Despite a pitching staff that leads the National League in shutouts, strikeouts, and ranks 2nd in ERA, a disturbing trend has begun to emerge for the Cincinnati Reds (22-27). Three times in May, the starting rotation has been given a lead of at least 4 runs only to falter. For a team that struggles as mightily as the Reds do offensively, these are games they must win.
Wednesday’s 11-9 loss in Milwaukee may have been the most bewildering to date. The Reds had leads of 5-0 and 6-1 with their ace Luis Castillo on the mound only to see La Piedra turn in his worst performance of the season.