‘Our hearts are with Tejay’: Reds gutted after Antone exits
Reds Devastated as Antone Leaves Game Due to Injury
The Reds faced more than just a defeat on Sunday; it was a heartbreaking moment for many on the team as they witnessed one of their own, Tejay Antone, exit the game after just one pitch in the sixth inning.
Antone, who had battled back from two Tommy John surgeries, felt discomfort in his right elbow during his fourth appearance of the season. Manager David Bell confirmed that Antone would undergo an MRI on Monday to assess the extent of the injury.
Antone’s departure forced lefty Brent Suter to step in and hold off the Mets over three scoreless innings, with Buck Farmer closing out the ninth inning. However, despite the pitching efforts, the Reds couldn’t mount a comeback, ultimately losing 3-1 and dropping their first series of the season against the Mets.
Sean Manaea limited the Reds to just three hits and one run over five innings, securing his first win of the year. The Mets bullpen remained solid, keeping the Reds hitless and scoreless for the remainder of the game, including Edwin Díaz, who saved his second game of the series.
The loss not only impacted the team’s standings but also took an emotional toll, seeing a teammate leave the game due to injury. Suter, who performed admirably in relief, expressed solidarity with Antone and the team.
“I just tried to go out there and pick up Tejay,” said Suter. “Obviously our hearts are with Tejay, going down like that, just heart-wrenching. I just tried to kind of pitch for the guys as long as they needed me. So, I’ll be good to pitch, probably on Tuesday.”
Suter managed to see Antone briefly in the clubhouse between innings, offering support and solidarity to his injured teammate.
Bubba Thompson, making his first start, displayed immediate impact with a crucial catch in the first inning. Despite their efforts, the Reds couldn’t contain the Mets, who capitalized on opportunities to secure the win.
Starter Andrew Abbott battled through five innings, allowing three runs, two earned, on seven hits. Despite the challenging circumstances, Abbott remained resilient, emphasizing the importance of providing innings to alleviate pressure on the bullpen.
“I think you have to always try to shoot for five, six or seven innings every single time out,” Abbott said. “It just takes a lot off the bullpen, takes a lot off the team.”
While the loss stung, the Reds remain determined to bounce back, both on the field and in support of their injured teammate, Tejay Antone.
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