Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

Cincinnati Reds Face Rangers in Decisive Game 3: Can Cincinnati Bounce Back?

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On April 2, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds face the Texas Rangers in the decisive third game of their series at Great American Ball Park, with first pitch set for 12:40 PM EDT. After splitting the first two games, the Reds aim to secure their first series win of the young season. The series opener saw Cincinnati’s offense erupt for a 14-3 victory, powered by Elly De La Cruz’s two home runs and seven RBIs, alongside Brady Singer’s seven shutout innings in his Reds debut. However, the Rangers bounced back in Game 2, with Nathan Eovaldi delivering a masterful complete-game shutout, allowing just four hits in a 1-0 win, evening the series. Today’s matchup features Reds right-hander Hunter Greene (0-0, 3.60 ERA) against Rangers righty Jack Leiter (1-0, 1.80 ERA). Greene, coming off a solid first start, will look to harness his electric fastball to stifle Texas’ lineup, which has struggled offensively outside of Wyatt Langford’s solo homer in Game 2. Leiter, fresh off his first MLB win, brings momentum but faces a Reds offense that showcased its potential in the opener. Cincinnati’s key hitters, like De La Cruz and Gavin Lux, will need to solve Leiter early to avoid another quiet day at the plate. The Reds’ pitching staff has shown promise, but consistency remains a question after Spiers’ loss in Game 2. Defensively, Cincinnati must tighten up after De La Cruz’s error in the field last night. With a daytime start and 67-degree weather in Cincinnati, conditions favor a competitive game. A Reds win would signal early-season resilience, while the Rangers hope to ride Eovaldi’s momentum and steal the series on the road. Expect a tight contest as both teams vie for the upper hand in this final showdown.

Cincinnati Reds DESTROY Rangers in Game One! Elly De La Cruz & Matt Mclain Best Duo in Baseball?

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On March 31, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds delivered a resounding 14-3 victory over the Texas Rangers in their series opener at Great American Ball Park. The game showcased an explosive offensive performance, led by the electrifying Elly De La Cruz, who put on a clinic with a single, double, two home runs, and a career-high seven RBIs. De La Cruz also added a stolen base and scored four runs, demonstrating his dynamic presence on both sides of the ball. His teammate Matt McLain complemented the onslaught, going 2-for-3 with a home run, three RBIs, and four runs scored, further fueling the Reds' dominant night. The Reds’ pitching was equally impressive, with Brady Singer taking the mound and silencing the Rangers’ bats. Singer tossed seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit while striking out eight, providing a masterclass in efficiency and control. His performance set the tone early, giving Cincinnati’s offense ample room to build an insurmountable lead. The Reds’ bats erupted for 14 runs, a stark contrast to their sluggish start to the season, where they had averaged just 3.33 runs per game over their first three contests. For the Rangers, the loss marked a stumble after a strong 3-1 start against the Red Sox. Rookie pitcher Kumar Rocker, making his first MLB start, struggled to contain Cincinnati’s lineup, and the Texas offense couldn’t muster a response against Singer’s dominance. The game, which unfolded under a chilly 43°F Cincinnati sky, ended with the Reds firmly asserting their potential. This blowout win not only snapped their early-season funk but also set an optimistic tone for the series ahead, highlighting the Reds’ ability to combine stellar pitching with a suddenly awakened offense.

Cincinnati Reds Lose First Series Of The Year... All One Seeds in Final Four!?! NFL Draft Talk Later

