The most unusual Cincinnati Reds season to date is finally underway. While FC Cincinnati qualifies for the knockout stage of the MLS is Back Tournament. This and more are covered in this week’s review.

Cincinnati Reds opening series review

The ten month wait for Opening Day came to an end last Friday. After being delayed by roughly four months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cincinnati Reds won their Opening Day game in a rout. Beating the Detroit Tigers 7-1 last Friday evening. Everything clicked for the Reds in the opening game. The pitching was stellar throughout the game and the bats were hot. That was not the case throughout the rest of the opening series.

Cincinnati started off strong on Saturday and Sunday. Getting good starts from pitchers Luis Castillo and Trevor Bauer. Bauer struck out 13 batters on Sunday afternoon. Matching the Reds total strikeouts on Opening Day. Castillo got 11 of the Reds 17 total strikeouts on Saturday.

Those starting efforts were part of a historic weekend for Reds pitchers. This was the first time Reds pitchers got at least ten strikeouts in their first three games. A statistic dating back to 1893, when the pitchers mound was moved to it’s current distance. Ultimately, Cincinnati’s bullpen blundered their starter’s good efforts on Saturday and Sunday. While the Reds offense struggled to build a late rally.

On a more serious note, COVID-19 continues to disrupt the Reds roster. Matt Davidson was put on the COVID-19 injured list on Saturday. After being the starting designated hitter on Opening Day. Mike Moustakas and Nick Senzel missed Sunday’s game. Neither have reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Moustakas and Senzel weren’t feeling well before Sunday’s game. Both scratched from the lineup as a precaution.

The Reds aren’t the only team dealing with at least one positive COVID-19 case. Washington Nationals player Juan Soto tested positive before their Opening Night game. The Miami Marlins are grappling with at least 14 COVID-19 cases. Their home opener set for tonight against the Baltimore Orioles was postponed. Tonight’s Philadelphia Phillies vs. New York Yankees game is also being postponed. The Marlins faced the Phillies in their opening series. As of publication, tonight’s Reds game against the Chicago Cubs is still on.

These developments will put Major League Baseball to the test. Facing an inevitable challenge that they’ve had months to prepare for. The way the league and teams approach this will set an example for other leagues. Since MLB is the largest major league that has returned to action. Along with being the first of America’s big four leagues returning with home games.

FC Cincinnati secures spot in MLS is Back Tournament’s knockout stage

FC Cincinnati is now preparing for the knockout stage of the MLS is Back Tournament. Qualifying through their 2-0 victory over the New York Red Bulls last Wednesday. Yuya Kubo got FCC on the board with a goal in the 43rd minute. FCC’s second goal came through an own goal in the 56th minute; credited to the Red Bulls’ Florian Valot. FC Cincinnati will now face the Portland Timbers Tuesday in the round of 16. Tuesday’s game is scheduled to kick off at 10:30 PM Eastern on ESPN. The winner will face NYCFC on August 1st at 10:30 PM Eastern on FS1.

Cincinnati Bengals: 2020 NFL Preseason cancelled

The National Football League and their player’s association agreed to cancel their preseason last week. One of several adjustments made through a revised collective bargaining agreement. This preseason’s cancellation can be attributed to training camp schedule adjustments. NFL teams are set to report for training camp this Tuesday. Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans rookies reported last Friday. Padded practices wont even begin until August 17th. Much later than usual and two days after Cincinnati’s originally scheduled preseason opener.