Reds trounced for 3rd time in 4 games, set ugly MLB record along way

PITTSBURGH – Because of some historic events that unfolded at PNC Park on Saturday, including an MLB-record seven consecutive walks issued by the Cincinnati Reds, a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates staff was asked during the game if he planned to gather anything from the game to send to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.

"Send them four balls," somebody quipped.

It certainly was the story of the day for a Reds staff that walked 11, got battered for 19 hits and gave up three five-run innings in a 17-7 loss that was never that close.

It knocked the Reds out of first place for the first time in 18 days.

Connor Phillips came into the game in relief of starter Rhett Lowder, but didn't come out unscathed. Phillips walked four straight batters to force in four runs, then was removed without recording an out.

Granted, some of that damage came against catcher Jose Trevino, who pitched the final two innings (two runs, five hits, one hit batter – on a 34-mph "fastball").

The more important story for the Reds – even bigger than the MLB-record seven consecutive walks Rhett Lowder and Connor Phillips teamed up to allow – was the fact Trevino was called upon to pitch for the third time in four games. That the Reds were blown out in three of their past four games. That the cracks in all that pitching depth they thought they had are starting to show.