CINCINNATI -- The quality of the Reds' young starting pitching will ultimately make or break their 2018 season. If they make progress, the team should wind up doing likewise.
That's what made Tyler Mahle's start on Monday against the Cubs so encouraging. Mahle worked six scoreless innings with one hit, two walks and seven strikeouts. His nice day came to an end in the bottom of the sixth, when the Reds went to a pinch-hitter with a chance to expand their narrow 1-0 lead with runners on second and third base.
For the first time this season, the Reds weren't working from a deficit after the top of the first inning.