Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

Cincinnati Reds Bounce Back From Rough Weekend With Memorial Day Win in Kansas City

The Cincinnati Reds faced the Chicago Cubs in a thrilling three-game weekend series at Great American Ball Park, concluding on May 25, 2025. The Cubs, leading the NL Central, dominated the series, winning two of three games, showcasing their offensive prowess and late-inning resilience. The Reds, fighting to stay competitive in the division, struggled to contain Chicago’s bats but salvaged a win against the Kansas City Royals on Monday, May 26, 2025, boosting their momentum. On Friday, May 23, the Cubs opened the series with a 13-6 rout. Chicago’s lineup erupted, capitalizing on Cincinnati’s pitching struggles. Seiya Suzuki, a standout all weekend, went 7-for-12 in the series, setting the tone early. The Reds’ offense, led by Austin Hays’ two hits and three RBIs, couldn’t keep pace, as Chicago’s 29-7 record when recording eight or more hits proved too much. Saturday’s game saw the Cubs edge out a victory, with their pitching staff, led by Colin Rea (3-0, 2.38 ERA), holding firm despite a late Reds push, fueled by Elly De La Cruz’s .241 average and 33 RBIs. Sunday’s finale was a rollercoaster. The Reds led 8-4, but the Cubs mounted a comeback, scoring seven runs in the final four innings. Seiya Suzuki’s go-ahead three-run homer and Reese McGuire’s historic two-homer debut off the bench powered an 11-8 Cubs victory. Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong each drove in two runs, while Drew Pomeranz earned the win with a scoreless inning. The Reds’ bullpen, notably Taylor Rogers (1-2), faltered, dropping Cincinnati to 25-27 and third in the NL Central, while the Cubs solidified their 31-20 division lead. Following the series loss, the Reds rebounded on Monday against the Kansas City Royals, winning 7-4 at Kauffman Stadium. Nick Martinez (2-5, 3.43 ERA) delivered seven strong innings, and Tyler Stephenson’s homer sparked the offense. The Reds’ 17-5 record when scoring five or more runs held true, as they capitalized on early opportunities and held off a late Royals rally. This victory, highlighted by posts on X, pushed Cincinnati’s record to 26-27, offering hope as they navigate a critical stretch of division games, including upcoming matchups against the Cubs and Milwaukee.

Hunter Greene is BACK as The Cincinnati Reds Return Home To Face The Chicago Cubs

The Cincinnati Reds are set to face the National League Central-leading Chicago Cubs in a pivotal three-game series at Great American Ball Park, starting Friday, May 23, 2025. This series marks the return of Reds ace Hunter Greene from the 15-day injured list, a development that has fans and analysts buzzing with anticipation. Greene’s comeback is a critical boost for Cincinnati as they aim to close the gap with the division-leading Cubs. Greene, a first-time All-Star in 2024, has been sidelined since May 7 due to a Grade 1 right groin strain sustained during a start against Atlanta. Before the injury, the 25-year-old right-hander was dominant, posting a 4-2 record with a 2.36 ERA over 45.2 innings, striking out 61 batters while issuing just eight walks, and maintaining a stellar 0.81 WHIP. His return on Friday, confirmed by manager Terry Francona, follows a successful 35-pitch simulated game on May 18, where Greene reported no discomfort and easy velocity. Francona’s confidence in Greene’s readiness underscores the pitcher’s meticulous preparation, including a bullpen session in Pittsburgh this week. Facing the Cubs, Greene brings a strong track record. He is 4-1 with a 4.06 ERA in seven career starts against Chicago, including a standout performance on May 26, 2023, when he tossed six no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts in a 9-0 victory at Wrigley Field. However, Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki poses a challenge, hitting .462 with two homers in 13 at-bats against Greene. Chicago will counter with left-hander Matthew Boyd (4-2, 2.98 ERA), who has struggled in Cincinnati, going 0-3 with a 9.69 ERA in four career starts. The Reds’ rotation for the series is formidable, with Andrew Abbott (3-0, 1.80 ERA) and Nick Lodolo (4-4, 3.22 ERA) slated for Saturday and Sunday. Cincinnati, sitting at .500, sees this series as a chance to gain ground in the NL Central, especially with two of their next four series against the Cubs. Greene’s return injects energy and leadership into a young Reds squad, and his performance could set the tone for a crucial stretch. With the Cubs riding high, this matchup promises high-stakes baseball, with Greene’s electric arm at the forefront.

