In this review, the Cincinnati Reds find ways to lose on and off of the field. The Cincinnati Cyclones advance to the Kelly Cup Playoffs. While FC Cincinnati gets a draw on the road.

Cincinnati Reds face setbacks on and away from field

One thing the Cincinnati Reds are proving to be quite good at one thing this year. Thwarting any positive momentum that comes their way. The Reds managed to do this on and off of the field last week. On the field, after going into their home opener 2-2. Splitting their opening series against the defending world champion Atlanta Braves. The Reds haven’t won a game since then and hold baseball’s worst record. Going into Monday 2-8 after being swept by the Cleveland Guardians and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Off the field, Reds president Phil Castellini left a sour taste in fans mouths. With comments he made that landed like an anvil onto Reds fans. When asked how he’d respond to frustrated fans that want his father Bob to sell the team. During interviews he did on WLW-AM and WLWT-TV hours before the Reds’ home opener. Had Castellini stuck with the concluding part of his response on WLW radio. Instead of the beginning and much of the middle part. His comments would not have generated as much local and national anger.

Towards the end, he shared his frustrations with the Reds’ lack of postseason success in the Castellini ownership era. Along with the financial constraints mid-sized market teams face. In their pursuit of building a pennant contending team. Instead of sticking with that, he had a comment viewed by some as a threat to move the team. Something I can’t image Major League Baseball would be happy with. Given the Reds roots to the first all professional team in baseball. It’s also doubtful MLB would want to pass up a place that treats Opening Day as a holiday.

Why would MLB pass up any more of the little public good will it has these days?

Starting off by saying, “Well where ‘ya ‘gonna go” was a poor way for Castellini to start. Cincinnatians and Reds fans beyond Cincinnati have many options. Parks, bars, clubs, stores, the theatre, visiting friends and relatives. Along with a gazillion things to watch or listen to beyond a Reds game. Even though the Reds do a great job to consistently improve the Great American Ball Park experience. The Reds on the field are the main draw and attendance lagged during their late 2010’s rebuild.

Fans are eager to see a successful Reds team. After the pandemic affected Reds’ fans ability to attend games. When the Reds made it to the MLB Postseason in 2020. Then contended deep into the summer last year. Plus, the Bengals’ run to the Super Bowl last Winter. Along with Cincinnati Football’s College Football Playoff season. There was a lot of positive momentum swirling around the Reds going into this year.

The Reds’ offseason clearance sale, the lockout, Phil Castellini’s comments and losing streak is trashing that positive energy. Without a turnaround this week in San Diego. The Reds risk playing in a mostly empty GABP when they return to Cincinnati this weekend.

This week in Reds baseball (all times Eastern)

Cincinnati Reds at San Diego Padres

Monday at 9:40 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Projected starting pitchers (as of April 18th)

Reds: Nick Lodolo (0-1, 11.25 Earned Run Average).

Padres: Sean Manaea (1-1, 1.38 ERA)

Tuesday at 9:40 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Starting pitchers

Reds: Reiver Sanmartin (0-1, 6.14 ERA)

Padres: Joe Musgrove (1-0, 1.42 ERA)

Wednesday at 4:10 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Starting pitchers

Reds: Vladimir Gutierrez (0-2, 5.40 ERA)

Padres: MacKenzie Gore (0-0, 3.38 ERA)

Cincinnati Reds vs. St. Louis Cardinals

Friday at 6:40 PM on Apple TV+

Starting pitchers

Reds: Hunter Greene (1-1, 4.35 ERA)

Cardinals: Steven Matz (1-1, 7.27 ERA)

Saturday at 4:10 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Starting pitchers

Reds: Tyler Mahle (1-1, 5.68 ERA)

Cardinals: Dakota Hudson (0-1, 7.71 ERA)

Sunday at 1:40 PM on Bally Sports Ohio

Starting pitchers

Reds: Nick Lodolo

Cardinals: Adam Wainwright (1-1, 3.48 ERA)

All games are also broadcast on WLW-AM (700) and the Cincinnati Reds Radio Network.

Cincinnati Cyclones heading to Kelly Cup Playoffs

One place a disgruntled Reds fan can go is a Cincinnati Cyclones game. The Cyclones will play in the upcoming Kelly Cup Playoffs; despite losing five of their last six games of the regular season. Including both of their games last week against the Indianapolis Fuel. Losing their home regular season finale in an overtime shootout last Friday 4-5. Along with their road finale a day later 2-4.

Cincinnati wrapped up the regular season fourth in the ECHL Central division. Going into the playoffs with a 36-32-4 regular season record. The Cyclones will face the division regular season champion Toledo Walleye next. In a best of seven series starting Friday in Toledo. Toledo will also host game two Saturday; Cincinnati host game three next Monday at 7:35 PM Eastern.

Cyclones’ Kelly Cup Divisional Semifinals schedule (all games start at 7:35 PM Eastern)

Game one: Friday in Toledo

Game two: Saturday in Toledo

Game three: April 25th in Cincinnati

Game four: April 27th in Cincinnati

Game five: April 28th in Cincinnati (if necessary)

Game six: April 30th in Toledo (if necessary)

Game seven: May 3rd in Toledo (if necessary)

All game broadcasts are available through cycloneshockey.com.

FC Cincinnati: a draw in Atlanta and an upcoming U.S. Open Cup match

FC Cincinnati picked up a point in the standings. With a scoreless draw on the road taking on Atlanta United last Saturday. Former Atlanta and current FCC goalkeeper Alec Kann stepped up for the shutout with six saves. As Cincinnati navigated through several injuries. Center back Geoff Cameron sustained an injury last Friday.

Cameron’s absence prompted rookie Ian Murphy to step up. Brenner Sousa da Silva made his season debut at forward. While fellow forward Dominique Badji started at left back. Along with this, FCC played through the final minutes a player short. Due to Nick Hagglund getting a red card in the 76th minute. This is the first time FCC shut out an opponent this season. Improving the club to a 2-4-1 record with seven match points.

FC Cincinnati’s schedule this week (both matches at TQL Stadium)

U.S. Open Cup

FC Cincinnati vs. Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, Tuesday at 7 PM Eastern on ESPN+

Major League Soccer

FC Cincinnati vs. LAFC, Sunday at 5 PM Eastern on FS1, Fox Deportes and WCKY-AM (1530).