How red-hot Reds can extend run in October
This browser does not support the video element.
CINCINNATI -- The Reds scratched and clawed their way into the playoffs, but the hard part is just beginning. A Cincinnati club hasn’t advanced past the first round of the postseason since 1995, when it reached the National League Championship Series only to be swept by the Braves.
The 2020 Reds want to go much farther.
“Teams that have built momentum going into the playoffs are a dangerous team, so we have a lot to prove. And a team that has a lot to prove is a dangerous team,” Reds reliever Michael Lorenzen said. “We’re excited about it.”
Shop for postseason gear: October proved short the last three times the Reds appeared in the playoffs. In the 2010 NL Division Series, they were swept in three games by the Phillies -- including a Game 1 no-hitter by Roy Halladay. They had a 2-0 lead in the ‘12 NLDS vs. the Giants but couldn’t close, losing the next three games in order. In ‘13, they lost the NL Wild Card Game at Pittsburgh.
How do the Reds advance out of the Wild Card Series?
In a best-of-three series with no days off, the onus will be on the starting pitchers -- Trevor Bauer, Luis Castillo and, if needed, Sonny Gray -- to continue their momentum into the postseason and go deeper into games. Bauer is best positioned to deliver, as only one of his 11 regular-season starts did not last six or more innings.
• Reds set postseason rotation
But if any of the three starters hit a skid, the bullpen has enough depth and length to provide a bridge to the late innings. Beginning with Lorenzen and including Tejay Antone, Tyler Mahle, Wade Miley and Anthony DeSclafani, Cincinnati has relievers who can work up to five innings. All but Miley have power right arms.
This browser does not support the video element.
What does the blueprint for a championship run look like?
The Reds are one of the hottest teams in the league heading into the postseason. At 20-26 on Sept. 12, they went 11-3 the rest of the way and won five straight series. Several hitters who endured lousy starts to the season and came on strong down the stretch -- including Shogo Akiyama, Mike Moustakas and Joey Votto -- found their swings and started producing as expected. Their momentum must continue into October. Bauer, Castillo and Gray will set the tone from the mound, and the bullpen -- which opened the year struggling, then dominated -- can shorten games with lockdown appearances from Amir Garrett, Archie Bradley and closer Raisel Iglesias.
• Johnson talks Reds' playoff pitching strategy
This browser does not support the video element.
What is one reason for concern?
The Reds’ offense held a Major League-worst .212 batting average in the regular season, making them only the third team to finish last in average and still make the postseason. The only team with a worse single-season mark since 1900 was the 1910 White Sox, which batted .211. Much of Cincinnati’s runs were scored via homers. It happened an MLB-leading 61.1 percent of the time. So if Reds hitters can’t access their power, runs could hard to come by.