With barely a firework, the Reds on Thursday completed an extraordinary four-game sweep of the shockingly ordinary Cardinals. Sure, they launched the requisite booms when Joey Votto homered, and the siren the players have recently installed in the clubhouse to announce wins sounds like hell unleashed.
But compared to its run of shaken-champagne games lately, Cincinnati’s 5-2 win Thursday was like opening a gallon of milk.
No Patrick Kivlehan three-run pinch homer, no three-hit game from Arismendy Alcantara, no Billy Hamilton scoring from first on a single. Nary a four-homer Scooter Gennett game in sight. Almost makes you want to ask for a refund.