The Cincinnati Reds suffered their first shutout loss since July 25th, falling to the Cleveland Guardians 3-0.
Cleveland got out to a fast start with Kole Calhoun’s 2-run single in the first off of Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft.
Over the course of the 9 innings, Cincinnati managed to get just one runner make to third base. That occurred in the 6th inning when Spencer Steer flied into a double play, allowing Matt McClain to advance to third. The next batter, Hunter Ramos, struck out to end the inning, leaving the Reds scoreless.
Cleveland’s Steven Kwan knocked in an insurance run on a single in the top of the 7th to give the Guardians the 3-0 lead that they would hold onto for the rest of the game.
Ashcraft took the loss on the mound, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits in 7 innings.
Will Benson recorded the Reds’ lone extra-base hit, batting 1-1 with a double.
With the Cubs’ loss, Cincinnati (62-59) and Chicago (61-58) remain tied for 2nd in the NL Central, trailing 1st place Milwaukee by 4 games.
The series finale is tonight. Coverage on 103.9 WRBI begins at 6:10.