In this edition of the weekly review, the Cincinnati Reds begin their regular season. Jonas Hayes and Dwon Odom go from Xavier to Georgia State. While the Cincinnati Cyclones endure a setback in Canada.

The Cincinnati Reds split their season opening series against the Atlanta Braves. Beating the defending world champions in Atlanta last Thursday. In their nationally televised Opening Night game. Cincinnati lost last Friday and Saturday’s games despite late rallies in both. Ultimately losing by one run in both of those games.

Then on Sunday, Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene had his long awaited and impressive debut. Greene struck out seven batters (one third of the batters he faced) in five innings. His fastest fast ball clocked in at 102 miles per hour. Greene gave up four hits and three walks. Along with the Braves three runs in Cincinnati’s 6-3 win.

By the time the Braves scored their runs in the fourth and fifth. Cincinnati already scored five of their runs through a hot third inning. Along with Greene’s impressive debut, Cincinnati’s bullpen had a good opening series. The bullpen gave up four of the Braves’ 15 runs in the series. Good so far compared the atrocious April the Reds bullpen had last year.

Now the Reds head into their home opener Tuesday afternoon. Striving to make a positive impression for fans after a rocky offseason. Taking on the Cleveland Guardians in a two-game series. Before heading out on the road again this weekend. For a four-game series Thursday through Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Reds’ opening series was part of a trend last week. Of Cincinnati sports stories with an Atlanta connection. In Xavier men’s basketball news, Jonas Hayes is Atlanta-based Georgia State’s new head coach. Hayes led Xavier as interim head coach to their NIT title last month. He was an assistant with Xavier for the last four years.

Hayes succeeds Rob Lanier, who left Georgia State to accept the SMU head coaching job. Lanier coached Georgia State to an NCAA Tournament appearance last March. The program’s fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last eight years. Hayes’ coaching career began as an assistant with Atlanta’s Morehouse College in 2005. He also played and was an assistant for Georgia Basketball.

Meanwhile, Xavier Sophomore point guard Dwon Odom is transferring to Georgia State. He’s also making an Atlanta area homecoming, growing up in Alpharetta, GA. Sticking with the coach who recruited him to Xavier. Odom announced his decision to transfer to Georgia State last Thursday. A day after Hayes was formally introduced as their next head coach.

Meanwhile Jack Nunge and Colby Jones announced they will return to Xavier next season. Jones is emerging from his sophomore season with a season high 21 points in the NIT Championship Game. While Nunge had a breakout junior year; after the Indiana native transferred from Iowa. Coaching-wise, Dante Jackson will also stay with Xavier’s staff. The Xavier alum will remain an assistant with Sean Miller, who coached Jackson during part of his Xavier playing career.

In another Cincinnati area story with an Atlanta connection. Northern Kentucky University’s Basketball arena and the Atlanta Braves ballpark now have similar names. Truist Bank now holds the naming rights to both venues. With NKU’s BB&T Arena formally becoming Truist Arena last week. This is due to BB&T and SunTrust Bank’s merger to become Truist. SunTrust had the original naming rights to the Braves’ home Truist Park when it opened in 2017.

Shifting out of Atlanta, Cincinnati Bearcats Football had their spring game last Saturday. With graduate quarterback Desmond Ridder preparing for the NFL Draft. The big story heading into the spring game was the quarterback’s performances. As Ben Bryant and Evan Prater compete to be the Bearcats’ starting QB next season. Both quarterbacks had their opportunities to work with their first team offense.

Prater and Bryant also threw passes that resulted in touchdowns. Ultimately, sophomore tight end Chamon Metayer made the best impression. Catching passes for touchdowns from both Bryant and Prater. The Bearcats’ defensive line also made a strong impression to reporters covering the game. Which was ultimately closed to fans and moved indoors due to inclement weather.

Back to the pros, while FC Cincinnati had a bye week. The Cincinnati Cyclones struggled through their Canadian road trip last week. Losing to Trois-Rivieres 2-4 last Wednesday; then losing back-to-back games at the Newfoundland Growlers. Losing 2-3 last Friday and 3-6 a day later. The Cyclones snapped their three-game losing streak last Sunday; through beating Newfoundland 5-4.

The Cyclones’ Kelly Cup Playoff hopes are in a rougher spot heading into this week. With four teams per division qualifying for the playoffs. After losing three out of four last week, Cincinnati ranks fourth in the ECHL Central as of midday Monday. Setting course towards the crucial last week of the regular season. Taking on the Indianapolis Fuel at their home Heritage Bank Center Friday at 7:30 PM Eastern. Then wrapping up the regular season in Indianapolis Saturday at 7 PM Eastern. With both game broadcasts available through cycloneshockey.com.

What to watch this week (all times Eastern)

Cincinnati Reds vs. Cleveland Guardians

Tuesday at 4:10 PM on Bally Sports Ohio/WKRC-TV (12)

Wednesday at 12:35 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers

Thursday at 10:10 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Jackie Robinson Day, Friday at 10:10 PM on Apple TV+

Saturday at 10:10 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Sunday at 4:10 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday’s games can be seen beyond Cincinnati on MLB Network. All games can be heard on WLW-AM (700) and fellow Cincinnati Reds radio network affiliates.

FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati at Atlanta United, Saturday at 6 PM on WSTR-TV (64) and ESPN+.