The Reds went 1 and 3 this stretch, dropping a one-game set to the Philadelphia Phillies and then losing two of three to the Chicago Cubs. It started with a 0-1 loss to the Phillies on Thursday, July 9. Then came the Cubs series: a 4-0 win on Friday, July 10, followed by a 3-5 loss Saturday and a 4-8 loss Sunday. That's a two-game losing streak heading into the break.
None of it moved the standings much. The Reds sit fifth in the National League Central, 15.5 games back, same as before this stretch. The Milwaukee Brewers lead the division and actually went 1 and 3 themselves this week, so nobody gained ground at the top. Over the last ten games the Reds are 4 and 6, and the run differential slipped a bit further, from minus 57 to minus 60.
Friday's win against the Cubs was the highlight. Hunter Greene was terrific, going 7.0 innings with 0 earned runs and 12 strikeouts for the win. Elly De La Cruz (SS) went 2 for 5 with a home run and an RBI that day, and JJ Bleday (LF) added a home run and 2 RBI of his own. Bleday was the steadiest bat all week, hitting .286 over the four games with 2 home runs and 4 RBI. Nathaniel Lowe (1B) also went deep, homering in Saturday's loss. Brady Singer took the loss Thursday despite going 7.1 innings and striking out 5.
Now the league is on its All-Star break, with the All-Star Game held Tuesday, July 14. The Reds last played Sunday, July 12, and they're off until they head to Coors Field to face the Colorado Rockies. That series starts Friday, July 17, first pitch at 5:40 PM.