Cincinnati Reds Lose In Pittsburgh Again, Drop Series Against Pirates... Back Below .500

The Cincinnati Reds’ recent series loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates in May 2025 at PNC Park highlighted both their persistent offensive struggles and the resilience of their pitching staff, casting a shadow over their postseason aspirations. Entering the three-game set with a four-game winning streak and a .500 record, the Reds hoped to capitalize on the Pirates’ last-place standing in the NL Central. However, despite stellar pitching, the Reds dropped two of three games, falling to 25-26 and exposing critical weaknesses that could define their season. In the series opener on May 19, the Reds secured a convincing 7-1 victory, driven by a late offensive surge with five runs in the final two innings. Austin Hays’ three-hit performance and Nick Lodolo’s six strong innings set an optimistic tone. However, the momentum fizzled in the next two games. On May 20, Pittsburgh’s Bailey Falter outdueled Nick Martinez, who allowed just one run over six innings, but the Reds’ offense was silenced in a 1-0 shutout. Bryan Reynolds’ RBI single in the sixth proved decisive, as Cincinnati managed only four hits. The series finale on May 21 saw another pitching gem wasted, with Brady Singer allowing two runs over five innings, but the Reds’ bats mustered just one run in a 3-1 loss to Andrew Heaney and the Pirates’ bullpen. The Reds’ offense was abysmal, scoring one run across the final 18 innings, with nine hits and a 1-for-10 mark with runners in scoring position. Manager Terry Francona, in his first year with Cincinnati, called it “just baseball,” but fans on X expressed frustration, labeling the team “mentally weak” for collapsing against a weaker opponent. Despite limiting Pittsburgh to five runs over the series, the Reds’ inability to produce timely hits underscored a season-long issue, with injuries to Jake Fraley and others not helping. On a positive note, the Reds’ starting pitchers posted a 1.70 ERA over their last seven games, and Hunter Greene’s imminent return from a groin injury offers hope. However, with a crucial stretch of division games ahead, including six against the first-place Chicago Cubs, the Reds must address their offensive woes to stay in the wild-card race. This series loss, while not catastrophic, serves as a stark reminder of the fine margins in a competitive season.

Cincinnati Reds Shut Out In Game 2 Loss In Pittsburgh, Joe Burrow Speaks To Media

On May 20, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates in a tightly contested 1-0 game at PNC Park, snapping their five-game winning streak. The loss, detailed across sources like ESPN and Redleg Nation, highlighted the Reds' struggle to capitalize on opportunities against a Pirates team desperate to end a four-game skid. Despite a strong pitching performance from Cincinnati’s Nick Martinez, Pittsburgh’s Bailey Falter stole the show, delivering seven scoreless innings with five strikeouts, allowing only four hits. The Pirates’ lone run came in the second inning, sparked by Oneil Cruz’s speed and a clutch hit, enough to secure the victory in a game that lasted just 2 hours and 22 minutes. The Reds, sitting at 25-24 and third in the NL Central, had been riding high after sweeping the Cleveland Guardians and defeating the Pirates 7-1 the previous night. However, their offense, ranked 12th in on-base percentage (.321) and 13th in slugging (.397), went silent. Key players like Elly De La Cruz and TJ Friedl, who hit a triple, couldn’t convert opportunities, with the team leaving runners stranded. Fans on platforms like Redleg Nation expressed frustration, noting the Reds’ inability to overcome Falter’s command and Pittsburgh’s opportunistic play. Comments like “Can’t be a good team and get shut out 25 times” reflected the disappointment in a game where Cincinnati’s bats failed to ignite. Martinez, despite the loss, was solid, continuing his recent form with a 2.05 ERA over his last five starts. He kept the Pirates’ offense, the league’s worst in runs scored (142) and slugging (.320), in check, but the early run proved decisive. Pittsburgh, at 15-33, capitalized on their home field, with Cruz’s two steals and two walks setting the tone. The game underscored the Reds’ inconsistency against weaker teams, as they had dominated Pittsburgh in four prior 2025 matchups, outscoring them 21-6. This loss, witnessed by 10,071 fans, exposed Cincinnati’s vulnerability in low-scoring affairs, despite their 19-5 record when scoring first. As the Reds prepared for the series finale, the focus shifted to rebounding offensively and leveraging their pitching depth, with Hunter Greene’s return looming. For a team aiming to climb the NL Central, overcoming such setbacks against struggling opponents like the Pirates is critical to sustaining momentum.

