Cingrani’s struggles vs. first batter continue

MILWAUKEE — It’s paramount for relievers to enter games throwing strikes, but that’s been elusive more often than not for Reds left-hander Tony Cingrani, especially as of late.

In each of his last 10 appearances, Cingrani’s first batter has reached safely — seven times via a walk.

“I think it’s taken him that first hitter to settle in,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “It’s kind of been off the plate, off the plate, off the plate, and then have to really strap it in with a runner at first base and start to make better pitches. I wish I had a magic wand to fix it, but I don’t.

“Quite often when he comes in, these guys aren’t going, ‘My goal is to just throw a strike or throw it down the middle.’ They still have to make good quality pitches. And sometimes maybe, we’re shrinking the zone a little bit too much to that first hitter. I’m sure it’s frustrating to him. It’s frustrating to start with your first hitter on base such a high percentage of the …

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