The Cincinnati Reds dominated the struggling Chicago White Sox with an 11-4 victory on Sunday, completing a series sweep of the AL Central team in Chicago for the first time.
The series also included a 5-0 shutout and an 11-1 blowout. Clearly, the White Sox are navigating a challenging period, caught between rebuilding and dealing with injuries – a situation the Reds recently experienced themselves. Here are three insights from the Reds’ weekend sweep and their implications for the future.
Nick Lodolo is the ace the Reds have been waiting for.
Enter Lodolo, who made a strong return to the mound on Saturday. In 5.2 innings, he allowed only one hit and one walk while striking out 10 batters, keeping the opposition scoreless. This performance quickly overshadowed his disappointing 2023 season and resembled his breakout year in 2022 when he was last healthy.
Lodolo is shaping up to be the frontline starter the Reds have been seeking. Of course, it’s also great if the other pitchers in the rotation turn out to be solid contributors.
The White Sox are going through a tough stretch.
It’s really tough to watch.
Without key players like Luis Robert Jr., Eloy Jimenez, and Yoan Moncada, and with Dylan Cease traded just before Opening Day, the team is a shadow of its former self. It’s disheartening to see such a storied franchise struggling like this.
Wishing the Sox a speedy recovery.
The Reds look poised to outpace the competition once more.
After leading MLB in stolen bases last year, the Reds showcased their speed once again on Sunday. Jake Fraley stole three bases, Will Benson added two, and even Spencer Steer joined in. It’s impressive to see them capitalize on their speed advantage, especially on a day when their fastest player, Elly De La Cruz, didn’t even have a chance to steal a base.
Expect them to keep this up throughout the season, with speed coming from every spot in the lineup. Exciting stuff!
Elly De La Cruz is doing well.
Yeah, he had a couple of off games to end the series, and his streak of reaching base in consecutive games ended on Sunday.
However, on Friday he showed his true potential and has been on fire for most of the past two weeks.
I’m having trouble counting to three.
Sorry
Jonathan India is evolving into an ideal leadoff hitter.
Jonathan India walked four times in Friday’s game and added another walk on Saturday. While he’s playing more defense at second base than we’d ideally prefer, he’s showcasing the strong on-base skills that initially made him an excellent leadoff hitter before injuries slowed him down in recent years.
His power hasn’t fully emerged yet, but if he maintains an on-base percentage near 40%, this lineup will consistently drive him in. That’s cause for excitement every time he leads off, regardless of his defensive position.