Cincinnati Reds Are On A Five Game Winning Streak Marty Brennaman Joins Us! NFL Greed Is Taking Over

The Cincinnati Reds’ recent five-game winning streak in the 2025 MLB season, culminating on May 19, 2025, marks a significant turnaround for the team, pushing them above .500 with a 25-24 record. This streak, tied for their longest this season, showcases a blend of stellar pitching, solid defense, and timely offense under the guidance of new manager Terry Francona, hired on October 4, 2024, for his proven track record, including two World Series titles with the Boston Red Sox. The streak began with a surge after dropping two games to the Chicago White Sox. Key to this run was the Reds’ pitching staff, with starters like Andrew Abbott delivering, as seen in his five-inning performance against the Cleveland Guardians, navigating a bases-loaded jam. The bullpen was equally impressive, allowing just three earned runs over 20 innings. Defensively, the Reds were nearly flawless, committing only one error across 45 innings. Offensively, the team erupted for nine or more hits in each game, with a season-high seven doubles in their May 19 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Standout performances included Will Benson’s three-run homer against the Guardians and contributions from stars like Elly De La Cruz, whose electrifying play continues to fuel the lineup. This streak, a stark contrast to last season when the Reds never reached .500 this late, has reignited fan optimism. Francona’s leadership, paired with a rotation led by Hunter Greene (4-2, 2.36 ERA), positions the Reds as contenders in the NL Central. As they face upcoming series against the Cubs and Pirates, maintaining this momentum could solidify their postseason aspirations, making this streak a defining moment in their 2025 campaign In Seattle, the Mariners have prioritized season ticket holders for the 2025 MLB season, offering exclusive benefits like priority postseason ticket access, discounts on merchandise (15% off, 20% on Tuesdays), dining at The Boxyard (15% off), and parking. Through the MLB Ballpark app, members manage tickets, forward them, or sell extras on StubHub, the official fan-to-fan marketplace. However, the Mariners strictly regulate reselling, classifying those who buy primarily to resell as "Ticket Brokers," potentially losing benefits or facing account cancellation. Posts on X highlight similar policies in Indianapolis, where the Colts sent letters to season ticket holders, warning that purchasing tickets solely for resale violates ticketing policies. For the Indianapolis Indians (MiLB), 2025 season ticket holders enjoy up to 40% off gate prices, priority seating, exclusive event invitations, on-field batting practice, and a personal service representative. Flexible plans range from full-season to mini or flex packages, catering to varied schedules. Both teams emphasize enhancing fan experiences while enforcing strict anti-resale measures to protect loyal fans, reflecting a broader trend in sports ticketing to reward committed supporters and curb profiteering.

Cincinnati Reds Sweep Guardians! Will Benson’s 2-HR Seals Epic Series Win! Is The Season Saved?

Cincinnati Reds Sweep Guardians with Will Benson’s Heroics The Cincinnati Reds completed a stunning three-game sweep of the Cleveland Guardians on May 18, 2025, at Great American Ball Park, their first such sweep of their in-state rivals since 2012. The series, part of the 2025 Ohio Cup, showcased the Reds’ resurgence, with outfielder Will Benson emerging as the standout performer. Benson, a former Guardian, tormented his old team, hitting four home runs across the series, including a career-first two-homer game in the 3-1 finale. On Friday, his second-inning homer and two RBIs sparked a 5-4 win. Saturday’s solo shot in a 4-1 victory marked his third straight game with a homer, and Sunday’s two blasts drove in all three Reds runs. Since his May 9 call-up from Triple-A, Benson has been scorching, batting .423 (11-for-26) with five homers in eight games, a stark contrast to his .650 OPS in 2024. His plate discipline, honed with hitting coach Chris Valaika, has been key: “I’m swinging at pitches I want and taking those I don’t,” Benson said. The Reds’ pitching complemented Benson’s offensive explosion. Starter Andrew Abbott delivered five gritty, scoreless innings on Sunday, navigating a bases-loaded jam. The bullpen, including closer Emilio Pagán’s third save in three days, limited Cleveland to six runs across the series. Cleveland struggled, going 2-for-16 with runners in scoring position in the finale. This sweep, following a 7-1 rout of the Chicago White Sox, propelled the Reds to .500 (24-24) and ignited momentum heading into a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Benson’s power surge, paired with Cincinnati’s crisp play, signals a team finding its rhythm under manager Terry Francona

The Cincinnati Reds Biggest Problem... Can They Get Back On Track?

