On Monday in San Diego, the Reds actually held a lead for the first time in eight days when Tommy Pham hit a solo homer in the top of the first. But the advantage was short lived as Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo gave up a two-run tater in the home first to Manny Machado.
Pham, a Padre last season, had three of Cincinnati’s six hits. Lodolo pitched much better Monday than in his MLB debut. He surrendered three runs and six hits over five innings with eight strikeouts and two walks. But as anemic as Cincinnati’s offense is right now, anything less than a stellar outing is not enough to get a win.
For a second straight game on Tuesday, the Reds enjoyed a brief lead against the Padres thanks to another first inning, solo home run by Pham. But also for a second straight game, the lead was lost in the bottom of the first thanks to a two-run homer by Machado. Cincy went on to fall 6-2 for their eighth consective defeat.
And to add insult to injury, the injuries are mounting for the Redlegs. Jonathan India and Mike Moustakas went on the 10-day injured list Monday. Catcher Tyler Stephenson left Tuesday’s game in the first after a home plate collision. He is under concussion protocol.
Cincinnati had one more chance to avoid a road trip sweep on Wednesday. However, the Padres hammered the seventh and final nail in the coffin by blanking the Reds 6-0.
Cincy was held to five hits, two of which came from Colin Moran.
Losers of nine straight, the Reds limp back home to begin a three game series with St. Louis on Friday at GABP.