Reds fall to Dodgers 5-2 on July 29 as bats go cold against Tyler Glasnow. Despite the loss, rookie Chase Burns makes history with a strikeout milestone.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Another frustrating night at Great American Ball Park saw the Cincinnati Reds fall to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 5-2, marking their second straight loss in a pivotal series. While the bats fell silent and the team slipped further back in the NL Central race, a glimmer of the future shone through in the form of a remarkable milestone for one of the team's brightest young arms.
Rookie pitcher Chase Burns became just the 14th pitcher since 1901 to record at least 45 strikeouts in his first six MLB starts.
The story of the game was, once again, missed opportunities. Facing Dodgers stalwart Tyler Glasnow, the Reds' offense couldn't find its rhythm. Stars like Elly De La Cruz were kept in check, and the team struggled to string together hits when it mattered most. Starter Nick Lodolo battled, but the Dodgers jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. The loss stings, dropping the Reds to 56-51 and a daunting 7.5 games behind in the division. With the bullpen unable to stop the bleeding late, it was a familiar script for a team that needs to find a spark, and fast.
While the present feels tough, the future is flashing some serious heat. The big news away from the game was a milestone for rookie Chase Burns. The 2024 first-round pick has officially recorded 45 strikeouts through his first six Major League starts, putting him in incredibly rare company. Yes, the 6.26 ERA is higher than anyone would like, but don't let that number fool you. It's heavily skewed by one bad outing, and his underlying numbers—and that electric 10-strikeout performance in his last start—tell the real story. Burns has the stuff to be a front-line starter, and he's proving it with every swing-and-miss he generates.
As the team navigates this tough stretch, the front office is holding steady. There were no trades, roster moves, or even significant farm system updates to report on Tuesday. The team that took the field against the Dodgers is the team that will be tasked with turning this ship around. The focus remains internal for now, with the last minor league highlights coming from the week ending July 27, featuring promising performances from Hector Rodriguez and John Michael Faile.
The loss is a tough pill to swallow, especially against a powerhouse like the Dodgers. The Reds now face a crucial test to avoid a sweep and build some momentum. The offense must wake up, and the team needs to rally together. While the present is challenging, the historic pace of Chase Burns serves as a vital reminder that even in frustrating losses, the foundation for a brighter future is being built right before our eyes. Let's see if they can salvage a win tomorrow.
