CINCINNATI, Oh. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds managed just four hits Friday night as they were blanked by the Baltimore Orioles 3-0 on their return to Great American Ball Park.
Baltimore wasted little time getting on the board, scoring in the first inning after Taylor Ward crossed the plate on a throwing error by catcher Tyler Stephenson during a double steal. The Orioles added two more runs in the third when Samuel Basallo launched a two-run home run to left-center field, giving Baltimore all the offense it would need.
Cincinnati threatened at times, drawing six walks, but couldn't come up with a timely hit. Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Noelvi Marte and JJ Bleday each collected one hit as the Reds finished with four hits and left runners stranded throughout the night.
Brady Singer took the loss, allowing three runs on three hits over five innings while striking out six. The bright spot for Cincinnati came out of the bullpen, as Caleb Ferguson, Chase Petty and Juilian Garcia combined for four scoreless innings. It marks the second consecutive game the Reds' bullpen has not allowed a run after struggling for much of the season.
The Reds will try to avoid dropping the series to Baltimore on the 250th anniversary of the United States of America at Great American Ball Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 6:40 p.m. on WMDJ FM 100.1.