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The Cincinnati Reds kicked off their 2025 season with a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park, finishing with a 1-2 record over the weekend of March 28-30. The series, which marked the Reds’ Opening Day on March 27 (played on a Thursday), offered a mix of promise and frustration for fans as the team showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to secure the series win. In the opener on March 27, the Reds fell 3-2 despite a competitive effort, with the Giants edging them out in a tightly contested game. Saturday’s matchup on March 29 brought a much-needed victory, 3-2, as the Reds bounced back with standout performances. Matt McLain, returning from injury, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand each homered, while Elly De La Cruz contributed an RBI. Starter Nick Lodolo battled through six innings, and the bullpen, anchored by Emilio Pagán’s save, held firm. This win evened the series at 1-1, sparking optimism among fans. However, the rubber match on Sunday, March 30, slipped away with a 5-3 loss. The Reds’ downfall came in two shaky innings that undermined an otherwise solid weekend of baseball. Despite the defeat, the team displayed encouraging signs—defensive highlights like double plays and moments of offensive firepower—suggesting potential for the long season ahead. With 158 games remaining, the consensus among fans, as reflected in posts on X, is that while the Reds could have taken two of three with a few better pitches or breaks, there’s plenty to build on. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds showcased a roster blending young stars like De La Cruz with veterans aiming to turn talent into wins. Though the series ended on a sour note, it’s early days, and Cincinnati’s faithful remain hopeful for a playoff push.

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Game SPOILED! What Was Terry Francona Thinking! Bengals Season Already?

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Cincinnati Reds Opening Day, set for March 27, 2025, is more than just the start of a baseball season—it’s a cherished tradition in a city that claims the title of baseball’s birthplace. As the Reds take on the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park at 4:10 p.m., Cincinnati will erupt in a celebration that blends sport, history, and community spirit. The Reds, the only MLB team granted the privilege of opening every season at home, turn this day into a local holiday, drawing fans downtown for a spectacle that’s uniquely “Cincy.” The festivities kick off with the 106th Findlay Market Opening Day Parade at noon, a 1.4-mile procession from Over-the-Rhine featuring Reds legends like Grand Marshal Chris Sabo, alongside floats, bands, and Olympians. Pregame events include the Reds Community Fund Charity Block Party at The Banks at 11 a.m., offering music, food, and drinks, with proceeds supporting youth baseball and softball. At the ballpark, gates open at 2:10 p.m., with ceremonies at 3:30 p.m., featuring a giant flag, a flyover by KC-135 Stratotankers, and a first pitch from Sabo. On the field, the Reds, led by new manager Terry Francona, aim to capitalize on stars like Elly De La Cruz and Hunter Greene, who’ll start the opener. After a 77-85 season in 2024, offseason moves—like adding pitcher Brady Singer and outfielder Austin Hays—signal playoff ambitions. Fans will receive a 2025 schedule sticker, and the game will air on FanDuel Sports Network. Opening Day embodies Cincinnati’s deep baseball roots, from its first professional team in 1869 to today’s vibrant rituals. It’s a day of hope, renewal, and unity, where the crack of the bat echoes through a city ready to cheer its Reds toward October glory.

Cincinnati Reds Lose Another Potential Starter. Richard Pitino Xaviers New Head Coach | OTB 3.26.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Yesterday, March 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds played an exhibition game against their top prospects at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton, Ohio, kicking off their pre-season preparations for the 2025 MLB season. The game showcased the Reds’ mix of emerging talent and established players as they gear up for Opening Day on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants. Matt McLain stole the spotlight early, launching a three-run homer in the second inning to give the Reds a commanding 4-0 lead, thrilling the crowd and signaling his readiness after missing all of 2024 due to injury. Elly De La Cruz also impressed, ripping an opposite-field single, further boosting optimism for the season ahead under new manager Terry Francona. However, the prospects fought back, with Will Benson tying the game at 4-4 with a two-run homer off Chase Petty. While full box scores remain unofficial for this exhibition, posts on X highlighted the Reds’ offensive firepower and the prospects’ resilience. The game served as a promising tune-up, with fans and analysts eager to see if Cincinnati’s young core can translate this energy into a playoff push after a disappointing 77-85 finish in 2024. Richard William Pitino, born September 16, 1982, is an American college basketball coach currently leading the Xavier Musketeers. The son of legendary coach Rick Pitino, Richard has carved his own path in the sport. After graduating from Providence College in 2005 with a history degree, he began his coaching career as an assistant at various schools, including Northeastern, Duquesne, and Louisville, where he worked under his father. Pitino’s head coaching journey started at Florida International University (FIU) in 2012, where he turned a struggling team into an 18-14 squad in one season. In 2013, he took over at Minnesota, leading the Golden Gophers to an NIT Championship in 2014 and earning Big Ten Coach of the Year honors in 2017 after a 16-win improvement. Despite an eight-year tenure, he was fired in 2021 following a 14-15 season. Days later, he joined New Mexico, revitalizing the Lobos with a 26-10 record in 2023-24, winning the Mountain West Tournament, and reaching the NCAA Tournament—his fourth as a head coach. Now at Xavier, hired in 2025, Pitino’s career record stands at 247-186 (.570). Known for high-pressure defense and roster turnarounds, he continues to build on his father’s legacy while establishing his own.

