Hal McCoy

There were a couple of quick clues in the embryonic stages that Sunday would not be a delightful afternoon walk in the park for the Cincinnati Reds.

Q: Is the jury still out regarding Hunter Greene, the recipient of a substantial contract despite his performance arguably being mediocre? — DAVE, Miamisburg/Centerville/Beavercreek.

Nick Lodolo's second pitch Monday night landed in Petco Park's left-field seats, a home run by San Diego Padres leadoff hitter Jurickson Profar.

When it comes to San Diego, the Cincinnati Reds would rather be across the border in Tijuana buying serapes for their wives.

Who are you going to talk to after Ohio State and Akron combine for 33 runs, 32 hits and use 15 pitchers during the Buckeyes 18-13 win? Certainly you don't talk to a pitcher, but in this case one stood out, Ohio State relief pitcher Colin Purcell.

If there is a man standing on the mound and he is lefthanded, the Cincinnati Reds have been helpless so far this season.

The good news: The Cincinnati Reds scored a run Saturday night in Great American Ball Park, ending a 21-inning scoreless streak.

If the Cincinnati Reds own any semblance of a stopper, it is Nick Lodolo, 3-0 and the Reds were 4-0 for his starts this season.

Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy knows a thing or two about our nation’s pastime. Tap into that knowledge but sending an email to halmccoy2@hotmail

There were positive signs strewn all over Great American Ball Park before the game for the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night.