Guardians. Hunter Greene and Javier Assad are the projected starters.