In this review, an update on how local Olympians are faring in Tokyo. Cincinnati Reds All-Star Nick Castellanos is officially on the injured list. While the Cincinnati Bengals’ inaugural Ring of Honor class is set.

Summer Olympics Update

At least one Cincinnati area native will return from Tokyo with a gold medal. Zach Apple was the anchor of the U.S. Men’s 4×100 meter relay. Swimming the final 100 meters as the U.S. won with a time of 3:08.97 yesterday. Apple will race in the seventh heat of the 100 meter freestyle tomorrow at 6:17 AM Eastern. Meanwhile, Cincinnati boxer Duke Ragan beat France’s Samuel Kistohurry last Friday. In the round of 32 in the men’s Featherweight tournament. Ragan will face Kazakhstan’s Serik Temirzhanov tomorrow at 11:51 PM Eastern.

After losing to Sweden to start their Olympic campaign. The U.S. Women’s Soccer team walloped New Zealand on Saturday 6-1. Cincinnati native Rose Lavelle scored a goal in that match. The U.S. will face Australia to wrap up group play tomorrow at 4 AM Eastern. UC alumnus Vanessa Gilles and Canada’s Women’s soccer team drew hosts Japan last Wednesday. Then beat Chile 2-1 last Saturday; Canada wraps up group play tomorrow at 7 AM Eastern against Great Britain.

The U.S. Women’s Volleyball team beat Argentina in their opening game. University of Cincinnati alumnus Jordan Thompson helped propel the U.S. to victory with a game high 20 points. The U.S. will face China tonight at 10:05 PM Eastern. Later this week, America will face Turkey Thursday at 8:45 AM. Then face the Russian Olympic Committee Friday at 10:05 PM Eastern. At the same time on Sunday, the U.S. will wrap up the week facing Italy.

Cincinnati native Max Holt and the U.S. Men’s Volleyball team’s Olympic campaign is underway. Starting up with a three set sweep of France last Saturday. The U.S. lost overnight to athletes representing the Russian Olympic Committee three sets to one. The U.S. will play Tunisia on Tuesday at 10:05 PM Eastern. At the same time on Thursday, the U.S. will face Brazil. They will wrap up this week facing Argentina on Sunday at 8:45 AM Eastern.

Cincinnati Reds week in review

The Cincinnati Reds were rocked in extra innings by the New York Mets 15-11 last Monday. Won a day later 4-3 and then lost in a 7-0 shutout in last Wednesday’s series finale. Officially making it a losing home stand. While helping downtown traffic clear up before President Joe Biden arrived in town. For a visit to the Greater Cincinnati area last Wednesday evening.

The Reds got some bad yet unsurprising news last Friday. All-Star outfielder Nick Castellanos is officially on the injured list. Added retroactively to the ten day IL. Castellanos is recovering from a wrist fracture he suffered on July 16th. Only appearing in a game since then as a pinch hitter last Monday. Coming in as a last resort after Cincinnati turned to their bench frequently in that game.

Despite having it start on a sour note with Castellanos’ addition to the IL. The Reds had an otherwise fantastic weekend. Winning two out of three against the St. Louis Cardinals. Aided in part by Tyler Stephenson’s game winning sacrifice fly in the eighth last Friday. To help the Reds win the series-opener 6-5.

On Saturday, the Reds were aided by a game-saving catch by outfielder Shogo Akiyama. Plus, a two run double and a decisive two run homer by Jesse Winker earlier in that game. All helping the Reds win 5-3 last Saturday. Cincinnati’s aspirations for a sweep were dashed on Sunday. Missing a key scoring opportunity in the eighth with bases loaded. Ultimately losing to a fired up Cardinals team 10-6.

The Reds are on the road this week for a seven game road trip. Facing the Chicago Cubs in a three-game series Monday-Thursday. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday’s games start at 8:05 PM Eastern. Thursday’s first pitch is set for 2:20 PM Eastern. The Reds will wrap up July and start August in New York.

Cincinnati will face the New York Mets in a three-game series this weekend. Friday and Saturday’s games are set to start at 7:10 PM Eastern. Sunday’s game is set to start at 1:10 PM Eastern. Just before the series starts, the Reds will face Friday’s 4 PM Eastern trade deadline. By Friday evening we’ll have answers to a few questions. What will the Reds do to boost their bullpen first and foremost. At least in this writer’s view entering this week.

FC Cincinnati’s winless week and Quimi’s debut

FC Cincinnati drew 1-1 at home against Atlanta United last Wednesday. After a scoreless first half and two close goal attempts early in the second. FC Cincinnati got on the board first in last Wednesday’s match. Through a straight on blast from Luciano Acosta in the 61st minute. As has been the case at various points this season; FC Cincinnati’s lead didn’t last long. Atlanta’s Ronald Hernandez scored an equalizer in the 70th minute. Marking Hernandez’s first Major League Soccer career goal.

FCC’s defense found themselves boxed into the same areas late in the second half. While goalie Kenneth Vermeer came up with save after save. Fending off Atlanta’s challenges and emerging with a 1-1 tie. Cincinnati remains in pursuit of their first win at TQL Stadium. On Saturday, FC Cincinnati were shutout 3-0 by Nashville SC in Nashville.

Saturday’s match did feature an upbeat story in the Music City for FCC. Arquimides “Quimi” Ordonez became the youngest FCC player to debut during a match. The 17-year-old is also the first homegrown academy player to play in an MLS match. Entering through a substitution in the 74th minute. FC Cincinnati will host DC United this Saturday at 7:30 PM Eastern on WSTR-TV (64).

Ken and Ken inducted into Bengals Ring of Honor

The Cincinnati Bengals revealed the final two members of their inaugural Ring of Honor inductees last week. Legendary quarterback Ken Anderson and the late Ken Riley will be inducted this September. Thanks to votes from Bengals season ticket holders and Paul Brown Stadium suite owners. Anderson and Riley join Paul Brown and Anthony Munoz as initial inductees. The induction ceremony will be during their September 30th primetime game; against the Jacksonville Jaguars at PBS.

Meanwhile, Bengals Training Camp begins in earnest this week. Players report to camp at their practice facility in Cincinnati this Tuesday. The Bengals will hold an open practice this Saturday. In what’s being dubbed “Back Together Saturday.” The event will be the first practice open to fans since the COVID-19 pandemic began.