Cincinnati Reds make history with third straight shutout loss

Photo Credit: Michael McLoone/Imagn Images

When Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Joel Payamps struck out Reds left fielder Gavin Lux looking in the top of the ninth inning Thursday, history was made but not in a good way. The Reds had just been shut out for the third consecutive game, all by a score of 1-0.

Thursday afternoon’s loss saw professional baseball’s first team become the sixth team to lose three straight 1-0 games. The Reds were the first team to do so since the Philadelphia Phillies in 1960. This is just the second time a team has lost three consecutive games by a score of 1-0 since the beginning of the live-ball era in 1920, per ESPN.

“Nobody’s happy with what’s happened the last three games,” said Reds manager Terry Francona. “We’ll figure it out together. I feel strongly about that.”

This historic streak follows a 14-3 rout over the Texas Rangers, the team’s largest win since September 29, 2023. The Reds put on a show for their home fans at Great American Ballpark. MVP-hopeful Elly De La Cruz led the way with a career-high seven RBI and two home runs on four hits. Second baseman Matt McLain was also impressive, driving in three runs on two hits including a first-inning homer to get the scoring started. While not a factor in the team’s offense, debutant starting pitcher Brady Singer threw seven scoreless innings with eight strikeouts on his Reds debut.

Things were looking good for the Reds after thumping the Rangers but what followed was impressive for all the wrong reasons.

On Tuesday, April 1, the Reds had four hits and no extra-base knocks in the first of three straight 1-0 losses. Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi threw a 99-pitch complete game shutout. Unfortunately for Reds fans, this historic streak was not an April Fool’s joke because it continued the next day. The Reds would lose the rubber match of the series, 1-0, finishing the afternoon with just three hits and no walks.

With a new series starting the following day in Milwaukee, it was a good time for the Reds to turn up the heat offensively and get out of their mini-slump. When the final out was recorded, the Reds had once again lost by the familiar score of 1-0. The offense did not explode but was even worse than in the series finale against the Rangers. Reds batters recorded two hits and were 0-6 with runners in scoring position.

If the pattern continues, the Reds will lose 1-0 with one hit on Friday night and become the first team in league history to fall by the same 1-0 scoreline in four consecutive games.

“Right now, our pitchers are doing really well and our hitters, we’re grinding,” said Reds catcher Jose Trevino. “It’s not like we’re out there trying to give outs away. We’re out there putting some good at-bats together. We’re going to turn this thing around. I have full confidence in this team.”

As Trevino noted, the Reds pitching staff has been excellent over this somber streak, only giving up one run in each of the three contests. Impressive starts from aces Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo and strong outings from the bullpen gave the Reds a fighting chance in all three games. Eventually, the offense will use the momentum given to them by the pitchers and repay them for their hard work.

Will the Reds be able to put a run on the board Friday night or will their scoreless streak continue?