Cincinnati Reds Countdown to Opening Day! Cincinnati Bengals have become Indefensible | OTB 3.25.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. As of March 25, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds have wrapped up their spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, finishing with a 12-17-1 record in the Cactus League. Despite the losing tally, the focus was on preparation rather than results, culminating in a strong 13-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians in their final game. Key performances highlighted the camp: shortstop Elly De La Cruz thrived, slashing .452/.553/.839 with six extra-base hits and six stolen bases, showcasing his superstar potential. Outfielder Austin Hays led the team with 14 RBIs and a .310 average, proving his value as a cleanup hitter. Pitching-wise, Hunter Greene, set to start Opening Day on March 27 against the San Francisco Giants, struck out six in four innings during his penultimate tune-up. Nick Lodolo also impressed in the finale, signaling rotation strength. However, injuries impacted the roster—Andrew Abbott, Spencer Steer, and Tyler Stephenson will start the season on the IL, opening spots for prospects like Jacob Hurtubise and Blake Dunn. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds emphasized farm system development and organizational unity, aiming to end their playoff drought since 2020 as they head back to Cincinnati. In March 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals secured their star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with lucrative long-term contracts, ensuring quarterback Joe Burrow’s top targets remain in place. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at $40.25 million annually, with $73.9 million fully guaranteed at signing and $112 million total guaranteed. His deal includes a $41.17 million base salary and roster bonuses for 2025, with cash flow structured to deliver $105 million over three years, heavily front-loaded for flexibility. Higgins, previously on a franchise tag, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, averaging $28.75 million per year, the highest for a No. 2 receiver. His deal features $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, including a $20 million roster bonus in 2025, though his $13.8 million 2025 base salary remains unguaranteed, offering the Bengals an out after one year if needed. The Bengals deviated from their traditional signing bonus-heavy structure, opting for significant guarantees to appease Burrow’s public push to retain both players. While this locks in their offensive core through 2029 (Chase) and 2028 (Higgins), critics note the team could have saved millions by acting earlier, as delays inflated costs amid a rising receiver market.

