Steven Matz Is 3-0 and the Reds Can't Figure Him Out: Tuesday's Matchup Is a Trap Game Waiting to Happen

The Cincinnati Reds are rolling on the road. Four straight wins to open a six-game trip, a 6-1 beatdown of Tampa Bay on Monday, and they're sitting atop the National League Central. But here's the thing: they're doing it with offensive numbers that should terrify you. They're batting .178 with runners in scoring position. That's not sustainable. That's not winning baseball. Yet somehow, they keep winning. Tuesday in St. Petersburg, they'll look to make it two straight against the Rays, and Tampa Bay's starting pitcher might be their biggest problem.

The Reds Are Built Different in Tight Spots

Cincinnati's Monday victory didn't feel close because it wasn't. They led 2-1 after the first inning and never looked back. But the real story was situational baseball: the Reds went 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position while the Rays managed 0-for-7. That's the margin of victory right there. The Reds have now logged nine wins in 11 road outings this season, and their record in close games is absolutely bonkers. They're 6-0 in one-run games and 10-0 in games decided by two runs or fewer. They've already swept two road series this year against Texas and Minnesota. Last season, they swept one the entire year. Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati's shortstop, summed it up perfectly: "We're not always going to hit, but when we're right, we can do a lot of things. Winning always feels good. We've just got to keep doing the little things, keep grinding."

Matz Is the Real Problem for Cincinnati's Bats

Tampa Bay is sending out Steven Matz on Tuesday, and this is where it gets interesting. The 34-year-old left-hander from Long Island hasn't been a full-time starter since 2021 with Toronto. Now, with Tampa Bay, he's found a resurgence. In four starts this season, he's 3-0 with a 3.80 ERA, allowing nine runs on 16 hits in 21 1/3 innings with 21 strikeouts and six walks. Opposing batters are hitting just .208 against him. Here's the kicker: Matz is 4-1 with a 4.46 ERA in eight games (six starts) against Cincinnati. But Cincinnati's batting average against him sits at .305. That's the vulnerability the Reds will hunt. Chase Burns takes the ball for Cincinnati on Tuesday. The 23-year-old right-hander just threw six scoreless innings against San Francisco on Thursday in a no-decision and is making his first career start against the Rays. For Tampa Bay, Rays manager Kevin Cash acknowledged Monday's wasted opportunity. "We had some good at-bats right away, and then their pitcher got tough. Our focus right there is just try to move the ball, put some pressure on the defense. We didn't. He made some big pitches." Joe Boyle, Tampa's right-handed starter, remains sidelined since April 10 with a right elbow strain and likely won't pitch this month.

Tuesday's game kicks off at Tropicana Field with both teams hungry. The Reds want to stay hot on the road. The Rays want to snap a one-game skid and prove Monday wasn't a fluke. Matz versus Burns. One team finding ways to win despite dreadful offensive numbers. One team desperate for momentum. It's going to be tight.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.