The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Washington Nationals 15-1, showcasing a season-high scoring performance. Manager Terry Francona commented on the unusual scoring outburst amid the team's hitting struggles.
Key points
Cincinnati Reds scored 15 runs in a game
Reds defeated Washington Nationals 15-1
Manager Terry Francona commented on the scoring outburst
Reds have faced hitting flaws throughout the season
This was only the second time Reds scored in double digits
Then they took that exposure thing to another level in the final game of the series against the Washington Nationals this week.
And if the 15 runs they scored in that 15-1 victory that game means anything, fans may need to shield their eyes by the time this team returns home for its next homestand.
“I’m trying to think how I want to say this correctly,” manager Terry Francona said when asked what was behind the season-high scoring outburst – just the second time they’ve scored in double digits all season.
Speedo aficionado Mike Napoli, who's also a Cincinnati Reds bench coach.
Speedo aficionado Mike Napoli, who's also a Cincinnati Reds bench coach.
“We had good vibes going in today,” Francona said. “Nap broke out the Tito Speedo.”
That would be Nap as in Mike Napoli, the 44-year-old bench coach with the body of a former catcher.
It seems Napoli donned the skimpy piece of underwear that catcher Tyler Stephenson presented to Francona as a gag gift in spring training – custom-made featuring a bunch of faces of Francona as a 1980s Reds player covering the undergarment from front to back.
And he didn’t just parade around pregame to lighten the mood of a team that entered the game with an MLB-worst 2-10 record in May.
“It was the whole game,” Francona said. “Poor guy.”
Brace your cringe meter for what might be coming next after the Reds broke out for the big scoring binge on a 14-hit afternoon that included four home runs – two by JJ Bleday – and three doubles.
Q&A
What was the score of the Cincinnati Reds vs. Washington Nationals game?
The Cincinnati Reds won the game against the Washington Nationals with a score of 15-1.
Who is the manager of the Cincinnati Reds?
The manager of the Cincinnati Reds is Terry Francona.
How many runs did the Reds score in their recent game?
The Reds scored 15 runs in their recent game against the Nationals.
What hitting issues have the Cincinnati Reds faced this season?
The Cincinnati Reds have struggled with hitting flaws, which have been exposed frequently during the season.
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Whether it had anything to do with Mike Napoli wearing a Speedo or not, JJ Bleday had monster game May 14. Bleday went 3-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs in the 15-1 victory. He's hitting .321 with six home runs and 16 RBIs for the season.
Whether it had anything to do with Mike Napoli wearing a Speedo or not, JJ Bleday had monster game May 14. Bleday went 3-for-5 with two home runs and six RBIs in the 15-1 victory. He's hitting .321 with six home runs and 16 RBIs for the season.
“We needed a game like this,” Francona said.
Now some of them think they need the Speedo.
“I didn’t hear about it,” Bleday said, “But thankfully he wore it.”
The magic Speedo had been set aside since Stephenson’s big reveal in spring training. But now you can expect it to join the club in Cleveland after every Red, including guys off the bench, reached base and all but two did it with hits – five with multi-hit games.
Backup catcher Jose Trevino even delivered a big two-out, two-run hit in the Reds’ four-run fourth from the bottom of the order.
Was it the Speedo?
“First I’ve heard about that,” said Trevino, before laughing at the Napoli tale.
“I might have to try it on tomorrow.”
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) plays a bounding ground ball off the bat of Luis García Jr. in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Young fans cheer from the upper deck in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) celebrates a two-run home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) and Washington Nationals third baseman Jorbit Vivas (84) chat at second base in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Young fans dance during the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'bryan Hayes (3) runs for first as he grounds out in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) looks up toward Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) as he is forced out in a double play in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) and left fielder Spencer Steer (7) score on a three-run home run by designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) is visited at the mound before being relieved in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Washington Nationals pitcher Zak Kent (57) throws a pitch in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) returns to the dugout after finishing his outing in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) runs for first as he grounds out in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'bryan Hayes (3) catches a line drive off the bat of Jorbit Vivas in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Blake Dunn (59) attempts to outrun a tag from Washington Nationals catcher Drew Millas (14) a dropped third strike in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) returns to the dugout after making substitutions in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) throws a pitch in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) celebrates as he walks for the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Injured Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) watches from the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) celebrates a three-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Washington Nationals pitching position player Joey Wiemer (21) shakes his head as he gives up a home run to Dane Myers in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera (10) looks on from the dugout stairs in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Connor Phillips (34) throws a pitch in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) and pitcher Connor Phillips (34) celebrate a win after the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) plays a bounding ground ball off the bat of Luis García Jr. in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Young fans cheer from the upper deck in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) delivers a pitch in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
5 / 28
Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) celebrates a two-run home run in the first inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
6 / 28
Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) and Washington Nationals third baseman Jorbit Vivas (84) chat at second base in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
7 / 28
Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Young fans dance during the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'bryan Hayes (3) runs for first as he grounds out in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) looks up toward Washington Nationals second baseman Nasim Nuñez (26) as he is forced out in a double play in the third inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) and left fielder Spencer Steer (7) score on a three-run home run by designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
11 / 28
Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds designated hitter JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Washington Nationals pitcher Foster Griffin (22) is visited at the mound before being relieved in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
14 / 28
Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Washington Nationals pitcher Zak Kent (57) throws a pitch in the fifth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) returns to the dugout after finishing his outing in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) runs for first as he grounds out in the sixth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'bryan Hayes (3) catches a line drive off the bat of Jorbit Vivas in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds left fielder JJ Bleday (22) celebrates a three-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds right fielder Blake Dunn (59) attempts to outrun a tag from Washington Nationals catcher Drew Millas (14) a dropped third strike in the seventh inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) returns to the dugout after making substitutions in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) throws a pitch in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) celebrates as he walks for the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Injured Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) watches from the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers (17) celebrates a three-run home run in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Washington Nationals pitching position player Joey Wiemer (21) shakes his head as he gives up a home run to Dane Myers in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Washington Nationals manager Blake Butera (10) looks on from the dugout stairs in the eighth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Connor Phillips (34) throws a pitch in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
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Cincinnati Reds put up 15 runs against the Nationals in series closer
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) and pitcher Connor Phillips (34) celebrate a win after the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Washington Nationals at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The Reds led 2-0 after three innings. The Reds won 15-1.
Yikes.
Must be something about catchers. Even Francona doesn't figure he'll take a turn.
“I tried it this spring,” he said, “and I almost suffocated.”
