Riding a major league-leading eight-game winning streak, the Cincinnati Reds play their next six games at home starting tonight (Monday) and running through Sunday.
And Martin County West graduate Brandon Williamson is now scheduled to open and close the homestand.
The left-handed Williamson is 1-0 with a 5.40 earned run average, having recorded his first major league win last Tuesday at Kansas City. The Rockies are also starting a lefty, Austin Gomber (4-6, 7.29).
There apparently been discussion that Williamson may not start the game and Cincinnati would use an opening pitcher.
Williamson made his first career start vs. the Rockies in Denver on May 16.
The Reds are coming off a 10-day road trip where they went 8-1, winning eight games on a trip of nine games or fewer for only the second time in franchise history. The other was in September 1964.
According to Elias Sports Bureau, it’s the first road trip of any length with at least eight wins since late May and early June in 1999.
The winning streak is the longest for Cincinnati since a 10-game streak in July of 2012.
The streak has moved the Reds to within a half-game of first place in the National League Central Division with a 37-35 record. They are a half-game behind first-place Milwaukee, which is 37-34.
The Brewers open a series vs. Arizona tonight. Cincinnati is two games back in the Wild Card standings.
On April 23, the Reds were 7-15 and a season-high 8 1/2 games out of first place. In the 50 games since, they've compiled a record of 30-20.
Colorado is in last place in the National League West with a 29-45 record.
First baseman Joey Votto is returning to the Reds lineup tonight, batting sixth. He missed the final 46 games of the 2022 season and has not played this season after surgeries to repair the left biceps and torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder.
After three with Colorado, Cincinnati has three scheduled with Atlanta over the weekend. The Braves lead the East and have the best record in the NL at 46-26.
Williamson is tentatively scheduled to start the series finale vs. Atlanta on Sunday.
Following is a look at each of Williamson's starts this season:
May 16 (at Colorado Rockies)
In his first major league start in Denver vs. the Colorado Rockies, Williamson allowed one run on two hits, walking two and striking out six in 5 2/3 innings. He threw 72 pitches, 47 for strikes. Williamson received a no-decision in Cincinnati’s 3-1 win.
May 22 (vs. St. Louis Cardinals)
Making his first start at Great American Ballpark, Williamson game up four runs on four hits, walking four and striking out three in 4 1/3 innings pitched. He threw 84 pitches, 48 for strikes. The Reds won 6-5 in 10 innings with Williamson receiving a no-decision.
May 27 (at Chicago Cubs)
Williamson started for the Reds at Wrigley Field in the nationally televised Fox Game of the Week. He allowed four runs on six hits, walking three and fanning three in 4 1/3 innings. He threw 81 pitches, 52 for strikes. Williamson had another no-decision as Cincinnati won 8-5.
June 2 (vs. Milwaukee Brewers)
Pitching against the team that originally drafted him in the 36th round in 2018, Williamson had career highs of six strikeouts and 6 2/3 innings. He allowed three runs on five hits. He threw 90 pitches, 59 for strikes. It was another no-decision for Williamson as the Reds lost 5-4 in 11 innings.
June 7 (vs. Los Angeles Dodgers)
Williamson gave up six runs on eight hits (including three home runs), walking two and striking out three in 5 2/3 innings. He threw a career-high 96 pitches, 58 for strikes. The Reds won 8-6 in 10 innings with Williamson receiving a no-decision.
June 13 (at Kansas City)
The Martin County West graduate recorded his first MLB win as he allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits, not walking a batter and striking out one. He threw 78 pitches, 51 for strikes. The Reds won 5-4.