The Cincinnati Reds recently faced the Chicago White Sox in a three-game series from May 13-15, 2025, at home, dropping two of three contests. In the opener, the Reds fell 5-1 in extra innings, managing only six hits against White Sox pitching, with Chicago’s Vargas delivering a decisive three-run homer in the 10th. The second game saw Cincinnati lose 4-2, as the White Sox capitalized on solo homers and efficient pitching from Martin, who allowed just one earned run over 6.2 innings. The Reds salvaged the finale, winning 7-1, with a strong offensive outburst, including 12 hits, led by Palacios and Thaiss. However, the Reds’ overall struggles were evident, with a .175 batting average and 1-for-26 performance with runners in scoring position across their last three series, scoring only 24 runs in nine games. Looking ahead, the Reds travel to face the Cleveland Guardians for a three-game series starting May 16, 2025. The Guardians, perennial contenders in the AL Central, present a tough challenge with their balanced roster. Cleveland’s pitching, led by Tanner Bibee and Shane Bieber (if healthy), could exploit Cincinnati’s recent offensive woes. The Reds will rely on their young core—Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, and Hunter Greene—to spark the lineup and rotation. Greene’s high-velocity fastball could test Cleveland’s contact-oriented hitters, but the Reds’ bullpen must hold late leads, an issue in the White Sox series. Cincinnati’s ability to improve plate discipline and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be critical against Cleveland’s stingy defense. Splitting the series would be a positive step for the Reds as they aim to regain momentum in a competitive NL Central race

The Cincinnati Reds Lose on Pete Rose Night... The Cincinnati Bengals Schedule Release!

On May 14, 2025, Great American Ball Park hosted Pete Rose Night, a vibrant tribute to Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose, following his posthumous reinstatement by MLB. Over 43,500 fans filled the sold-out stadium, creating an electric atmosphere to honor the all-time hits leader. The event, marked by a special 7:14 p.m. start time and gates opening at 5:44 p.m., celebrated Rose’s legacy with a bronze statue unveiling and a banner display. Fans received commemorative items, and the mood was festive, described as a “massive party” that many hope becomes a tradition. Despite the Reds’ 4-2 loss to the Chicago White Sox, the night was a heartfelt celebration of Rose’s contributions to baseball and Cincinnati. Social media reflected mixed sentiments: some fans hailed Rose as a hero, while others criticized honoring him due to his past gambling controversy. The event underscored Rose’s complex legacy—his undeniable on-field brilliance and off-field controversies. For Reds Country, it was a moment of unity and reflection, celebrating a local icon whose story continues to spark debate. The Cincinnati Bengals’ 2025 schedule release on May 14, 2025, sparked excitement and analysis among fans and analysts. The season kicks off with a Week 1 road game against Cleveland at 1 p.m. EST, a chance to avenge a 2023 loss. The schedule features tough stretches, including four of the first six games on the road and a challenging NFC North run that could define the season. A favorable midseason stretch includes three straight home games before the bye week, offering a chance to build momentum. Key matchups include a Monday Night Football game at Denver in Week 4, a Thursday Night Football clash with Pittsburgh in Week 7, and two critical games against Baltimore over three weeks. Fans noted the lack of primetime home games, reflecting perceived league oversight. The season closes with two home games, emphasizing health and rest. Analysts predict a competitive season, with the Bengals facing a “war” in the AFC North. Social media buzz highlighted frustration with early road-heavy games but optimism for the home-heavy October stretch. The schedule sets the stage for a pivotal year for Cincinnati.

Pete Rose Reinstated By MLB! Eligible For Baseball Hall of Fame! Trey Hendrickson Gets Very Loud!

