1. The offense is hot
The Reds scored 27 runs in their first three games, finishing second (9.0) in runs per game in baseball. The Kansas City Royals scored another run in their first three games. The Reds rank fifth in baseball with an average of .291. Last season they finished last with an average of 0.212.
“We obviously still have a long way to go,” said Bell, “but I think the way our offenses attack, the type of bats, the trust that is built is important.” It validates a lot of the work and it’s nice to see the results. Our guys worked so hard last year and the results didn’t show up. When it happens, many good things can build on the momentum and confidence.
“So it’s important, even though it’s only three games. It’s a good team that we’ve played against and to get a few wins and do a lot of the offense it really couldn’t have gone any better. “
Nick Castellanos of the Reds will be featured on Opening Day Thursday April 1, 2021 at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. David Jablonski / staff
Photo credit: David Jablonski
Photo credit: David Jablonski
2. Nick Castellanos is hotter than anyone
Castellanos started his second season as the Reds right outfield by hitting .545 (6 for 11) in the first three games. He hit a home run with two runs on Thursday and a home run with three runs on Sunday.
Castellanos said he saw “more energy across the stadium, more energy in the dugout and more energy below us”.
3. Jonathan India builds on his spring success
The rookie didn’t disappoint in the first few games of his career after winning his first second baseman job in spring training. He went 2: 4 when he made his big league debut on Thursday and scored .455 (5: 11) in the first series.
“I’m definitely taking everything in now,” said India. “A good series win for the team. An opening weekend series that was good team baseball all round. We met well. We are a dangerous team. “
Jonathan India Interview (April 1, 2021)
4. The reserves created on the plate
Aristides Aquino took right field when Castellanos was thrown out for his role in a bank clearance event and completed a home run in his first stroke of the season.
After Tucker Barnhart started the first two games at Catcher, Tyler Stephenson started on Sunday and went 3-4 with three runs.
Explore»OPENING DAY: Photos from Thursday
Tyler Naquin made his first start on Saturday in midfield and had a single with two runs. He started again on Sunday, this time in the left field, and hit a triple home run.
Naquin, who signed a minor league deal with the Reds in February, has spent the past five seasons with the Cleveland Indians.
“I came all the way south to Cincinnati and I couldn’t be happier to be here,” said Naquin. “This club, this staff and everyone has been very good to me. It’s early days in this relationship, but I’m happy to be here and play for this team and this city. There are a lot of good guys on this team who are fun and make the transition a lot easier. “
5. Two of the first three starters delivered
After Luis Castillo had the worst start of his career (eight earned runs in 3 1/3 innings on Thursday), starting pitching improved in two consecutive games.
Tyler Mahle allowed two earned runs in five innings. Jeff Hoffman, who appeared for the Reds for the first time, allowed a well-deserved run on five goals on Sunday.
“Hoffman just keeps building his confidence,” Bell said on Sunday. “He feels very comfortable. He loves being part of this team. He had some good starts in spring practice but today was really good. That’s a good sign: to be in top form at the start of the season. It was a really good start against a good team. “
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