Hello, and welcome to the 2022 Reds Opening Day Preview. It’s hard to believe another Opening Day is right around the corner. Yesterday was the last day of March, which means Opening Day is just around the corner. It’s time to start getting excited for the Cincinnati Reds 2022 season. They will open up the new season at home on Friday, April 1 at 4:10 p.m. ET. They will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Reds are coming off of their fourth straight losing season, which has left the fan base a bit restless. However, there is some reason for optimism this year. The Reds have made some significant changes to their roster, and they believe they have the pieces in place to compete for a playoff spot. Manager David Bell will return for his fourth season at the helm of the team..
One of the biggest changes to the Reds roster is the addition of Joey Votto. Votto is a six-time All-Star, and he is one of the best hitters in baseball. He is expected to be a major force in the middle of the Reds lineup. The Reds have also added some other key pieces, such as Tommy Pham, Brandon Drury, and Nick Senzel. These players should help the Reds offense be more productive in 2022.
Game Recap: Reds Fall in Season Opener
Reds Start Slow
The Cincinnati Reds’ season got off to a rocky start on Thursday night as they fell to the Chicago Cubs 7-2 in their home opener. Reds starter Luis Castillo struggled with his command early, walking three batters in the first inning and allowing the Cubs to score four runs. The Reds’ offense also struggled to get going, with just three hits and one walk through the first three innings.
Castillo settled down after the first inning, but the Cubs continued to put pressure on him, eventually chasing him from the game in the fifth inning after he allowed six runs on nine hits. The Reds’ bullpen wasn’t much better, allowing another run in the sixth inning. Meanwhile, the Reds’ offense continued to sputter, failing to score until the seventh inning when Joey Votto hit a solo home run.
The Reds did manage to add another run in the ninth inning, but it was too little, too late. The Cubs held on for the 7-2 win, spoiling the Reds’ home opener. The Reds will look to bounce back on Friday night when they face the Cubs again in the second game of their three-game series.
Reds’ Defense Struggles
In addition to their struggles on offense and pitching, the Reds’ defense also had a rough night. The Reds committed two errors in the game, both of which led to runs for the Cubs. The first error came in the first inning when shortstop Jose Barrero misplayed a ground ball, allowing two runs to score. The second error came in the fifth inning when right fielder Aristides Aquino dropped a fly ball, allowing another run to score.
The Reds’ defense has been a problem area for them in recent years, and it was again on Thursday night. The Reds will need to clean up their defense if they want to be successful in 2022.
Reds’ Offense Struggles
The Reds’ offense has struggled throughout spring training and the start of the regular season. The Reds have scored just 10 runs in their first four games, and they’ve yet to score more than three runs in a game. The Reds’ offense is missing some key players, including Jesse Winker and Nick Castellanos, but they’ll need to find a way to generate more runs if they want to win games.
The Reds have a lot of potential on offense, but they haven’t been able to put it together yet. The Reds will need to start hitting if they want to turn their season around.
Reds Offense Struggles
No Hits Through Four
The Reds offense was unable to produce a single hit through the first four innings of the game against the Chicago Cubs. Cubs starter Justin Steele was in complete control, keeping the Reds batters off balance with a mix of fastballs and off-speed pitches.
Multiple Reds batters struck out looking or swinging at pitches outside the strike zone. Eugenio Suarez, Kyle Farmer, and Joey Votto all fanned twice in the first four innings. Steele also induced several groundouts, with Jonathan India, Tyler Stephenson, and Aramis Garcia each grounding out to the infield.
The Reds had a few opportunities with runners on base but failed to capitalize. In the second inning, India walked and stole second base, but Stephenson grounded out to third to end the threat. In the third inning, Farmer singled and Votto drew a walk, but India grounded into a double play to extinguish the rally.
Missed Opportunities
The Reds continued to miss opportunities to score runs throughout the game. In the fifth inning, Suarez singled with one out and advanced to second on a wild pitch. However, Farmer and Votto both struck out, leaving Suarez stranded.
In the seventh inning, the Reds had another chance with runners in scoring position. Garcia singled and Brandon Drury walked with one out, but Joey Votto grounded into a double play to end the threat.
The Reds’ offense was unable to break through against the Cubs pitching staff, as they finished the game with only four hits and no runs. They struck out a total of 12 times and stranded 10 runners on base.
Reds Defense Shaky
The Reds’ defense was far from stellar in their first game of the 2022 season, committing a total of three errors. The outfielders, in particular, seemed to be having trouble communicating, leading to several misplays. Additionally, the Reds’ baserunning was sloppy at times, which resulted in several outs.
Errors and Misplays
The Reds’ first error came in the top of the first inning. With a runner on first and one out, the Pirates’ Ke’Bryan Hayes hit a ground ball to Reds first baseman Joey Votto. Votto fielded the ball cleanly, but his throw to second base was wide, allowing Hayes to reach. The error proved to be costly, as Hayes eventually scored on a double by Bryan Reynolds.
The Reds committed another error in the top of the third inning. With runners on first and second and two outs, the Pirates’ Ben Gamel hit a ground ball to Reds shortstop Kyle Farmer. Farmer fielded the ball cleanly, but his throw to first base was off-target, allowing Gamel to reach. The error loaded the bases, and the Pirates went on to score two runs on a single by Hayes.
