The Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday accomplished something that hadn't been done by a Cincinnati team in more than two decades. In the first inning at Great American Ball Park, they sent 13 batters to the plate against Spencer Arrighetti and Tayler Scott, scoring nine runs. It was the highest-scoring first inning by a Cincinnati team since a game on Aug. 9, 2002, against the San Diego Padres.
Jonathan India led off with a 436-foot homer to center for a quick lead.
Elly De La Cruz doubled and, after a Tyler Stephenson ground out moved him to third, he scored on a TJ Friedl double. Spencer Steer lined out before Ty France singled home Friedl to make it 3-0.
Jake Fraley and Santiago Espinal both walked to load the bases. Amed Rosario doubled off the glove of infielder Jeremy Pena to plate two more runs.
India walked to load the bases again and EDLC singled on a chopper over the first baseman Zach Dezenzo to score a pair for a 7-0 lead.
Scott relieved Arrighetti and yielded a 2-run single to Stephenson before retiring Friedl on a ground out to end the frame.
The Reds' Offensive Explosion
The Reds' offensive outburst was a welcome sight for fans, who have seen their team struggle at times this season. The Reds entered the game with a record of 66-73, well out of contention for a playoff spot. However, the team has shown signs of life in recent weeks, winning four of their last six games before Wednesday's game.
The Reds' offense has been particularly impressive in recent games, averaging over five runs per game in their last six contests. The team's ability to score runs in bunches was on full display on Wednesday, as they put up nine runs in the first inning. The Reds were able to put together a string of hits, walks, and doubles, which allowed them to score runs from all over the field. The Reds were aggressive on the bases, stealing two bases in the first inning.
The Reds were able to capitalize on the Astros' pitching struggles. Arrighetti, who was making his 25th start of the season, was pulled after just one inning. He was replaced by Scott, who was able to get out of the inning but was not able to stop the Reds from scoring any further runs.
The Astros' Struggles
The Astros have been one of the best teams in Major League Baseball in recent years, but they have struggled in recent weeks. They entered the game with a record of 75-63, which is still good enough to be in first place in the American League West. However, they have lost five of their last seven games, including their first two games of the series against the Reds.
The Astros' pitching has been a major issue for them in recent weeks. Arrighetti, who has been a reliable starter for the Astros this season, had a rough outing on Wednesday. He was pulled after just one inning, and the Astros' bullpen was unable to stop the Reds from scoring. The Astros' pitching staff has been struggling to keep up with the rest of the team.
A Turning Point?
It is too early to say whether Wednesday's game was a turning point for the Reds. However, the team's offensive outburst was a sign that they are capable of playing with the best teams in the league. If the Reds can continue to score runs at a high rate, they will be a tough team to beat. The team will look to build on Wednesday's victory as they attempt to make a late push for a playoff berth.
The Astros will be looking to bounce back from Wednesday's loss. They will need to find a way to improve their pitching if they want to make a run for the World Series.
What’s Next?
The Astros and Reds will conclude their three-game series on Thursday. The Astros will send right-hander Framber Valdez to the mound, while the Reds will counter with right-hander Luis Cessa.
