Cubs - Reds

USA - MLB

It was a disappointing night for the Reds. Despite the Trade Deadline passing without any moves to bolster their starting pitching, the usually reliable starting pitcher Ben Lively had an abysmal outing, giving up the most runs by a Reds pitcher in over a century. In a 20-9 defeat to the Cubs, Lively lasted four innings, surrendering 13 earned runs and 13 hits (a career-worst), including allowing 4 home runs. The Reds' lead in the National League Central was reduced to just a half-game after the second-place Brewers secured a victory against the Nationals.

The last Reds pitcher to allow 13 runs in a game was Charles Lear, who achieved this dubious record over eight innings back in 1915. Despite the disappointing result, the Reds' clubhouse remained upbeat before the game. Despite not making significant additions to their starting pitching or bullpen, the team is counting on the return of Greene and Lodolo from their injuries around the second half of August. Additionally, relievers Antone, Legumina, and Gutierrez are also on rehab assignments and could play vital roles during the critical stretch run in the final month of the regular season.

Even after the acquisition of Moll on Monday, the team had mixed feelings about making further trades. They chose to have confidence in their current roster and see how things unfold down the stretch. While the Reds made only one trade, their rivals, the Brewers and Cubs, made multiple additions to improve their chances. Now, it remains to be seen which strategy will prove to be the right one in the upcoming games and the remainder of the season.