OOTP 4/10: Reds 6, Phillies 3

Zach Eflin was to start this game for the Phillies. He probably wishes he could re-start it.

A rocky first inning did in the young right hander, as the three runs he gave up to begin the Reds’ offensive day was enough for Luis Castillo to hold on to as the Reds took game two of the four game series, 6-2.

Offensively, the Phillies couldn’t get much going. Didi Gregorius had a day, going a perfect 4-4 with two doubles. Jay Bruce gave the team another home run with a solo shot in the second inning, but the rest of the team didn’t manage much of anything. Rhys Hoskins struggled again, this time with the manager hinting that a change in his spot in the order could be coming. Bryce Harper and Scott Kingery also continued their slow start, which led to a struggling offense.

The Reds, though, came out firing. In the first, back-to-back doubles from Nick Castellanos and Tucker Barnhart gave the Reds their first three runs. In the fourth, a walk to Joey Votto, a single to Jesse Winker, then a fielder’s choice made the score 4-1. Up stepped Mike Moustakas, who proceeded to hit a two-run home run that made it 6-1 and drove Eflin from the game. While the bullpen held the fort for the remaining innings, the damage was done.

It was a disappointing effort from Eflin, one which raised his ERA almost three full points. Hopefully, he’ll bounce back in his next start. The two teams go at it again tomorrow afternoon.