Cincinnati Reds: Sonny Gray sees streak come to an end

May 12, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Sonny Gray (54) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Sonny Gray had never allowed more than six hits in a game as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. In fact, the last time he had allowed six hits in any of his starts occurred back on August 1, 2018, as he was entering what would be the final months of a rough tenure with the Yankees. Gray had been surprisingly stingy since that outing, as he had allowed just 6.5 hits per nine innings as a member of the Reds.

But every streak has to come to an end at some point. That moment came on Wednesday for Gray, as his 48 game streak of allowing no more than six hits came to an end against the Pirates.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Sonny Gray sees streak come to an end

It was clear early on that Gray did not have his best stuff. He only lasted for 4.2 innings, allowing just one run on seven hits and two walks while striking out five. He managed to walk the tightrope during his start, doing a commendable job of limiting the Pirates to just that one run.

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Gray has been reasonably solid for the Reds this season. Entering Wednesday’s action, he had posted a 3.92 ERA and a 1.355 WHiP over his 20.2 innings, striking out 31 batters with ten walks. He has also posted a career best 13.5 K/9 rate, a number that has increased in each of his three seasons in Cincinnati.

However, there are potential issues. Gray’s command has not been there during the early portion of the season, as he has walked 4.4 batters per nine. Likewise, his 7.8 hits per nine innings is the highest of his time with the Reds, as he has been getting hit just a bit more than usual.

It is still early in the season. Gray has made just five starts thus far, spanning a total of 25 innings with his outing on Wednesday included. It is too early to push a panic button as he has still been a solid arm. He will just need to start another streak as this one has come to an end.

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Sonny Gray had gone 48 consecutive starts without allowing more than six hits, including his entire time with the Cincinnati Reds. That streak is now over.