March Madness Sweet Sixteen! Cincinnati Bengals have become Indefensible... | OTB 3.24.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The March Madness weekend of March 21-23, 2025, delivered thrilling action as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicked off its first and second rounds. On Friday, top seeds like Auburn, Duke, Florida, and Houston asserted dominance, rolling past opponents, while the ACC struggled, with only Duke advancing past the first round. The Big Ten and SEC shone brightly, combining for half the second-round field, highlighted by Purdue’s surgical win over High Point and Tennessee’s knockout blow to Southern Illinois. Saturday saw upsets, including No. 10 Arkansas stunning No. 2 St. John’s, ending Rick Pitino’s run, while Auburn and Houston secured Sweet 16 spots with strong finishes against Creighton and Gonzaga. Sunday brought more drama: No. 1 Florida edged UConn 77-75, halting the Huskies’ three-peat bid in a gritty battle, and No. 1 Duke crushed Baylor 89-66, fueled by a decisive first-half run. No. 4 Maryland stole the spotlight with a buzzer-beater to upset No. 12 Colorado State, while Arizona, led by Caleb Love’s 29 points, rallied past Oregon 87-83. Kentucky also advanced, topping Illinois 84-75, setting up a Sweet 16 clash with Tennessee. The stage is set for an electrifying next round. In March 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals secured their star wide receivers, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, with lucrative long-term contracts, ensuring quarterback Joe Burrow’s top targets remain in place. Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension, making him the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback at $40.25 million annually, with $73.9 million fully guaranteed at signing and $112 million total guaranteed. His deal includes a $41.17 million base salary and roster bonuses for 2025, with cash flow structured to deliver $105 million over three years, heavily front-loaded for flexibility. Higgins, previously on a franchise tag, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, averaging $28.75 million per year, the highest for a No. 2 receiver. His deal features $30 million fully guaranteed at signing, including a $20 million roster bonus in 2025, though his $13.8 million 2025 base salary remains unguaranteed, offering the Bengals an out after one year if needed. The Bengals deviated from their traditional signing bonus-heavy structure, opting for significant guarantees to appease Burrow’s public push to retain both players. While this locks in their offensive core through 2029 (Chase) and 2028 (Higgins), critics note the team could have saved millions by acting earlier, as delays inflated costs amid a rising receiver market.

March Madness Day 1 Reactions! Brackets are Busted! Cincinnati Bengals Search for Help | OTB 3.21.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. Yesterday, March 20, 2025, marked the exciting kickoff of the Round of 64 in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, delivering a thrilling start to March Madness. With the current date being March 21, 2025, we can reflect on a day filled with blowouts, upsets, and nail-biting finishes that set the tone for this year’s tournament. The day began with a slate of 16 games, and while several contests ended in lopsided victories, the unpredictability of March Madness shone through in key moments. Six games concluded with margins of 19 points or more, showcasing the dominance of higher seeds in some matchups. However, the real buzz came from the upsets that reminded fans why this tournament is so beloved. McNeese State pulled off a stunning victory over Clemson, a result that echoed their upset potential from the previous year’s tournament. Arkansas also made waves by toppling Kansas in a closely contested battle that had fans on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, Drake outlasted Missouri in a game that saw the Bulldogs surge ahead, only for Mizzou to mount a late comeback that ultimately fell short. One of the standout games was UC San Diego versus Michigan, a late-night thriller that nearly saw the Tritons complete a dramatic comeback. Michigan held on to survive the scare, but the game underscored the fine margins that define March Madness. Elsewhere, VCU and BYU delivered a competitive showdown, while Kansas and Arkansas produced a matchup that lived up to the hype as a true “game” amidst a day of blowouts. Social media posts on X captured the day’s sentiment, with users like @RhodyVault noting the mix of upsets and blowouts, and @ryanjosephgonz highlighting McNeese’s triumph and the heart-pounding UCSD-Michigan finish. A notable moment beyond the scores came when a coach—identified as Wade in some posts—used a press conference to call out other programs’ coaching searches, adding an off-court storyline to the day’s drama. With 48 teams now remaining after yesterday’s action, the tournament is already living up to its reputation for chaos and excitement. As the Round of 64 continues today, March 21, 2025, fans can expect more surprises, buzzer-beaters, and memorable moments that make March Madness a cultural phenomenon. Yesterday was just the beginning, and the madness is far from over.

