The Reds suffered a lopsided loss to Rockies. Here's what happened
Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer
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4 min read
As good as April was tothe Cincinnati Reds, the second-to-last game of the month happened to hand them their ugliest and most-lopsided defeat of the young season.
TheColorado Rockiesevened the three-game series with Cincinnati April 29 with a 13-2 win against the Reds at Great American Ball Park.
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Brett Sullivan's two-out, bases-loaded double in the top of the first inning off starting pitcherBrandon Williamsonproved to be all the scoring the Rockies would need.
Luis Mey was recalled from Triple-A Louisville when Graham Ashcraft was placed on the bereavement list, pitched two innings, allowing one run while striking out four in the 13-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies April 29.
Reds manager Terry Francona said Williamson would have an MRI performed April 30.
"Command. Walks. It's a hard way to be successful and he knows that," Francona said. "You could tell it was really bothering him, so I'm glad we got him out when we did."
Luis Mey, called up after relieverGraham Ashcraftwas placed on the bereavement list, went two innings for the Reds and Jose Franco went three innings to help cover the club's pitching needs.
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CatcherJose Trevinoemerged from behind home plate, where he called the game for eight innings, to pitch the ninth inning for Cincinnati. Trevino allowed five runs in what was his fifth career appearance as a pitcher.
Reds catcher Jose Trevino did double duty for the Red, here catching a pop-up during his time behind the plate, then allowing five runs as a pitcher in the ninth inning.
Williamson suggested afterward the fatigue might have been a result of his long layoff from action for Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for about 15 months prior to this past spring training.
"I feel like I'm to the point where I'm just catching up to a lot of, not rehab but just not playing for so long," Williamson said. "Feel like I've just been trying to grind through it. It's kind of caught up to me a little bit. I'm still just trying to figure it out."
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Colorado starterTomoyuki Suganotossed 5 1/3 innings of scoreless, four-hit baseball and conceded three walks.
"I thought the split was kind of the equalizer for (Sugano)," Francona said. "He could get his fastball by our barrels at times, up, but then the split really gave us fits."
Prior to a ninth inning at-bat that started with Cincinnati trailing 13-0, the Reds went 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. The lone hit with a runner in scoring position was a two-outSal Stewartsingle in the first inning that was knocked down byEzequiel Tovar.Matt McLainattempted to score from second base but was tagged out at the plate.
Through eight innings, the Reds' six hits were all singles.Tyler Stephensondoubled in the ninth inning in his only at-bat andWill Bensonfollowed with a two-run homer. Two further singles followed.
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Win or lose on April 30 in the series finale, April will have been an effective start to Cincinnati's 2026 season. The team was 16-9 (19-11 overall in 2026) in the month going into the third game of the series.
In addition to nearly being shut out, the 11-run margin of defeat was the largest so far of 2026.
Reds close out Rockies series against familiar face
The Reds and Rockies will decide the winner of their three-game set with an April 30 matinee (12:40 p.m. EDT). Cincinnati Opening Day starterAndrew Abbott(0-2, 6.59 ERA) is scheduled to be opposed former Reds pitcher, Rockies right-handerMichael Lorenzen(2-2, 5.97 ERA).
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Lorenzen spent seven seasons with Reds from 2015 to 2021. As a pitcher, he went 23-23 with a 4.07 ERA. Lorenzen proved handy with a bat in his hands, but only during his years in Cincinnati as he didn't register a plate appearance against in subsequent stints with theLos AngelesAngeles,Detroit Tigers,Philadelphia Phillies,Texas RangersandKansas City Royals.
Colorado Rockies catcher Brett Sullivan (26) tags out Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) pitches in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) hits a double in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) fields a ground ball before throwing out Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield (7) in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) prepares to pitch in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) speaks with Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) watches his baseball after hitting a 3-run triple in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (3) mishandles the throw from home plate as Colorado Rockies catcher Brett Sullivan (26) reaches third base on a 3-run triple in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) prepares to pitch in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) hits a base hit in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (14) fields a ground ball before throwing out Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) at home plate in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield (7) hits a base hit in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl (29) catches a fly ball in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) leaps over Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle (9) during a pick off attempt in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) gestures to the dugout after hitting an RBI double in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle (9) high fives teammates after scoring on a Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) double in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) catches a foul ball for an out in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (14) throws out Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) pitches in the fourth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) throws to first for an out in the fourth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) pitches in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) gestures to the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) gestures after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) pitches in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) throws out a runner at first in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jose Franco (74) pitches in the sixth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jose Franco (74) pitches in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield (7) hits a double in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) gestures after hitting a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) celebrates after hitting a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl (29) catches a fly ball at the wall in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson (30) rounds the bases after hitting a 2-run home run in the ninth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) stands in the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) throws to first for an out in the eighth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) pitches in the ninth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies catcher Brett Sullivan (26) tags out Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies catcher Brett Sullivan (26) tags out Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) pitches in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) hits a double in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) fields a ground ball before throwing out Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield (7) in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) prepares to pitch in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) speaks with Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) watches his baseball after hitting a 3-run triple in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes (3) mishandles the throw from home plate as Colorado Rockies catcher Brett Sullivan (26) reaches third base on a 3-run triple in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) prepares to pitch in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) hits a base hit in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (14) fields a ground ball before throwing out Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) at home plate in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield (7) hits a base hit in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl (29) catches a fly ball in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) leaps over Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle (9) during a pick off attempt in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) gestures to the dugout after hitting an RBI double in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies center fielder Brenton Doyle (9) high fives teammates after scoring on a Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) double in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) catches a foul ball for an out in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies shortstop Ezequiel Tovar (14) throws out Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) in the third inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) pitches in the fourth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) throws to first for an out in the fourth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) pitches in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) gestures to the dugout after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) gestures after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano (11) pitches in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) throws out a runner at first in the fifth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jose Franco (74) pitches in the sixth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Jose Franco (74) pitches in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield (7) hits a double in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) gestures after hitting a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies designated hitter Hunter Goodman (15) celebrates after hitting a 2-run home run in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds center fielder TJ Friedl (29) catches a fly ball at the wall in the seventh inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson (30) rounds the bases after hitting a 2-run home run in the ninth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Colorado Rockies second baseman Willi Castro (3) stands in the dugout in the eighth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) throws to first for an out in the eighth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
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Photos from Colorado Rockies at Cincinnati Reds, April 29
Cincinnati Reds catcher Jose Trevino (35) pitches in the ninth inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Lorenzen had 147 plate appearances for the Reds and hit .233 with seven career homers.
A win for Cincinnati would mean five consecutive series victories. That would be their longest streak of series wins since claiming five in a row in June 2023.