The Reds’ third error came in the top of the fifth inning. With runners on first and second and one out, the Pirates’ Reynolds hit a ground ball to Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Suarez fielded the ball cleanly, but his throw to second base was wide, allowing Reynolds to reach. The error proved to be costly, as Reynolds eventually scored on a single by Hayes.
Miscommunication in the Outfield
The Reds’ outfielders had several miscommunications throughout the game. In the top of the second inning, the Pirates’ Reynolds hit a fly ball to right field. Reds right fielder Aristides Aquino and center fielder Nick Senzel both went for the ball, and they collided. The ball fell to the ground for a double.
In the top of the fourth inning, the Pirates’ Hayes hit a fly ball to left-center field. Reds left fielder Tommy Pham and center fielder Senzel both went for the ball, and they collided. The ball fell to the ground for a double.
Poor Baserunning by Reds
The Reds’ baserunning was sloppy at times, which resulted in several outs. In the bottom of the second inning, Reds leadoff hitter Jonathan India singled. India then tried to steal second base, but he was thrown out by Pirates catcher Roberto Perez.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Reds batter Tyler Stephenson singled. Stephenson then tried to steal second base, but he was thrown out by Perez.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Reds batter Mike Moustakas singled. Moustakas then tried to steal second base, but he was thrown out by Perez.
Bullpen Impresses
The Reds’ bullpen turned in a commendable performance, effectively limiting the Cubs’ scoring opportunities. Despite entering the game in a challenging situation, the relievers displayed remarkable composure and command over their pitches.
Strong Outings
Following starter Hunter Greene’s departure in the fourth inning, reliever Dauri Moreta took the mound and immediately showcased his pinpoint accuracy. Over two scoreless innings, Moreta struck out three batters and allowed only one baserunner, demonstrating his ability to neutralize the Cubs’ lineup.
Following Moreta’s departure, Alex Blandino stepped up and delivered a stellar two-inning outing. The versatile utility player displayed a surprising command of his fastball and changeup, keeping the Cubs’ batters off balance and inducing four groundouts.
The veteran right-hander Luis Cessa made an appearance in the eighth inning and continued the impressive trend. Working with a runner on base, Cessa recorded two quick outs, including a crucial strikeout against Patrick Wisdom, before inducing an inning-ending groundout.
Command of Pitches
A hallmark of the Reds’ bullpen’s performance was their exceptional command of their pitches. Moreta’s fastball consistently reached the mid-90s and featured excellent movement, while Blandino’s changeup deceived batters with its late break. Cessa showcased a pinpoint slider that kept the Cubs’ hitters guessing.
This exceptional command allowed the relievers to work efficiently and minimize the number of baserunners they allowed. The Cubs managed to put only two runners in scoring position against the Reds’ bullpen, which is a testament to the relievers’ ability to control the strike zone.
Glimmer of Hope
The impressive outing by the Reds’ bullpen provided a glimmer of hope for a team that has struggled to find consistency. The relievers’ ability to limit the Cubs’ scoring opportunities gave the Reds a chance to get back into the game, despite falling behind early.
While the Reds ultimately fell short in their season opener, the bullpen’s performance was a bright spot. It demonstrated that the team has the potential to put together strong outings from its relievers, which could be crucial for their success in the upcoming season.
Offensive Surge in the Fifth
Reds Strike Back
The Reds offense came alive in the fifth inning, stringing together a series of hits to mount a comeback. It all started with a pair of singles, putting runners on first and second with no outs. Then, a walk loaded the bases, setting the stage for a big hit.
Joey Votto stepped up to the plate and delivered, ripping a line drive into right field that cleared the bases. The hit cut the Rockies’ lead in half and breathed new life into the Reds dugout. Votto’s timely hit was a testament to his leadership and clutch gene.
The Reds continued to chip away at the lead, with Kyle Farmer driving in a run on a sacrifice fly. The inning culminated with a single by Tyler Stephenson that scored another run, bringing the Reds within one run of the Rockies.
The fifth inning surge was a much-needed spark for the Reds, who had been struggling offensively up to that point. It showed that they had the potential to put together big innings and score runs in bunches.
The rally also highlighted the team’s resilience and determination. Even though they faced a deficit, they refused to give up and fought back with a vengeance. The fifth inning surge was a major turning point in the game, and it set the tone for the Reds’ eventual victory.
Reds Fall Short in Comeback Attempt
Not Enough Time
The Cincinnati Reds couldn’t sustain the momentum of their late-inning rally, falling short in a 6-4 loss to the Chicago Cubs in their 2022 season opener at Great American Ball Park. After trailing by five runs heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, the Reds mounted a spirited comeback, scoring three runs on a pair of homers. However, the Cubs held on to secure the victory and spoil the Reds’ home opener.
The Reds’ offense was led by outfielder Tyler Naquin, who went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and a double. Catcher Aramis Garcia also chipped in with a solo home run, his first of the season. Despite their offensive efforts, the Reds were unable to overcome a shaky performance from their bullpen, who allowed three runs in the top of the seventh inning, erasing the Reds’ early lead.
Starting pitcher Nick Lodolo struggled in his season debut, allowing three runs on four hits and three walks in just four innings of work. Reliever Lucas Sims fared no better, giving up three runs on three hits in just one inning of work. The Reds’ bullpen was unable to hold the lead in the late innings, which proved to be the deciding factor in the game.
The Reds’ loss drops them to 0-1 on the season, while the Cubs improve to 1-0. The two teams will meet again in Cincinnati on Saturday afternoon for the second game of their three-game series.