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' All-Pro defensive end, is embroiled in a heated contract dispute as he enters the final year of his deal, set to earn $15.8 million in 2025. After leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, Hendrickson is pushing for a lucrative extension, frustrated by the Bengals' lack of communication since the NFL Draft. His camp reports no progress, with prior offers falling short of promises made last offseason. The Bengals, who recently signed Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive deals totaling $276 million, seem hesitant to meet Hendrickson’s demands, possibly due to his age (31) and the team’s methodical approach to contracts. Despite permission to seek a trade, no movement has occurred, raising speculation about a potential holdout. NFL insiders remain optimistic, with some believing Cincinnati will eventually pay Hendrickson, citing his critical role in their defense, which struggled last season. However, the drafting of edge rusher Shemar Stewart hints at a possible succession plan. As training camp looms, this saga could define the Bengals’ 2025 season. Will they secure their star pass rusher or risk losing him? On May 13, 2025, the Cincinnati Reds fell 5-1 to the Chicago White Sox at Great American Ball Park. Andrew Abbott delivered a strong start, pitching six innings and allowing just one run on five hits. The Reds' offense, however, struggled, mustering only six hits against White Sox pitching. Trailing 1-0, Elly De La Cruz tied the game with a solo home run in the ninth. The game went to extra innings, where Miguel Vargas’ three-run homer in the 10th sealed the White Sox’s victory. Despite the loss, De La Cruz’s late-game heroics provided a highlight for Reds fans. On May 13, 2025, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the posthumous reinstatement of Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader, removing him from the permanently ineligible list 36 years after his 1989 ban for betting on games. The decision, which also reinstated 16 other deceased players like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, means Rose is now eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame, with potential consideration by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in December 2027. Manfred ruled that lifetime bans end upon a player’s death, citing no further threat to the game’s integrity. The move followed a petition from Rose’s family in January 2025, after his death in September 2024 at age 83, and discussions with President Donald Trump, a vocal Rose supporter. Cincinnati Reds owner Bob Castellini celebrated the decision, calling Rose one of baseball’s greatest. However, reactions were mixed: some fans and figures like Mike Schmidt praised the move, while others, including Bart Giamatti’s son, argued it undermines baseball’s integrity. Rose’s reinstatement reopens debates about his legacy, gambling in sports, and Hall of Fame criteria, with his 4,256 hits and three World Series titles now eligible for Cooperstown’s judgment.

Trey Hendrickson Contract Drama Bengals Latest Updates! Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago White Sox Preview

Trey Hendrickson, the Cincinnati Bengals' All-Pro defensive end, is embroiled in a heated contract dispute as he enters the final year of his deal, set to earn $15.8 million in 2025. After leading the NFL with 17.5 sacks in 2024, Hendrickson is pushing for a lucrative extension, frustrated by the Bengals' lack of communication since the NFL Draft. His camp reports no progress, with prior offers falling short of promises made last offseason. The Bengals, who recently signed Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to massive deals totaling $276 million, seem hesitant to meet Hendrickson’s demands, possibly due to his age (31) and the team’s methodical approach to contracts. Despite permission to seek a trade, no movement has occurred, raising speculation about a potential holdout. NFL insiders remain optimistic, with some believing Cincinnati will eventually pay Hendrickson, citing his critical role in their defense, which struggled last season. However, the drafting of edge rusher Shemar Stewart hints at a possible succession plan. As training camp looms, this saga could define the Bengals’ 2025 season. Will they secure their star pass rusher or risk losing him? Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago White Sox Preview: May 13, 2025 The Cincinnati Reds (20-22) host the Chicago White Sox (12-29) at Great American Ball Park on May 13, 2025, kicking off a three-game series at 6:40 p.m. ET. The Reds, coming off a 2-7 stretch, aim to capitalize on their potent offense against a struggling White Sox squad fresh from a 2-1 series win over the Marlins. Cincinnati’s Andrew Abbott (2.89 ERA) takes the mound, boasting a no-hit bid in his last outing, while Chicago counters with Jonathan Cannon (4.09 ERA), who’s delivered three straight quality starts. The Reds are favored (-190 moneyline) with a 63% win probability, per predictive models, despite recent offensive woes from stars like Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain. The White Sox, projected for a 61-win season, rely on Luis Robert Jr. and a thin lineup. With a 9-run over/under, expect a tight contest, though Cincinnati’s home advantage and pitching edge give them the nod. Fans on X are optimistic, with some predicting a Reds sweep if their bats wake up. A Reds win could spark momentum, while Chicago seeks an upset to build on their rare series victory.