Inclement weather pushes first pitch back to 7 p.m. as Reds face tough September schedule
Category: Sports
The Cincinnati Reds' Friday night matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park has been delayed due to inclement weather. Originally set to begin at 6:10 p.m. EDT, the game will now start at 7:00 p.m. after rain is expected to hit the area from 6 to 7 p.m., according to the Reds' announcement.
As the Reds navigate a challenging September schedule, this delay comes at a time when they are trying to make a push for a playoff spot. Currently, the team holds a record of 67-73, placing them 6.5 games out of the Wild Card standings. The Reds began the month on a positive note, taking two out of three games against the San Diego Padres, but the upcoming series against the Brewers and subsequent games against playoff-contending teams will be a true test of their resilience.
A meeting was held at 5:45 p.m. to assess the situation, with a severe thunderstorm warning issued for Hamilton County shortly thereafter. Lightning was detected in the area surrounding Great American Ball Park, prompting the decision to delay the game. The heat index also reached as high as 107 degrees earlier in the day, leading to adjustments in the start times of several local high school football games.
The Reds have faced a tumultuous season, starting strong with a record of 20-11 in April. Unfortunately, a series of injuries and a bullpen collapse in May led them to have the worst record in Major League Baseball from May 1 through June. Key players like Hunter Greene, who underwent Tommy John surgery in August, and Nick Lodolo, who struggled with injuries, have significantly impacted the team's performance. Greene's injury was particularly devastating, as he had just returned from elbow surgery earlier in the season.
In addition to Greene, other players like Emilio Pagan and Elly De La Cruz also spent time on the injured list, complicating the Reds' efforts to remain competitive. The organization is now looking to evaluate younger talent as they prepare for the 2027 season. Recently, Carlos Jorge was promoted to the major league roster after an impressive minor league season, where he posted a .308 batting average with 33 stolen bases. Manager Terry Francona emphasized the importance of giving younger players like Jorge and Hector Rodriguez playing time as they look to build for the future.
Following the Brewers series, the Reds will face the first-place Los Angeles Dodgers, followed by another matchup against the Brewers, and a four-game series against the Dodgers again. Their final home series of the season will be against the Chicago Cubs, starting on September 18, before concluding their road trip in Atlanta and Toronto.
As the Reds prepare for the delayed game against the Brewers, they will need to approach the remainder of the season with a sense of urgency. With every opponent being a playoff contender, the stakes are high. The Reds are not mathematically out of contention yet, but their chances are slim. They will need to capitalize on every opportunity to win, especially against teams vying for postseason spots.
Tonight's game will feature Rhett Lowder starting for the Reds, who has had a mixed season with a record of 6-6 and a 5.14 ERA. On the opposing side, Shane Drohan will take the mound for the Brewers, boasting a solid 3.75 ERA. The matchup is expected to draw attention for the teams' playoff implications and for the individual performances of these pitchers.
As the Reds continue their season, fans are left hopeful that the team can find a way to navigate through the struggles and emerge stronger. The upcoming games will serve as a proving ground for the younger players and a chance for the veterans to lead by example. The Reds' management will be closely watching how these games play out as they prepare for the future.
With the game now scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT, the Reds hope to shake off the weather-related delays and put forth a strong performance against the Brewers. As the season winds down, every game counts, and the Reds will need to muster all their strength to make a last-minute push toward the postseason.