Trace Fowler and Nick Kirby discuss the gap between the Chicago Cubs and the Cincinnati Reds.
The Cincinnati Reds’ series loss to the Chicago Cubs from May 30 to June 1, 2025, at Wrigley Field was a pivotal moment in their 2025 season, highlighting their struggles against divisional rivals and exposing ongoing bullpen and offensive inconsistencies. The Reds, entering the series with a 29-29 record, hoped to challenge the NL Central-leading Cubs (36-22) but dropped two of three games, falling to 29-31 and 8.5 games back in the division. This series underscored Cincinnati’s inability to capitalize on early leads and their vulnerability in late innings, a recurring issue against Chicago.
In the opener on May 30, the Reds secured a 6-2 victory, powered by Andrew Abbott’s seven shutout innings and home runs from TJ Friedl, Tyler Stephenson, and Jake Fraley. Despite missing outfielder Austin Hays due to a foot injury, Cincinnati’s offense clicked, and Emilio Pagán closed out the game for his 14th save. However, the momentum didn’t carry over. On May 31, the Cubs shut out the Reds 2-0, with Drew Pomeranz, Ben Brown, and relievers combining for a one-hitter. Nick Lodolo pitched well, lowering his ERA to 3.10, but Cincinnati’s offense managed only a single from Friedl, marking their ninth shutout of the season—a league-leading pace toward a franchise-record 25.
The series finale on June 1 saw the Reds fall 7-3, with the Cubs’ four-run third inning proving decisive. Nick Martinez, despite a strong recent stretch (2.27 ERA over seven starts), struggled, and the Reds’ offense couldn’t recover. Michael Busch’s three RBIs and Jameson Taillon’s quality start propelled Chicago to the series win. Posts on X captured the Cubs’ fanbase celebrating the 7-3 victory and their 15-games-over-.500 record, while Reds fans and analysts, like Redleg Nation, lamented another missed opportunity against a division foe.
This series reflected Cincinnati’s broader 2025 challenges. Despite a rotation boasting four starters with ERAs under 3.50 (Abbott, Hunter Greene, Lodolo, Martinez), the Reds’ bullpen faltered, and their offense was streaky, scoring six runs in the opener but just three across the next two games. The Cubs, meanwhile, showcased their depth and late-inning prowess, outscoring Cincinnati 25-0 after the sixth inning across five 2025 matchups. For Reds manager Terry Francona, the loss was frustrating, as he noted the team’s failure to sustain early advantages. With a tough schedule ahead, including a series against Milwaukee, this defeat further dimmed Cincinnati’s NL Central hopes, cementing their fourth-place standing and highlighting the gap between them and the division’s elite.
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Andrew Abbott, Julian Aguiar, Graham Ashcraft, Scott Barlow, Emilio Pagán, Fernando Cruz, Alexis Díaz, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Nick Martinez, Tony Santillan, Carson Spiers, Brent Suter, Rhett Lowder, Brandon Williamson, Tyler Stephenson, José Trevino, Jeimer Candelario, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Matt McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Santiago Espinal, Jonathan India, Noelvi Marte, Edwin Ríos, Will Benson, TJ Friedl, Jake Fraley, Stuart Fairchild, Austin Hays, Spencer Steer, Jacob Hurtubise, Blake Dunn, Cooper Bowman
Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals
5 Comments
Obviously Matt McClain is an incredible talent. There just must be a different way to manage him right now. My question is: how long are we going to keep running him out there without a day or two off? Tyler Stephenson struggled immensely through the first month of the season before his IL stint, rehab assignment, and resurgence after he was reactivated. Like to hear y’all’s thoughts about a plan for McClain moving forward. Thanks!
We all know all the problems. Let’s focus on the one that really ticks me off. Elly de la Cruz should be playing in the outfield with that cannon Period ! I also believe he should b forced to only bat left handed even against lefties. His swing is to good from the left side and focusing on only 1 swing should greatly benefit him and if he refuses then he sits against lefties. Just because u were good in the minors does not give u cart blanche in the bigs. The Pirates had the guts to send O’Neill Cruz to the outfield so why are we so hesitant 3:56 we all know is a rental with a expiration date in the Natti ? Obtw McLain needs to b in Louisville to get right. Managing a team from the bench or the front office requires tough decisions that some players might not like. This pitching staff is too good 4 us to have a sub 500 record solely based on lack of production at the plate . Francona is starting to reminds me of watching David Lee Roth still being front man. Tito was supposed to bring us 10 more wins according to some, yet by my calculations, to this point, he is probably cost us five losses, with either lack of strategic moves or personnel decisions in critical moments of the game. I’m sure nothing will change as usual with this club and unfortunately it’s ground hog day again. And again& AGAIN !
Trace, I feel your pain! I totally agree with you that this team just isn’t as good as we thought they could be. At this point, the Reds are not a postseason team.
Aaaaand he clipped it
No