In this edition of Nerone’s Notes, FC Cincinnati wins a wild game against the Philadelphia Union. A reflection on the legendary Willie Mays. Plus, 2024 will be a “Hard Knocks” season for the Cincinnati Bengals.

FC Cincinnati begins busy week on a winning note

In their first home match in nearly a month. FC Cincinnati won a down to the wire match last Wednesday 4-3 against the Philadelphia Union. Luca Orellano and Luciano Acosta emerged as the stars of Wednesday’s game. Acosta scored the winning goal in stoppage time. He also scored a penalty goal in the 49th minute and had an assist.

Luca Orellano scored a wild goal in the 60th minute from nearly midfield. In what could arguably be considered Major League Soccer’s goal of the year. FC Cincinnati newcomer Kevin Kelsy scored FCC’s first goal in the 29th minute. FCC clinched three points despite faring without Matt Miazga. He suffered an injury in last Saturday’s road match against the San Jose Earthquakes. Next up for FC Cincinnati, a home match against the New England Revolution on Saturday. As FC Cincinnati strives to stay in a tight contest for the Supporters Shield against league-leading Inter Miami.

Cincinnati Reds lose two out of three again

The Cincinnati Reds concluded their recent road trip on a losing note. Losing two-out-of-three games against the Pittsburgh Pirates. After starting the road trip losing two-out-of-three against the Milwaukee Brewers last weekend. The most fascinating moment of this trip was the opening game. With the Reds winning 6-5 against the Milwaukee Brewers last Friday. This win happened despite the Reds having five errors.

This road trip featured a few frustrating moments for the Reds. The five errors against the Brewers were among them. Cincinnati Reds manager David Bell’s ejection last Monday was another. Yet, losing four of the six games in this road trip is the most frustrating of all. Cincinnati let these games get away from them.

Last Sunday, the Reds took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the sixth inning. They concluded the sixth inning down 4-3. The Brewers added to their lead in the seventh; Cincinnati scored one in the eighth inning. Cincinnati had a chance to win the game in the top of the ninth. With the potential game-tying run being tagged out at home plate to end the game. As Cincinnati lost the series finale against the Brewers 5-4.

Last Monday, the Reds concluded the top of the first with a 1-0 lead. Cincinnati gave up three runs in the bottom of the first. Along with one in the bottom of the second inning. The Reds were unable to muster a single run in the rest of the game. Then after winning 2-1 on Tuesday, the Reds were shutout 1-0 on Wednesday.

Cincinnati blew a chance to gain some ground in the National League Central. They go into Friday with a 35-39 record, 8.5 games out of first place. Going into Friday in last place in the division. The Brewers lead the division with a 44-31 record. Milwaukee is the only team currently above .500 in the division.

The St. Louis Cardinals are in second-place, 6.5 games behind Milwaukee. After St. Louis beat the San Francisco Giants on Thursday in Birmingham, AL. Pittsburgh is in third place, one game behind the Cardinals. The Chicago Cubs are half a game behind the Pirates. Now the Reds prepare to face the Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox are 40-35 going into Friday, winning eight of their last ten games. Despite their winning ways, the Red Sox are ten games behind the American League East leading New York Yankees.

Willie Mays’ Cincinnati connections run deep

Baseball legend Willie Mays passed away on Tuesday at age 93. Prior to his death, he was the oldest living hall of fame inductee. Mays spent most of his career with the New York and San Francisco Giants. Before ultimately retiring in 1973 with the New York Mets. He debuted in the Negro Leagues with the Birmingham Black Barons. Mays passed away just two days before the Giants and Cardinals played a game at Birmingham’s historic Rickwood Field. The game featured tributes and reflections on Mays and the Negro Leagues.

Mays’ career accolades are astounding, winning Rookie of the year in 1951. He was also a two-time Most Valuable Player award winner. Mays appeared in 24 MLB All-Star Games in his career. This includes a stretch from 1959-1962 when there were two All-Star Games played each year. Mays appeared in both games during that time. Appearing in every All-Star Game from 1954 through his final season in 1973. Mays won twelve Gold Gloves, a batting title and the 1954 World Series.

Being in the National League throughout most of his professional career. Mays faced the Cincinnati Reds many times, playing in games at Crosley Field and Riverfront Stadium. Including the 1970 MLB All-Star Game at Riverfront Stadium. His last time facing the Reds in his career was in the 1973 National League Championship Series with the Mets. A series the Mets won 3-2, before losing to the Oakland Athletics in the World Series. Mays was also friends with former Reds and Giants manager Dusty Baker. Former Reds, including Joey Votto, were among the many reflecting on meeting Mays.

Cincinnati Bengals training camp comes into focus

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins signed his franchise tag on Monday. Ending weeks of uncertainty around when Higgins would sign it. Higgins is expected to report to the start of training camp in late July. Through signing the tag, Higgins is guaranteed to make $21.8 million this season. Along with this, the Bengals announced their training camp schedule this week. Bengals training camp begins on July 24th. The first public practice will be on July 29th.

Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals will be part of a franchise often associated with training camp. The Bengals and fellow AFC North teams will be featured on “Hard Knocks.” This won’t be the typical version of the HBO TV show. Which traditionally follows a team during training camp; Cincinnati was featured on the show in 2009. This version will follow teams in the AFC North throughout the regular season.

The NFC East’s New York Giants and NFC North’s Chicago Bears will also be featured. The AFC North was selected for a specific reason. Last year, it became the first division ever to have all four teams finish with winning records. This in-season version of “Hard Knocks” could be compared to several sports’ documentary series on Netflix. Such as “Drive to Survive” which chronicles the Formula 1 racing circuit.