In this review, the Cincinnati Reds fend off a sweep and a no hitter. The Cincinnati Bengals win their preseason debut. While the Western & Southern Open begins with and without some big stars.

Cincinnati Reds’ week in review

The Cincinnati Reds began a seven-game road trip with a 9-3 loss to the Cleveland Indians last Monday. The start of a skid that included back-to-back close losses in Atlanta. Losing to the Atlanta Braves 3-2 last Tuesday. Due partly to a two-run homer by former red Adam Duvall. Plus, a sixth inning collapse from the Reds bullpen. Cincinnati lost in extra innings a day later 6-8. After the Reds tied the game at five runs each in the ninth.

Cincinnati wrapped up the series with a home run derby. Hitting a home run cycle in last Thursday’s 12-3 win. Jesse Winker began the cycle with a grand slam in the second inning. Tyler Naquin hit a three run homer in the third. Jonathan India hit a solo homer later in that inning.

Then Kyle Farmer completed the cycle with a two run blast in the sixth. The Reds also scored through a ground rule double by Eugenio Suarez in the third. Along with a solo homer by Tyler Stephenson in the ninth. The blowout win marked the end of a homecoming for Stephenson. Along with fellow Atlanta native Kyle Farmer.

The Reds wrapped up the week winning two out of three against the Philadelphia Phillies. Starting with a 6-1 win last Friday; then losing by the same score a day later. Cincinnati managed to avoid being on the receiving end of a no-hitter. Tyler Stephenson snapped the no hitter effort with a home run in the eighth. Snapping the no-hitter off former Reds reliever Archie Bradley.

Phillies starting pitcher Matt Moore led the way with six hitless innings. Right hander Hector Naris kept the no-hitter alive with a 1-2-3 seventh inning. Most of the game was a pure pitching duel. Reds starter Luis Castillo had a one-hitter going into the sixth. That lone hit was a third inning solo homer by Phillies third baseman Ronald Torreyes.

Cincinnati won Sunday’s series finale in Philadelphia 7-4. Led by a lead off homer from Jonathan India; making a strong case to be Rookie of the Year. The win wasn’t the only big news from last Sunday for the Reds. Outfielder Nick Senzel was activated from the injured list. He will have a rehab stint with Triple-A Louisville. Mike Freeman was designated for assignment as a result.

This week, Cincinnati is back home for a seven game homestand. Facing opportunities to stack up wins against a couple of cellar dwellers. Starting with the Chicago Cubs, fresh from their trade deadline clearance extravaganza. With a three game series starting tonight at 7:10 PM Eastern. Tuesday’s game starts at the same time and Wednesday’s game is set to start at 12:35 PM Eastern.

The Reds welcome the Miami Marlins for a four-game series this weekend. First pitch for Thursday’s opener and Friday’s game is set for 7:10 PM Eastern. Saturday’s game is set to start at 6:40 PM and Sunday’s finale is set to start at 1:10 PM Eastern.

Hamilton’s West Side All Stars advance to Little League World Series

While the Reds fended off a no-hitter over the weekend. Hamilton Ohio’s West Side All Stars advanced in the Little League World Series through a no hitter. Jonathon Vogel pitched the no-hitter in a 12-0 win against Illinois’ Hinsdale Little League. With no international teams taking part in the LLWS this year due to COVID-19. The top two teams from each U.S. region advance to the LLWS in Williamsport, PA. The West Side All Stars lost to Michigan’s Taylor North; in Saturday’s Great Lakes regional championship 9-1. Hamilton’s West Side All Stars will play Nolensville, TN this Thursday at 3 PM Eastern on ESPN.

Cincinnati Bengals preseason debut takeaways

The Cincinnati Bengals won their preseason opener last Saturday. Beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 19-13 in title town Tampa,FL. While Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow didn’t dress for the exhibition. Many typical starters such as Joe Mixon and Tyler Boyd did get some playing time. Among the takeaways from last Saturday, Cincinnati had a good night rushing-wise. Jacques Patrick led the exhibition with 15 carries for 71 yards. Chris Evans had the second-most carries (12) and a touchdown.

Another takeaway focuses on Cincinnati’s struggle to hold onto the ball. The Bengals fumbled the ball four times while Tampa fumbled once. Tampa’s Joe Jones also scored a touchdown through an interception. Cincinnati’s next preseason game is this Friday in Landover, MD. As the Bengals face the Washington Football Team at 8 PM Eastern on WKRC-TV 12.

Western & Southern Open returns with and without stars

The Western & Southern Open is underway in Mason, OH. One of the nation’s premier tennis tournaments is back in the Greater Cincinnati area. After the U.S. Open tune-up took place in New York last year due to COVID-19. Many high-profile players are at the W&S Open this year. From Olympic men’s singles gold medalist Alexander Zverev. To 2021 French Open women’s singles champion Barbora Krejcikova. Along with Naomi Osaka, who plans to donate her prize money to Haiti earthquake relief efforts.

Some of the sport’s biggest stars aren’t at this year’s tournament. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic aren’t participating. The trio are tied for the most grand slam titles in history. Serena and Venus Williams aren’t taking part either. Serena is recovering from a leg injury suffered during Wimbledon this year. Nadal is out after withdrawing from the National Bank Open in Canada last week. He’s dealing with a foot injury that prompted him to miss Wimbledon and the Olympics.

The Western & Southern Open runs through this Sunday. Action can be seen on Tennis Channel, Bally Sports Ohio and WSTR-TV 64. More information about this year’s tournament can be found here.

FC Cincinnati’s quiet week

FC Cincinnati had last week off match-wise. While off the pitch, their search for a new general manager quietly continues. FC Cincinnati will have two matches this week. Hosting CF Montreal this Wednesday at 7:30 PM Eastern. Then travelling to take on the New England Revolution Saturday at 8 PM Eastern. Both matches can be seen in Cincinnati on WSTR-TV.