Offense reverts to old habits, Reds lose to Cubs 6-1

Just when you think the Reds offense has it figured out and is ready to break into an extended groove, they throw up a clunker like they did on Saturday. After getting a run in the top of the first, the Reds did not dent the plate again the remainder of the game and lose to the Cubs 6-1. Mike Leake did not help matters on the mound, going only 5.2 innings, and surrendering 5 earned runs on 10 hits.

I am beginning to think that I am the problem. I have now watched 5 Reds games from start to finish this season, three on TV and two in person, and the Reds have lost all 5.

WHY WE LOST

Mike Leake gave up 4 runs in the second inning and the offense was shut out for the final 8 innings, that is about all you need to say about that.

THE TURNING POINT

The game was decided in the bottom of the second inning. Leake had given upn one run already, but struck out his opposing pitcher, Paul Maholm, for the second out. So there were two outs and a man on third, the game only 2-1 Cubs at that point. Leake then proceeded to give up a single to David DeJesus, a double to Darwin Barney, and a triple to Starlin Castro (In Leake's defense, Ryan Ludwick probably should have caught Casrto's ball, but Luddie turned in so many different directions while the ball was in the air he needed a map.) The end result was three more Cub runs that inning to make it 5-1 and the game was never in doubt for the next 7 innings.

REDS PLAYER OF THE GAME

Zach Cozart is settling into the lead-off spot. He was 2 for 5 today with 2 doubles and a run scored.

UP NEXT

The Reds look to take the rubber match from the Cubs tomorrow and win their first series since the opening series of the season against the Miami Marlins. Reds send their ace Johnny Cueto (1-0, 1.89 ERA) to the hill against Randy Wells. Wells is making his first start of the year in the spot that would have been occupied by Ryan Dempster, who was placed on the 15 day DL.

Today's loss drops the Reds to 6-9 and 4.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in third place in the NL Central. The Cardinals play in Pittsburgh tonight.