Cincinnati is finally heating up again, headlined by massive additions in the CBB world, FCC’s return to action, All-Star Game voting wrapping up, and much more. Read about everything that’s going on in the Queen City below!
Pro Sports
Reds
Cincinnati went 2-4 this week against two tough opponents in the Phillies and Cubs. It was a rough week, so I figured no one wanted to hear in-depth game recaps. If anyone feels otherwise, please let us know!
To start the week, Philly took the first game 4-1 behind a strong performance from Zack Wheeler.
The next day, Cincinnati had an offensive explosion of 11 runs behind five home runs, including two by Sal Stewart. Cincy won 11-5
In typical Reds fashion, Philly won the next game 1-0.
Jumping to a massive divisional matchup with the Cubs, Hunter Greene threw seven scoreless innings, propelling Cincy to a 4-0 win.
On Saturday, the Reds smacked three early home runs. However, that wasn’t enough, as the Cubs won 5-3.
If you thought the Reds would go into Sunday and lose another divisional series, you’d be correct! It’s rough watching these guys struggle in huge NL Central games; they lost 8-4.
The MLB Draft was also this weekend. Here are the Reds’ picks:
Round 1 (Pick 18): Justin Lebron, SS
Round 2 (Pick 58): Eric Becker, SS
Round 2 (Pick 70): Mulivai Levu, 1B
Round 3 (Pick 94): Ty Horn, RHP
Round 4 (Pick 122): Ethan Norby, LHP
Round 5 (Pick 154): Dylan Bowen, INF/OF
Round 6 (Pick 184): Duncan Marsten, RHP
Round 7 (Pick 214): Sherman Johnson, INF
Round 8 (Pick 244): Brady Neal, C
Round 9 (Pick 274): Damian Ruiz, OF
Round 10 (Pick 304): Conner Griffin, OF
Round 11 (Pick 334): Calvin Proskey, RHP
Round 12 (Pick 364): Brodie Purcell, LHP
Round 13 (Pick 394): Kenny Ishikawa, RHP
Round 14 (Pick 424): Ray Ladd, RHP
Round 15 (Pick 454): David Hinojosa, INF
Round 16 (Pick 484): Victor Christal, RHP
Round 17 (Pick 514): Jack Lausch, OF
Round 18 (Pick 544): Matt Ponatoski, RHP
Round 19 (Pick 574): Ryan Nelson, RHP
Round 20 (Pick 604): Tristan Helmick, RHP
Looking ahead to this week, it’s the All Star Break! Chase Burns and Sal Stewart were elected to play in the ASG. However, Chase Burns will sit out to rest a minor groin tweak. Look for Stewart at 1B on Tuesday night.
The Reds have one series later on this week against the 39-59 Rockies. This is a series that Cincy needs if they want to get back into the Wild Card race.
Bengals:
Training camp starts on July 25 (rookies), and veterans will attend starting July 28. There is an open practice on Wednesday, July 29 at 10:00, and there will be another on Friday August 8 at Paycor Stadium at 6:00 ET. We don’t plan to have any content until camp starts. Once camp starts, we plan to have updates and thoughts on X, find them at the accounts @SSM_CL and @BracketNky. Once we get rolling and approach the regular season. we will be giving updates and going more in-depth on developments and lineups.
FCC:
The Garys were finally back in action this week, taking on English club Burnley FC in a friendly. JJ Watt was in attendance for the match, as he is a minority owner of Burnley. He had this to say about Cincy: “FC Cincinnati are extremely highly regarded…they’re a top-notch club and we’re very honored and excited to be here.” Cincy looked great, taking a 3-1 win. To start the match, Kevin Denkey scored off an assist from Evander (15′). Burnley responded shortly after to tie it up (30′). Jump to the 74th, Ayoub Jabbari scored a header off a cross from Alvas Powell to take the lead. Kristian Fletcher added a PK in extra time to cap off the win.
FCC’s star, Evander, is currently being courted. West Ham United and Napoli are attempting to bring Evander to their clubs overseas. They have been impressed with his performance in the MLS. FCC values Evander at approximately €18 million. He is under contract with FCC through December of 2027, so they feel no need to rush and sell the midfielder cheaply.
Cincinnati Area College Sports
Xavier and Cincinnati:
The Muskies and the Bearcats both saw players added to next year’s roster… for now. Following a recent court ruling, Filip Borovicanin is eligible for X, while former Utah State Aggies MJ Collins and Kolby King are eligible and will be joining the team. Collins has confirmed to Sansom Sports Media he will begin practicing Monday.
A new, non-traditional MTE:
Cincinnati, Dayton, Ohio State and Xavier will take place in a new type of MTE as a part of the Care Source Invitational. Yes, this is an exhibition, but this is a really fun event. They’re going to be playing it on Center Court at the Linder Tennis Center on October 7th. This innovative open-air concept is going to be a sight to behold! In the case of bad weather, this will move to UD Arena in Dayton. Dayton and X will play, while UC and OSU will play. I was at the CareSource Invitational that Dayton Hosted last year, and it’s honestly for a great cause and a great local event. This year though, this will be even better as we see rivalries renewed on the hardwood! SSM will be out in full force for this one!
Xavier saw two players get drafted in the MLB draft this weekend, with both Ryan Piech (Orioles) and Clay Burdette (White Sox) getting drafted!
Cincinnati:
One update I want to note specific to the Bearcats: Sansom Sports Media will be moving forward with Noah as our sole writer for the Bearcats for now. I would like to thank Michael for his contributions!
This week, Noah launched his football offensive line preview; Can the Great Wall of Bearcats propel UC to exceed expectations?
This may have been the best MLB Draft that the Bearcats have ever had. First, recruit Jack Slightom went in the 2nd round to the Royals and will NOT come to Clifton next year, deciding to pursue his dream in the MLB.
- Jack Natili (Catcher) was taken in the 3rd round – 76th overall by the Rockies.
- Nathan Taylor (RHP), was taken in the 3rd round – 101st overall by the Mariners.
- Dominic Mauro (RHP) was taken in the 10th round by the Athletics.
NKU:
The Norse Announced Mike Odom as the new Athletic Director this week! His introductory presser was Thursday, and this hire is all-around being graded as a great hire! Wright State had recently made a splash, so the pressure was on for NKU, and they did just that. Check out my breakdown here!
Read all about Donovan Rakotonanahary’s summer here, in Noah’s first piece for the Norse!
Miami
The RedHawks are ramping up for football season! Make sure you subscribe to our newsletter to ensure you get all of the updates as we proceed! I’ll have a WR room preview on Monday afternoon.
Kentucky
UK is currently out in Vegas supporting former cats in the Summer League and coaches are at the EYBL scouting future Wildcats! Drew will have more football previews and scouting coming soon!
Louisville
Mason launched his full defense, special teams and coaching changes preview this week for the football team! You can catch it all here!
Indiana
Eli introduced a new content piece called Two Game Tuesdays, where he previews every single game of the football season, two games at a time… released on Tuesdays!
Ohio State
The Buckeyes are ramping up for football season and Charlie will have all of your coverage needs handled!
Dayton
We are still actively looking for a UD Writer! Know someone? Have them reach out to hunter.sansom@sansomsportsmedia.com!!
Wright State
Wright State continues with summer workouts! More to come shortly on the Raiders!