Final: Reds 8, Red Sox 4 - Weissert gives up grand slam, Red Sox lose 3-run lead in 7th inning

The Red Sox lose the final game of their series against the Cincinnati Reds 8-4. 

Boston had the lead for the majority of the game, but poor plays in the field along with a poor outing from Greg Weissert became key reasons for tonight's loss.

Five bullpen arms made appearances in this game for Boston. Brennan Bernardino was the opener for the game and got the first five outs against Cincinnati. Jorge Alcala then stepped in midway through the 2nd inning and pitched 1.1 innings only allowing one hit.

In the bottom half of the 2nd, the Red Sox score their first run. Ceddanne Rafaela made it to third hitting a double off the monster, and a misplay by the Reds in the outfield resulted in Rafaela advancing to third base. Two at bats later, Romy Gonzalez drove Rafaela in with a sac fly.

Boston's most notable bullpen appearance came from Chris Murphy. Murphy, who only made one appearance on the season before this game, pitched 2.2 innings limiting the Reds to one hit. He also did not give up a walk in his outing.

In the 6th inning, the Red Sox switched pitchers again as Greg Weissert came in to get the final out. In the same inning, Boston extended their lead as Wilyer Abreu recorded his third home run of the series with a two run blast.

Up to this point, it seemed like the Red Sox had things under control and were on the cusp of getting the sweep, but disaster struck in the 7th inning. Weissert returned to the mound and he loaded up the bases with no outs. Facing off against Christian Encarnacion-Strand, Weissert allowed a grand slam giving the Reds the lead.

Weissert allowed another run and was taken out failing to finish the inning. The Red Sox cut the lead with another RBI from Gonzalez, but another poor inning on the field put the game out of reach.

After finishing off the 7th inning, Jordan Hicks pitched the 8th inning. Errors by Marcelo Mayer and Trevor Story, along with three hits from Hicks surmounted to an ugly inning for the Red Sox. The Reds would score three more runs in this inning, but Hicks was only credited for one earned run during his appearance.

Hicks only pitched 0.2 innings in his start, and Cooper Criswell came in finish off the game. Boston went scoreless at the plate the remainder of the game.

In a game that started off strong, one of Boston's most reliable bullpen arms struggled with his location and the Reds took advantage. Just a sour way to end off a series win.

The Red Sox have the off day tomorrow but with play a 4th of July game in Washington D.C. at 11:05 a.m. against the Nationals.

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WHO: Red Sox (43-44) vs Reds (44-42)
WHEN: 7:10 p.m.
WHERE: Fenway Park, Boston
SERIES TO DATE: (2-0), (2-0)
STARTING PITCHERS: LHP Brennan Bernardino (3-2, 4.26 ERA) vs. RHP Nick Martinez (5-8, 4.12 ERA)
TV/RADIO: NESN, MLB Network, WEEI-FM 93.7

LIVE BOX

LINEUPS

RED SOX

Jarren Duran (L) LF
Roman Anthony (L) RF
Abraham Toro (S) 3B
Trevor Story (R) SS
Wilyer Abreu (L) DH
Ceddanne Rafaela (R) CF
Marcelo Mayer (L) 2B
Romy Gonzalez (R) 1B
Connor Wong (R) C

SP Brennan Bernardino

REDS

TJ Friedl (L) CF
Matt McLain (R) SS
Elly De La Cruz (S) DH
Austin Hays (R) LF
Spencer Steer (R) 1B
Tyler Stephenson (R) C
Gavin Lux (L) 2B
Rece Hinds (R) RF
Santiago Espinal (R) 3B

SP Nick Martinez

WHAT'S UP

Brennan Bernardino will be the opener for the Reds Sox as they look to complete the sweep against the Reds in the second game of a doubleheader.

Kutter Crawford underwent wrist surgery Wednesday and will likely miss the rest of the season.

Boston activated Cooper Criswell as the 27th man on the roster for tonight's game.

The Red Sox are planning to get Yoshida some “light work” at first base during his rehab assignment. He will work mostly as a DH and outfielder though.