flawed and messy, but in the end, fulfilling. In 2023, that was frequently a formula for a number of exciting Reds victories in the late innings.
It was generally disorganized and unsatisfactory in Saturday’s second game of 2024 against the Nationals. And Cincinnati was left with a deflated souffle and a 7-6 loss at the end, rather than a chef’s kiss of victory. Closer Alexis Díaz blew a save attempt in the top of the ninth inning, giving up three runs.
Through interpreter Jorge Merlos, Díaz remarked, “I pretty much lost the zone.” “There were strikes that weren’t called against the first batter. Everything is an element of the game. I got the second batter out. I was unable to control the zone at all after that.
But a lot of things, including defensive blunders, occurred before Díaz received the ball and contributed to Washington’s victory.
Manager David Bell stated, “Probably the best way to sum it up is that we made a few plays today — several plays — that we typically make and we will make them going forward.”
This is where a few of the errors occurred:
Keibert Ruiz’s RBI single
During the top of the fourth inning, Keibert Ruiz hit a popup to short center field with one out. Elly De La Cruz, the shortstop, appeared to be near to an over-the-shoulder catch as he went back for the ball while playing to pull and stationed closer to second base. But De La Cruz pulled up as Stuart Fairchild was crossing home plate, and the ball landed for an RBI single and a 1-0 lead for the Nationals.
Hunter Greene gave consecutive one-out walks in the fifth inning, tying the score at one while he was unable to stop Jesse Winker’s comebacker. Joey Meneses sent a fly ball into center field as runners were on the corners. Fairchild seemed to carelessly catch the ball and failed to make a throw, possibly believing there were two outs, allowing CJ Abrams to score easily.
Joey Meneses’ sac fly
Alleviator Eddie Rosario popped up to the right side of the infield as Justin Wilson was pitching in the sixth inning. The ball was being moved by the wind that was spinning when Christian Encarnacion-Strand called for it but decided to back off at the last second. Santiago Espinal, the second baseman, was unable to catch it.
The official scorer revised the original ruling of an error to a single. Espinal admitted that the two popups dropping for hits was a result of inadequate communication in the field.
The departure of the two top defensive players on the team has made Cincinnati’s defense, which was weak even before the season began, even more so.
Center fielder TJ Friedl (broken right wrist) and second baseman Matt McLain (left shoulder surgery) are not on the injured list.
But Bell didn’t see things that way.
“I haven’t given it any thought. No, I’m really happy with the guys we have there,” he remarked.
Hunter Greene fans seven
In just 4 2/3 innings, Greene threw 100 pitches and gave up four walks. He was given no decision.
Naturally, there have been occasions when Greene has not made pitches. “Not to put the squad down, but there were some events that occurred behind me. They managed to return and make contact. That game today is quite emotional. But also things I was powerless over. That, in my opinion, slightly enhanced it.
