The Cincinnati Reds travel to Tropicana Field to take on the Tampa Bay Rays. The Reds activated TJ Friedl off the IL, sending Rece Hinds to Triple A. The Rays aren’t having the year they are used to having and have appeared to begin selling assets. Prior to the game on Friday the team traded Randy Arozarena to the Mariners, Zack Eflin to the Orioles and RHP Jason Adam to San Diego. Questions surround the Queen City if the Reds will follow the Rays philosophy and sell at the deadline, or buy.

Game 1:

Fridays game would see Nick Lodolo take on Shane Baz for the Rays for a 3 game weekend series. Lodolo has been struggling lately after his phenomenal start to the season but looks to get back on track. Top of the 1st inning, the Reds would strike first on a Jeimer Candelario 2 run double, scoring India and Friedl. The Reds lead 2-0. The Rays would strike back in the 2nd on a Jose Siri RBI groundout and a Jose Caballero single, the game is tied at 2. Both offenses would be quieted by some terrific pitching. Shane Baz would have one of his best outings of the season, going 6 innings, allowing 2 hits, 2 walks and striking out 7 while allowing the 2 runs in the Candelario double. Lodolo would also pitch his best outing in about a month, going 6.2 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 earned runs, 1 walk and 5 strikeouts. The Reds bullpen would only allow 2 hits and 1 walk while the Rays bullpen wouldn’t allow a hit until the 10th. The free runner at 2nd would advance to 3rd on a ground out. Stuart Fairchild would rip a double just fair down the left field line, scoring the runner at 3rd and giving the Reds a 3-2 lead. Alexis Diaz would pitch a 1-2-3 10th and the Reds would win 3-2.

BOX SCORE STANDOUTS:

Jeimer Candelario: 1-4 2B, 2RBI

Tyler Stephenson: 1-3 BB

Nick Martinez: 2IP, 1H, 2K, 1BB

Winning Pitcher: Nick Martinez (4-5 3.77 ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Manuel Rodriguez (1-2 2.81 ERA)

Save: Alexis Diaz (20)

Saturday Starters:

Andrew Abbott

Zack Littell

Game 2:

Andrew Abbott gets the start for the Reds Saturday afternoon against Zack Littell for the Rays. Tampa would score 1 in the 2nd on a fielders choice, originally called safe. Rays lead 1-0. The Reds offense would be nearly non existent Saturday, only mustering 4 hits. The Rays would get to Abbott in the 5th, taking him deep back to back. Rays lead 3-0. Later in the inning Brandon Lowe would hit a RBI double to extend the Rays lead to 4-0. The Rays bullpen would allow only 1 hit. Abbott didn’t have his best stuff in this one, allowing 3 runs in the 5th with 2 home runs. The Rays win 4-0. The Reds finish the game with 4 hits. Abbott finished Saturday going 4 innings, allowing 8 hits, 4 earned runs striking out and walking 2. The Reds bullpen did not allow a hit.

BOX SCORE STANDOUTS:

The Bullpen: 4IP, 0H, 3K

Winning Pitcher: Zack Littell (9-7 3.38 ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Andrew Abbott (4-7 4.18 ERA)

Sunday Starters:

Hunter Greene

Shawn Armstrong (opener)

Game 3:

Hunter Greene comes into Sunday as a strong contender for NL Pitcher of the Month for July. Greene squares off what would end up being a bullpen day for the Rays in Shawn Armstrong being used as an opener. The Reds would get a run on the board in the 1st on a single by Austin Wynns, scoring Fairchild. Santiago Espinal would get thrown out at home after a rundown between first and second by Austin Wynns. Hunter Greene was UNTOUCHABLE Sunday afternoon, carrying a No Hitter through 5 innings. Bottom 6, Elly De La Cruz would add on to his impressive offensive day with a spectacular defensive play, preserving the no hit bid. Greene would finally allow a hit with 2 outs in the 6th. Greene would escape a jam in the inning, striking out Josh Lowe with 2 runners on. Greene would throw a scoreless 7th and that would end his day. Fernando Cruz would be called to pitch in the 8th. Cruz would work the bases loaded and strike out Ahmed Rosario but the ball would get past the catcher, Wynns, allowing all runners to advance, tying the game at 1. Lucas Sims would replace Cruz and walk in the runner from 3rd, giving the Rays a 2-1 lead. Will Benson would strike out looking in the 9th with a runner on, ending the threat and giving the Rays the 2-1 win. Rays win the series after Cincinnati wins the first game of the series, a common thread this season. Hunter Greene ends July with 27 innings pitched, 1 run, 9 hits, 29K’s, 6BB and a 0.33 ERA. Hunter Greene is having a breakout 2024 campaign. Elly De La Cruz is the first player since Rickey Henderson in 1988 with 3 hits and 4 stolen bases.

BOX SCORE STANDOUTS:

Elly De La Cruz: 3-4 4 SB(55)

Hunter Greene: 7IP 2H, 5K, 1BB, 0R

Winning Pitcher: Garrett Cleavinger (7-2 3.21 ERA)

Losing Pitcher: Fernando Cruz (3-8 4.81 ERA)

Save: Pete Fairbanks (20)

The Reds continue to lose a series after winning the first game. They’ve lost 10 out of the 35 series this year after winning the first game. The Reds return home to take on the Cubs Monday. Jameson Taillon is projected to start for the Cubs. Carson Spiers is scheduled to start for the Reds.

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