Royals 3 Reds 2
So much for that sweep and getting back above .500.
Royals rookie LHP Noah Cameron handcuffed the Reds (28-29), allowing one run into the 7th inning. His ERA now 1.05 after four career starts.
Hunter Greene battled through five innings, allowing two runs, but was once again done in by a pitch count that climbed early.
Trailed 1-0 in 4th, 2-0 5th, 2-1 6th, 3-1 7th, 3-2 8th.
They fall to 5-9 in 1-run games. Now 0-22 when trailing after 6 innings. That's hard to digest.
With the Cubs win, the Reds fall a season worst 7.5 games out of first place.
Chances:
7th: Trailing 2-1 w/ 2 on, 1 out, Espinal bounced into a DP. The Royals added a 7th inning insurance run off a wild Luis Mey.
8th: Elly doubled to leadoff. Steer 2-out RBI made it 3-2. PH Benson popped out (0 for last 11).
How? Maikel Garcia, moving on the pitch, scored from 1st in the 4th on a grounder under McLain. Joe’s didn’t exactly show awareness/urgency in his field/throw from RF.
Offense: 9 H, 2 BB, 5 K.
Stephenson: 3 H
Steer: 3 H, 2 2-out RBI
Friedl: 2 H. Six straight multi-hit games, 8 last 9.
Hays: BB. Visible limp after foul off his foot/but scored from 2nd. Left the game later.
Elly: 2B, R
Corner OF Joe/Hampson: 0 for 6, BB.
McLain: 0 for 4 after not starting last night (.179).
I'd submit that any team starting a corner OF of Connor Joe and Garrett Hampson...A. Deserves to lose. B. Should be questioned about the seriousness of this venture.
Greene: 5 IN, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K, 88 pitches. Never appeared comfortable. 1st: H, BB, 25 pitches. 57 thru 3. 73 thru 4. Took liner off back right calf.
Hosed by a couple calls.
India: 2 H. Caught stealing by Stephenson. Nice field/throw in 9th.
Bullpen: Barlow: 1.0, Mey 1.0, 2 BB, WP, R, Gibaut 1.0
Terry Francona was ejected for arguing balls and strikes when McLain was called out in the 9th.
Next: Off day. At Wrigley on Friday.