When the Cincinnati Reds ended their last homestand, they were sky-high with a five-game winning streak and a spot atop the National League Central standings.
Now, they have nowhere to look but up.
The Reds bashed six homers and erased a four-run deficit to send the game into extra innings, but it still wasn't enough in a 14-11 loss in 10 innings Wednesday. The Reds, on a four-game losing streak, were swept in their three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It was the first time the D-Backs swept a series at Great American Ball Park since Aug. 2015. The Reds, who held at least a share of first place for 18 straight days, are now two games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division.
The bullpen’s struggles loomed large in the three-game sweep. The Reds had a one-run lead in the eighth inning Tuesday before they lost 5-4 in the suspended game. They had a 3-0 lead with one out in the ninth inning Wednesday before it turned into an 8-5 loss in extra innings.
