The Cincinnati Reds seemed to have Sunday's Cactus League game all wrapped up with an 8-2 lead, but things took a dramatic turn as their bullpen struggled, leading to a 14-8 defeat at the hands of the Seattle Mariners.
The Reds' offense got off to a hot start against veteran pitcher Randy Dobnak, tagging him for seven hits and five earned runs in just over an inning. TJ Friedl made an impact, going 1 for 2 with a run and two RBIs. Matt McLain also shined, contributing a 2 for 3 performance with a run and two RBIs, while Elly De La Cruz matched those numbers at the top of the lineup.
JJ Bleday made a memorable first impression in his spring training debut with the Reds, hitting a two-run double and a single. Rece Hinds chipped in with two hits of his own.
On the flip side, Eugenio Suárez had a tough day at the plate, going 0 for 3 with two strikeouts. He's now 0 for 6 with three strikeouts over two Cactus League games.
Seattle's offense was relentless, racking up 17 hits and drawing 10 walks. The Reds cycled through 11 pitchers, with varying results:
- Jose Franco allowed 1 run in his inning.
- Nick Sando and Graham Ashcraft each delivered a scoreless inning.
- Brock Burke gave up 1 run in his inning of work.
- Connor Phillips struggled, surrendering 3 runs in just 2/3 of an inning.
- Julian Garcia managed to keep things clean in his brief 1/3 inning appearance.
- Tejay Antone pitched a scoreless inning.
- Lyon Richardson was tagged for 2 runs in his inning.
- Zach Maxwell allowed 1 run in 2/3 of an inning.
- Luis Mey had a tough outing, giving up 5 runs in 2/3 of an inning.
- Irvin Machuca also yielded 1 run in 2/3 of an inning.
After a day off on Monday, the Reds will look to regroup as they head home to face the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.