Missed chances add up in latest one-run loss

PHILADELPHIA — In the seventh inning of Saturday’s 4-3 Reds loss to the Phillies, Tucker Barnhart slammed his bat hard on the ground in frustration. Barnhart had just struck out on a 1-2 curveball from pitcher Aaron Nola with one out and runners on second and third that represented the tying and go-ahead runs.

Barnhart also grounded out to first base with runners on second and third with no outs in the ninth, leaving the runners in no position to advance.

“Two opportunities with a guy on third and less than two outs and you don’t get him in, it stinks,” Barnhart said. “But you’ve got to credit those guys over there. Nola pitched a great game and [David] Hernandez got me out.”

Unfortunately for the Reds, Barnhart isn’t alone with angst as he is not the only hitter lately that hasn’t come up with the big hit when needed.

In the last five games — all decided by one run — Reds’ hitters are batting .212 with 10 walks and 42 strikeouts. They are 1-4 in those games while averaging 3.2 runs.

“I’d like to …

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