St. Louis – While second baseman Jonathan India has been on fire at the top of the Reds lineup, the rest of the team has struggled to produce runs. India, who took over the leadoff spot after TJ Friedl’s injury, is batting .579 with four walks and seven extra-base hits in the last five games. However, the Reds have managed just one win during that stretch.
Friday’s shutout loss to the Cardinals highlighted the team’s offensive woes. Catcher Tyler Stephenson is on the paternity list, and key hitters Jake Fraley and Jeimer Candelario missed the first two games of the series due to injuries. The Reds managed only four hits against St. Louis starter Andre Pallante and none against the bullpen.
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The team’s struggles with runners in scoring position continued, going 1-for-10 in such situations. Starting pitcher Frankie Montas pitched well but was saddled with the loss after a misplay in the outfield allowed the Cardinals’ only run.
This loss extends the Reds’ losing streak to nine games and drops their record to 6-15 in one-run games. With key players sidelined and the offense sputtering, the team’s playoff aspirations seem increasingly distant.
