This review will focus on a historic week for the Cincinnati Reds. Featuring a re-opening that wasn’t and two Reds vying for the cycle. Plus, All-Star worthy seasons for Nick Castellanos and Jesse Winker continue.

The Cincinnati Reds achieved and came short of achieving history last week. Starting with a high-scoring win on Memorial Day. Winning their home series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies 11-1. Max Schrock and Kyle Farmer had phenomenal performances. Schrock was a single and Farmer was a triple away from the cycle. Unfortunately for Schrock, a calf injury cut his cycle pursuit short. He was placed on the ten-day injured list a day later.

Last Tuesday’s game ended with nearly the exact opposite result. With the Phillies winning 17-3 and out-hitting the Reds 18-9. Last Wednesday was originally set to be Re-opening Day for the Reds. The first day the Reds could have a full capacity crowd. After Ohio lifted their remaining COVID-19 related restrictions that day. Rain ultimately washed-out the Reds Re-opening Day plans; postponing the series finale. Last Wednesday’s wash-out will be made up on June 28^th at 6:40 PM Eastern.

The Reds wrapped up the week with a trip to St. Louis. Achieving something the Reds haven’t done since their 1990 world championship season. Sweeping the St. Louis Cardinals in a four-game series. After their 4-2 win last Thursday, the Reds nearly let Friday’s game slip away. Nearly blundering one of pitcher Luis Castillo’s best starts of the season yet. Castillo even hit an RBI double in the sixth inning; giving the Reds a 4-1 lead.

Cincinnati took a 6-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth. After runs batted in by Tyler Stephenson and Shogo Akiyama in the top of the inning. Despite giving up a run, Heath Hembree managed to get the first two outs of the inning. Hembree was sent to the showers and Sean Doolittle was sent in. Doolittle walked a batter, gave up an RBI that scored two runs and gave up a single. Ultimately Michael Feliz wrapped up the game with his first save of the season. Striking out Paul Goldschmidt and giving the Reds a 6-4 win.

Akiyama had a game saving catch to wrap up last Saturday’s game. With a diving catch with two Cardinals on and two out in the bottom of the ninth. Spoiling Cardinals batter Edmundo Sosa’s hopes of at best tying the game at five. Instead, the Reds clinched the series with a 5-2 victory. The Reds spent much of last Sunday’s game cruising towards a sweep. Taking a 7-0 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning. Fueled by two home runs from Jesse Winker and an RBI double from Eugenio Suarez.

Then the lead melted away within in the bottom of the sixth. St.Louis got on the board through a two-run homer from Tyler O’Neill. A two-run RBI from Matt Carpenter made it 7-4. Tommy Edman brought in a run through a single. Then Nolan Arenado- in his second at bat of the inning- scored two through an RBI single.

Jesse Winker ultimately saved the day for the Reds in the top of the ninth. With what turned out to be a game winning solo home run; his third homer of the day. Not only did the homer save the sweep; Winker achieved Reds franchise history. Becoming the first Reds player to hit three home runs in a game twice in a season. He hit three home runs against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 21^st. While Winker made history Sunday, teammate Nick Castellanos’ 21 game hitting streak came to a close. Castellanos’ streak is the longest hitting streak in Major League Baseball so far this season.

The Reds go into this week in a position to make strides in two areas. The first is their overall record, Cincinnati goes into this week with a 28-29 record. The Reds have worked their way within sight of .500 a few times this season. Only to fade back under .500 after reaching that mark. The Reds have a chance to go against that trend this week.

Along with the opportunity to surge to or above the .500 mark. The Reds have a chance to continue an upward climb in their divisional standings. Through hosting the Milwaukee Brewers starting this Tuesday. The Brewers and the Chicago Cubs go into Monday tied for the National League Central lead. Cincinnati is currently in fourth place in the division. Despite sweeping the slumping Cardinals; the Reds still trail behind them. Cincinnati goes into this week four games behind the Brewers and Cubs.

After having today off, the Reds and Brewers will play Tuesday and Wednesday at 7:10 PM Eastern. Due to last Wednesday’s wash-out; Tuesday’s game is the new Re-Opening Day for the Reds. Thursday’s series finale is set to start at 12:35 PM Eastern. Cincinnati’s week-long home stand continues with a Friday-Sunday series against the Colorado Rockies. Friday’s game is set to start at 7:10 PM Eastern. First pitch is set for 4:10 PM on Saturday and 1:10 PM Eastern on Sunday.