The Cincinnati Reds encountered yet another defeat at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers, falling 10-7 in a game marked by defensive lapses and pitching struggles on September 4. This loss extends the Reds' disappointing record against the Brewers to 1-7 for the season, highlighting a troubling trend as they continue to struggle against their National League Central rivals.
Elly De La Cruz made his return to shortstop after a brief stint as the designated hitter, but his performance was marred by a pivotal error in the fifth inning. With the Reds leading 6-4, De La Cruz mishandled a potential double play ball from William Contreras, which opened the floodgates for the Brewers. The inning spiraled out of control as the Reds' bullpen faltered, allowing a series of runs that turned the game in Milwaukee's favor.
After De La Cruz's miscue, the Brewers capitalized on the situation. Sam Moll, who came in to relieve starting pitcher Rhett Lowder, hit Brice Turang with a pitch, forcing in a run. The subsequent hit by Cooper Pratt cleared the bases with a three-run triple, and a wild pitch allowed Pratt to score, resulting in a five-run inning that ultimately sealed the Reds' fate.
The attendance at Great American Ball Park was 30,450, but the home crowd left disappointed as the Reds struggled to contain the Brewers, who have now won nine consecutive series at this venue. This defeat also marks the Reds' 15th loss against NL Central opponents this season, emphasizing their difficulties within the division.
De La Cruz's error was the most significant of the night, but he wasn't the only player to struggle defensively. The Reds' starting pitcher, Rhett Lowder, had a rough outing, surrendering seven runs (six earned) on six hits over four innings. Lowder had been consistent in his previous starts, but this performance marked a significant downturn, especially after a solid August where he posted a 4.34 ERA.
Defensive miscues continued with Héctor Rodríguez in right field, who misplayed two extra-base hits, although he was not charged with an error. The Reds’ struggles were compounded in the sixth inning when Luis Mey balked, allowing a runner to advance into scoring position, leading to another run for the Brewers.
Despite the defensive woes, the Reds showcased their offensive capabilities early in the game. They managed to score six runs against Brewers’ left-hander Shane Drohan, with notable contributions from Matt McLain, who hit a two-run homer, and Eugenio Suárez, who added a three-run shot after recently becoming an American citizen.
As the Reds look to regroup, they will send left-hander Andrew Abbott to the mound for the second game of the series on September 5. Abbott, who has had an inconsistent season, will be aiming to bounce back from a rough outing against the Cubs. He previously faced the Brewers this season and will be looking to improve the Reds' fortunes against their divisional rivals.
In contrast, the Brewers will counter with right-hander Dustin May, who joined the team from the Cardinals and has had success against the Reds earlier this season. As the series continues, the Reds will need to address their defensive issues and find a way to secure a much-needed victory.
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