On May 11, 2025, a post from @RedsFanatic on X caught the attention of Cincinnati Reds fans, highlighting a peculiar trend: “The Reds have scored 10 or more runs four times this season. They are 0-4 in the games following those, scoring a combined five runs across 36 innings.” Accompanied by a graphic showing the team’s high-octane outbursts and subsequent slumps, the post has sparked frustration and intrigue among the Reds faithful. For a team fighting to stay in the NL Central race, this pattern underscores the inconsistency plaguing their 2025 campaign.
The Reds’ four 10-plus-run games—blowout wins of 10-3 over the Pirates on April 7, 12-2 against the Brewers on April 19, 11-4 versus the Marlins on May 2, and 10-1 over the Nationals on May 8—showcase their explosive potential. Powered by stars like Elly De La Cruz, Jonathan India, and Spencer Steer, Cincinnati’s offense ranks among the NL’s best, averaging 4.8 runs per game and sitting sixth in team OPS (.765). De La Cruz’s three-homer game against Miami and India’s five-RBI outburst versus Pittsburgh fueled these routs, with the Reds amassing 43 runs across those four wins.
Yet, the games following these eruptions have been a stark contrast. Cincinnati has been shut down, scoring just five runs total in the next four games: a 2-1 loss to Pittsburgh on April 8, a 3-0 defeat to Milwaukee on April 20, a 4-2 stumble against Miami on May 3, and a 5-2 setback to Washington on May 9. Across 36 innings, the Reds have hit a paltry .188 with a .510 OPS, striking out 38 times while drawing only seven walks. As
@CincyProblems noted on X, “We go from fireworks to fizzling out. What’s going on?”
Pitching hasn’t been the issue in these follow-ups, with starters like Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo allowing just 10 earned runs combined in those games. Instead, the offense has gone cold at the worst times. De La Cruz, for instance, went 1-for-14 with six strikeouts in the four losses, while Steer and India combined for two hits. Manager David Bell told MLB.com, “We’re pressing after big games, trying to force it. We need to stay disciplined.” The Reds’ aggressive approach—leading the NL with a 24.8% chase rate—has led to chasing sliders out of the zone and weak contact against relievers.
At 19-22, Cincinnati sits fourth in the NL Central, 4.5 games behind the Cubs. Their 0-4 record after 10-run games is an anomaly—only the 2017 Padres have a similar streak of futility since 2015, per Stathead. Fans on X, like
@RedsRundown, are calling for better plate discipline, with one suggesting, “Maybe don’t swing at everything after a big night.” With a young core and a potent lineup, the Reds have the tools to compete, but this trend highlights a need for consistency.
For Reds fans, the X post is a frustrating reminder of their team’s Jekyll-and-Hyde offense. When Cincinnati’s bats are hot, they’re unstoppable, but these post-explosion slumps are costing winnable games. As the Reds prepare for a crucial series against the Cardinals, breaking this 0-4 curse could be the key to turning their season around and reigniting hope at Great American Ball Park.
