In this week’s review, the first full week of this Cincinnati Reds season is complete. FC Cincinnati’s run in the MLS is Back Tournament ends. Plus, reviewing a week that featured several Cincinnati Bengals headlines.

Cincinnati Reds wrap up first full week of the season

The Reds and Major League Baseball’s 2020 season managed to get through a full week. Though both didn’t go through the first full week of the season unscathed. Several games were postponed due to COVID-19 and inclement weather. The Reds opening home stand finale against the Chicago Cubs was postponed due to rain.

Cincinnati navigated through a few close calls with COVID-19 in the last week. Designated Hitter Matt Davidson was placed on the injured list due to COVID-19. Even though he claims he didn’t have the virus. Only reportedly showing symptoms for a few hours. He tested positive on an initial diagnostic test and tested negative on all subsequent tests. Mike Moustakas and Nick Senzel missed three games after feeling ill on July 26th. Neither tested positive for COVID-19 but the Reds weren’t taking any chances.

Fortunately for the Reds, they’re avoiding the kind of outbreak disrupting other teams. Outbreaks that have caused postponements and schedule adjustments for at least seven teams. The Miami Marlins, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, St.Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers. Leaving the season in a state of flux; prompting a rule change in the process. One that helped the Reds make history on Sunday afternoon.

The Reds took part in MLB’s first seven inning double-header in Detroit on Sunday. Beating the Detroit Tigers 4-3 win in the first game. Then shutting out the Tigers 4-0 in the second game. Through a complete game victory from Trevor Bauer. In Cincinnati’s first inter-league double-header sweep since 1999.

After the Sunday sweep, Cincinnati has a 4-5 record going into this week. Those seven inning double-headers highlighted a strange Reds trend. The Reds are struggling to generate late inning rallies; metaphorically clocking out after the seventh inning stretch. Failing to mount late rallies offensively in three of their first four games. While Cincinnati’s bullpen squandered several spectacular performances by their starting pitchers. With the 4-3 Sunday win as an exception; Cincinnati’s winning by large margins. Winning by six on Opening Day, five last Wednesday and by four late Sunday.

This week, Cincinnati will face back-to-back series with the Cleveland Indians. In the latest chapters of the Ohio Cup rivalry. Starting with two games in Cincinnati today and Tuesday. Then two games in Cleveland on Wednesday and Thursday. Cincinnati wraps up the week with a three game road series against Milwaukee.

FCC’s Cinderella run in MLS is Back Tournament ends

FC Cincinnati’s run in the MLS is Back Tournament came to an end last week. Losing in a penalty shootout to the Portland Timbers last Tuesday. Offside calls made a pivotal difference in this game. FC Cincinnati had three offside calls while Portland had none. One resulted in what would’ve been the opening goal of the game being called off.

Instead, Portland scored first through Jaroslaw Niezgoda’s goal in the 67th minute. FCC’s Jurgen Locadia got the equalizer through a penalty goal in the 81st minute. The Timbers ultimately won the penalty shootout 5-3. Ending FCC’s Cinderella run in the MLS is Back Tournament. FCC’s next match date and opponent is yet to be determined. According to Goal.com, Major League Soccer is planning to resume their regular season on August 22nd. With teams resuming their seasons with games in home markets.

Cincinnati Bengals: signings, training camp and RIP Rickey Dixon

Training camp began for the Cincinnati Bengals last week. Starting off with COVID-19 testing and a few draftee signings. Signing top overall draft pick Joe Burrow and second round pick Tee Higgins. Burrow and Higgins were the last unsigned Bengals draftees going into last week. Those were two of a few Bengals signings made in the last week.

Cincinnati is bringing on free agent quarterback Brandon Allen. He most recently played for the Denver Broncos, starting in three games last year. Allen shares a connection with Bengals head coach Zac Taylor. Allen played for the Los Angeles Rams when Taylor was their quarterbacks coach. The Bengals also signed kicker Tristan Vizcaino; he was waived by the Bengals after the 2019 preseason. Meanwhile, the Bengals are among several NFL teams dealing with players opting out due to COVID-19 concerns. Offensive Tackle Isiah Prince and Defensive Tackle Josh Tupou are opting out.

On a somber note, former Bengals safety Rickey Dixon passed away last week. Dixon passed away after a seven year battle with ALS at age 53. In his rookie NFL season, he was part of the Bengals’ Super Bowl XXIII team. He played with the Bengals through the 1992 season. Dixon was selected fifth overall by the Bengals in the 1988 draft. After a stellar college career with Oklahoma Football. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last year.