It was a great week for the city of Cincinnati. The Bengals made a HUGE move in trading for Dexter Lawrence. The Reds lead the NL Central after a 5-1 week. FCC had another gutsy draw and the portal madness continues in college. Let’s dive in!
Last Week’s Recap
Bengals: The Bengals have made a blockbuster trade for the first time in many years. They traded away their 1st round pick (10th) for New York Giants All-Pro Defensive Tackle Dexter Lawrence. This is a huge addition and the Bengals have finally shown that they have a “win now” mindset.
FCC: This was a game that FCC could have won. They owned possession, and put up 5 more shots. Hugo Cuypers stayed on his hot streak, punching a goal in early (26′). Tom Barlow answered for FCC (42′) and it was looking like it would be 1-1 at half. However, FCC got a foul called on them and Chicago got a PK goal from Philip Zinckernagel (45’+5′). Coming out of the half, Hugo Cuypers punched in yet another goal (48′). Chicago took a 3-1 lead, and it was looking grim. Until Evander was given a PK in the 79th minute and he drilled it. Then, in the 86th, FCC was able to force an own-goal by D’Avilla Dje Tah. FCC came up with their second gutsy comeback in a row to force a tie against a good Chicago team.
Reds: The Reds went 5-1 this week, let’s recap each game!
Game 17/162 | Reds beat Giants 2-1 | 4/14/2026 | Great American Ballpark
The Reds pitching staff was great today, with the bullpen letting up one hit in three innings. Brady Singer started and only let up one run off six hits. As for offense, solo shots by Spencer Steer and Sal Stewart carried them.
Game 18/162 | Reds beat Giants 8-3 | 4/15/2026 | Great American Ballpark
This was an offensive explosion for the Reds, putting up eight runs. Sal Stewart hit two three-run home runs. Elly De La Cruz added a 442 foot bomb and Eugenio Suarez added one of his own too. Former Red Tyler Mahle was lit up by this new young offense.
Game 19/162 | Giants beat Reds 3-0 | 4/16/2026 | Great American Ballpark
The Reds were shut down, as the Giants pitching staff let up a singular hit in nine innings. This was an uneventful game, all credit to the Giants pitching.
Game 20/162 | Reds beat Twins 2-1 | 4/17/2026 | Target Field
It was another great pitching performance for the Reds staff, letting up four hits in nine innings behind a strong start from Brandon Williamson. Both of the Reds’ runs were smacked in off an Eugenio Suarez double.
Game 21/162 | Reds beat Twins 5-4 | 4/18/2026 | Target Field
The Reds continued their streak, despite a rough start from Andrew Abbott. The bullpen was solid and was able to close it out. The Reds hit the ball a lot (11 hits) and had a lot of action from different guys on the offensive side.
Game 22/162 | Reds beat Twins 7-4 in Extras | 4/19/2026 | Target Field
This game was crazy, Brady Singer had a rough start, letting up three runs in the first three innings. Heading into the ninth, the Reds were behind 3-1. Then, TJ Friedl hit a three RBI double to take the lead. However, Emilio Pagan gave up a run to let the game go into extras. The Reds unloaded in extras, taking a 7-4 win.
Xavier:
This week really wrapped up the key portion of the portal class for coach Pitino and co. However, they’re still working for depth/rotational pieces. They’ll have 7’5″ USC transfer Gabe Dynes in for a visit on Tuesday! He’d be a depth piece, but a significant rim presence!
This week’s commitments:
- Chance Westry – coming in from UAB and will immediately be plugged in as the starting pg this year.
- Rolyns Aligbe – A 6’9″ frontcourt piece, Aligbe will back up both Nwoko and Jovan unless X lands another piece as mentioned above! Of note, his brother, Harrison committed with him, but will be more of a reserve/practice player.
Xavier now has a roster worthy of putting projections out about! Currently, this is a top 25 caliber roster and one I expect to see in the NCAA tournament next year. There is some debate among the top 6 guys but Chance, Jovan, and Nowoko feel solidified as starters. That leaves 2/3 of Tru/Gabriel/Ruben. We went with Pozzato and Tru for now, however, those 3 are going to be a key battle to monitor! From a freshman standpoint, I think we will see Kalek House contribute from day one, and Asher Elson has a chance to contribute, but both he and Basoon are viewed as more developmental pieces at this time.
Cincinnati:
Bearcat fans, I understand the impatience and desire for more names now, but patience! This week was solid and laid the groundwork for a great portal class. However, circle Wednesday at 1:00 ET as key target Tylen Riley will make his decision between Oklahoma and UC! This week’s commitments are below:
- Eric Mahaffey – local kid (graduated from Moeller) coming off a great first year at Akron!
- Adlan Elamin – High upside 6’9″ wing from Utah State with legit NBA upside.
- Trevian Carson – Full report coming Tuesday 4/21 on him! 12/7/3 last year with 2 steals per game.
- Elijah Perryman – Followed coach Calhoun from Utah State as well. will be a sophomore. Averaged 4/2/3, 1 steal last year.
Yes, the UC section is shorter right now. That will change and we’ll have full breakdowns as the roster comes into shape!
Miami (OH):
- No further commitments at this time, but the next week or so I expect to see action picking up!
Northern Kentucky:
- The Norse landed a commitent from Niagara Transfer Will Shortt! Read more about him here!
This Week’s Preview
Bengals: The NFL Draft is this week, so keep an eye out for the Bengals picks. However, not on the first night, as they traded away their pick for Dexter Lawrence.
FCC: Cincinnati plays this Wednesday at New York City FC. New York is three points ahead of FCC in the standings and a win here could propel Cincy up the table. They have had a lot of winnable games recently that they haven’t been able to close out. This is a great opportunity to get back on track. FCC must slow down Nicolás Fernández for New York, as he has scored six goals in eight games. The Garys must get some shots on goal and finish them, as they have had plenty of narrow misses in the past few games. This is set to be a great game.
Reds: The Redlegs look to continue their hot streak week. Here is the preview to both matchups.
Reds @ Rays | 4/20-4/22 | Tropicana Field
The Rays are a pretty balanced team on offense and defense. They have had a strong start to the year, going 12-9. Yandy Diaz is the guy to watch, as he is fifth in the league in batting average, hitting .337 and putting up 28 hits already. The Rays love to steal bases, as they have already stolen 24, which ties them for 4th in the league. This should be a good series and the Reds should be happy with a series win here.
Goal: Two Wins
Reds vs Detroit | 4/24-4/26 | Great American Ballpark
The Reds have their ace lineup going this weekend with Andrew Abbott, Brady Singer, and Rhett Lowder. However, the Tigers have an even stronger pitching staff, only letting up 75 runs through their first 22 games. Their staff has an average ERA of 3.27. If the Reds can crack the wall that is the Tigers’ pitching and unload some offense on Detroit, they are looking good.
Goal: Two Wins
It was another great week in Cincinnati and it should be another very exciting one with FCC and the Reds being in action. The Bengals will also be forming their team for next season in the NFL Draft, The portal will also continue to move for our college squads. Make sure to check back with the Nati Report next Monday!
