Cincinnati Reds Fall To The Mets, THE METS

Apr 3, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) and right fielder Jay Bruce (32) round the bases after a Todd Frazier (not pictured) three-run home run during the seventh inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. The Cardinals won 7-6. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into Friday’s game against the Mets the Cincinnati Reds dropped two of three to the Cardinals at home. Not the start the Reds wanted, but three games into the season is not the time to panic.

Friday the Reds stumbled into New York to face the 0-3 Mets at Citi Field. The Mets, a team that is disarray to the point you can’t even name a starter for Friday’s game off the top of your head. Seriously, try it.

The Reds sent Mike Leake (o-0) to the mound to face a struggling Mets team and looking to right their opening series struggles. That did not happen.

Leake struggled he went 6.2IP, giving up 5 hits and 4 earned runs. Not the worst stat line in the history of Reds pitchers but certainly not something that will win when the Reds offense plays like they did. Two of Leake’s four runs came off a two run home run, if that ball doesn’t go out we have a different ballgame.

Cincinnati’s offense struggled once again Friday looking very much like the offense of 2013, and that is not a good thing. Joey Votto continued to hit, well reach base rather. The all-star first baseman had one hit and one walk. While Votto has been getting on base those hitting in front of him have not making it hard to drive in runs. Brandon Phillips did reach twice Friday on two hits, a welcomed sign.

While the big three for the Reds (Votto, Phillips, Bruce) continue to hit the rest of the team struggles. Todd Frazier recorded one hit today which is a plus, catcher Brayan Pena had two hits and two walks today. Pena has been a bright spot so far while Mesoraco has been out. If the catcher can keep hitting at the bottom of the order the top of the order may be able to help out.

Manager Bryan Price sat center fielder Billy Hamilton and shortstop Zach Cozart Friday, the two have combined for an 0-22 at bat record this season. Instead Roger Bernadina started in center for while Ramon Santiago started at short stop. Both starters have struggled in the first series prompting Price to try something different.

The Reds return to the diamond tomorrow at 1:10pm, Johnny Cueto (0-1) will be on the mound.