Xavier Musketeers Beat The SEC and March Madness is Underway | OTB 3.20.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, launching on March 18, promises another thrilling March Madness with its blend of powerhouse programs, emerging mid-majors, and inevitable surprises. The 68-team field, finalized on Selection Sunday, March 16, features 31 automatic qualifiers from conference tournaments and 37 at-large bids selected by the NCAA committee. With Selection Sunday now behind us, the bracket is set, and the First Four kicks off the action in Dayton, Ohio, on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18-19, narrowing the field to 64. The tournament culminates at the Alamodome in San Antonio on April 7, but the opening days will shape the narrative. In the 2025 NCAA First Four, Xavier faced Texas on Wednesday, March 19, in a thrilling matchup. Xavier trailed by as much as 13 points but mounted a furious second-half comeback, fueled by hot shooting and a supportive Dayton crowd. The Musketeers erased the deficit, tying the game at 65 with eight minutes left, and finished with an 86-80 victory, led by Zach Freemantle’s clutch scoring (15 points, including six in the final two minutes). Texas’ Tre Johnson (18 points) couldn’t stop the collapse, and Xavier advanced to face Illinois. On Tuesday, March 18, North Carolina dominated San Diego State in a lopsided 95-68 blowout. The Tar Heels, a controversial at-large pick, silenced doubters early, building a 24-point halftime lead. RJ Davis was unstoppable, going 6-for-6 from three-point range, while San Diego State never found its rhythm, trailing by as much as 33 in the second half. North Carolina moved on to play Ole Miss, proving they belonged in the field of 64. Thursday, March 20, 2025, marks the start of the NCAA Tournament’s First Round, a 16-game marathon that ignites March Madness with wall-to-wall action. Across eight host cities—Lexington, Providence, Wichita, Denver, and more—top seeds like Duke and Florida take on No. 16 underdogs, while volatile 8-9 and 7-10 matchups promise drama. Fresh off Tuesday’s First Four upset, where Alabama State stunned Saint Francis (PA) with an 85-foot pass and a game-winning layup, the day carries upset potential—watch for a 12-seed like McNeese State to challenge a 5-seed like Clemson. Games tip off around noon EDT and run late, broadcast across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV, with fans glued to screens for buzzer-beaters and bracket chaos.

Cincinnati Bengals and Trey Hendrickson Contract Re-Open?!? First Four NCAA Basketball | OTB 3.18.25

Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. On March 17, 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals made a bold statement by securing massive contract extensions for their star wide receivers, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, ensuring their dynamic offensive core remains intact alongside quarterback Joe Burrow. Chase, a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the NFL’s elite talents, signed a record-breaking four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Higgins, a reliable and explosive No. 2 receiver, inked a four-year, $115 million contract, with the first two years fully guaranteed, cementing his status as the highest-paid WR2 in the NFL. Together, these deals total $276 million, a significant investment reflecting the Bengals’ commitment to building around their passing attack. Chase’s extension comes after a historic 2024 season where he led the league with 127 receptions, 1,708 yards, and 17 touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors and a top-10 finish in MVP voting. His chemistry with Burrow, dating back to their LSU days, has been a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s offense, and this deal ensures that partnership thrives through 2029. Higgins, meanwhile, has been a consistent force since being drafted in 2020, amassing 330 receptions for 4,595 yards and 34 touchdowns over five (-five seasons. Despite injuries limiting him to 12 games in 2024, he still posted 73 catches for 911 yards and 10 touchdowns, proving his value as a big-play threat. His new contract ends speculation about his future after two years on the franchise tag, securing his long-term role in Cincinnati. These extensions signal a shift for the Bengals, a franchise historically cautious with spending, now prioritizing offensive firepower. With Burrow already on a $275 million deal, the trio’s combined salaries could consume nearly 40% of the 2025 cap, raising questions about defensive investment—especially with edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s extension still unresolved. Hendrickson, coming off a 17.5-sack season, seeks a raise, but the Bengals’ focus on Chase and Higgins might limit their flexibility. For Bengals fans, this is a thrilling commitment to contention, locking in two of the league’s top receivers. Chase and Higgins celebrated the news with identical handshake emojis on social media, a nod to their brotherhood and shared triumph. As Cincinnati aims to reclaim AFC supremacy after missing the playoffs in 2024, these deals solidify an offense poised to dominate for years.