Watch Off the Bench Presented by UDF with Chatterbox Sports Monday-Friday 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. LIVE on the Chatterbox Sports YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE to the channel to ensure you never miss a thing. The Cincinnati Reds kicked off their 2025 season with a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at Great American Ball Park, finishing with a 1-2 record over the weekend of March 28-30. The series, which marked the Reds’ Opening Day on March 27 (played on a Thursday), offered a mix of promise and frustration for fans as the team showed flashes of brilliance but struggled to secure the series win. In the opener on March 27, the Reds fell 3-2 despite a competitive effort, with the Giants edging them out in a tightly contested game. Saturday’s matchup on March 29 brought a much-needed victory, 3-2, as the Reds bounced back with standout performances. Matt McLain, returning from injury, and Christian Encarnacion-Strand each homered, while Elly De La Cruz contributed an RBI. Starter Nick Lodolo battled through six innings, and the bullpen, anchored by Emilio Pagán’s save, held firm. This win evened the series at 1-1, sparking optimism among fans. However, the rubber match on Sunday, March 30, slipped away with a 5-3 loss. The Reds’ downfall came in two shaky innings that undermined an otherwise solid weekend of baseball. Despite the defeat, the team displayed encouraging signs—defensive highlights like double plays and moments of offensive firepower—suggesting potential for the long season ahead. With 158 games remaining, the consensus among fans, as reflected in posts on X, is that while the Reds could have taken two of three with a few better pitches or breaks, there’s plenty to build on. Under new manager Terry Francona, the Reds showcased a roster blending young stars like De La Cruz with veterans aiming to turn talent into wins. Though the series ended on a sour note, it’s early days, and Cincinnati’s faithful remain hopeful for a playoff push.