In this week’s review, the Cincinnati Reds hit a cold snap after a hot start to their season. The Cincinnati Bengals unveil their new uniforms. While FC Cincinnati slides into unfortunately familiar form.

Cincinnati Reds extend losing streak amid bullpen woes

The Cincinnati Reds endured a week full of losing. First, Nick Castellanos lost the appeal of his two game suspension last Monday. Castellanos faced a suspension for his role in a benches clearing scuffle on April 3rd. Castellanos served the two game suspension last Tuesday and Wednesday. Second and most significantly for the Reds; they’re grappling with a seven-game losing streak.

Rough outings from the Reds bullpen are a significant factor in this streak. Mother nature contributed to Cincinnati’s series opening loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks. After rain and rare late April snow halted last Tuesday’s game. The downpour contributed to Lucas Sims walking in Arizona’s game-winning run. Doing so before the game was suspended and ultimately completed last Wednesday. In the second game last Wednesday, Amir Garrett gave up a game-tying three-run homer. To former Red Josh VanMeter in the top of the ninth.

In the tenth inning, Cionel Perez and Jose De Leon collectively gave up four earned runs and one un-earned run. As the Reds went on to lose their first of back-to-back extra inning games. Thursday’s series finale was an offensive showcase from both teams. After taking an 8-8 game into extra innings, the Reds were outpaced 6-3 in the tenth. The Reds were subsequently swept on the road by the St.Louis Cardinals last weekend. A ninth inning rally fell short last Friday and the Reds were shutout last Saturday. Even manager David Bell’s ejection last Sunday wasn’t enough to rally the Reds out of their funk.

The Reds’ hopes of snapping their losing streak faces a tough hurdle this week. Starting the week with a series against the defending world champion Los Angeles Dodgers. In a three-game series in Los Angeles starting tonight at 10:10 PM Eastern. Tuesday’s game starts at the same time while Wednesday’s starts a 4:10 PM Eastern. The Reds will wrap up the week at home with a National League Central showdown. Taking on the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series starting Friday at 7:10 PM. Saturday’s game starts at 4:10 PM and Sunday’s games starts at 1:10 PM Eastern.

Cincinnati Bengals new stripes and draft countdown

The Cincinnati Bengals’ busy April continued last week. After establishing a Ring of Honor earlier this month. The team unveiled new uniforms last week. It’s a simpler version of the uniforms the Bengals have worn since 2004. This link from the Cincinnati Bengals website provides a look at the new design.

A busy April for the Bengals will wrap up with this weekend’s NFL Draft. The Bengals will have the fifth overall pick this year. Boosting their offense in various ways is a key need for the Bengals. After losing wide receiver A.J. Green through free agency and releasing running back Giovani Bernard. The team could benefit from drafting a wide receiver and running back.

Both to fill the void left by Green and Bernard’s departures. While giving quarterback Joe Burrow more options. To avoid over-dependence on running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Tyler Boyd. The Bengals are on fairly solid footing tight end-wise. After adding Burrow’s college teammate Thaddeus Moss two weeks ago.

The Bengals may have new stripes but their offensive line woes is nothing new. Addressing the offensive line and bulking up Cincinnati’s defense is vital. After Joe Burrow got tossed around like a football in his rookie season. Culminating in a season ending injury last November. Giving Billy Price and Trey Hopkins some backup at center could help too. A key need on defense is at the strong safety position. Vonn Bell is currently the only player in that position in Cincinnati’s depth chart.

The NFL Draft begins this Thursday and runs through Saturday in Cleveland, Ohio. Thursday’s first round starts at 8 PM Eastern on ABC, ESPN and NFL Network.

FC Cincinnati shutout in New York

Off the pitch, Total Quality Logistics snagged the naming rights for FC Cincinnati’s new stadium. Which will formally open this coming Saturday. On the pitch, FCC followed up an impressive opening tie with a shutout loss. Losing 5-0 to NYC FC last Saturday at New York’s Yankee Stadium. After looking like a new and improved team last week. FC Cincinnati looked as if they were mimicking their worst performances of 2020.

NYC FC’s Jesus Medina scored in the sixth and 83rd minutes. FCC’s Nick Haggulnd scored an own goal in the 53rd minute. NYC FC scored two goals in a ten minute span. Gudmundur Thorarinsson scored in the 57th and Valentin Castellanos scored in the 67th minute. FC Cincinnati will face Orlando City this Saturday in Orlando. That match is set to begin at 7:30 PM Eastern on WSTR-TV.

Cincinnati Basketball transfer news

Last week was another week full of transfer related Cincinnati Basketball headlines. Tari Eason is transferring to play for LSU Basketball. Eason was one of Cincinnati Basketball’s leading freshmen players last season. Garnering 2020-21 All-AAC honors as a forward. His senior teammate Chris Vogt entered the transfer portal last week. Vogt transferred to Cincinnati when recently ousted head coach John Brannen was hired in 2019. After starting his college career playing for Brannen and Northern Kentucky Basketball.

Meanwhile, Cincinnati’s new head coach Wes Miller landed three transfers. All have connections to the school and city Miller left to take the Cincinnati job. Clemson transfer John Newman III grew up in Greensboro, NC. Jarrett Hensley and Hayden Koval are transferring from UNC Greensboro. Where Miller coached from 2011 until earlier this month.