Reds Continue West Coast Trip With Three-Game Series vs. Giants

At this point, it's playing for pride.

Aug 19, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns (26) pitches during the second inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Reds' 5-3 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday was the third straight series the team has dropped.

With postseason dreams all but dead, the Reds are playing for pride as they gear up for the final full week of action in the month of August.

Up next, the Reds will take on the San Francisco Giants to finish up this West Coast tour. The Giants are having an even worse season than the Reds, but that doesn't mean anything when these two teams begin their three-game series on Monday.

Let's delve into all the deliciousness of a Reds-Giants series where both fan bases are just wishing it was 2028 already.

Enjoy Them While You Can

Aug 19, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns (26) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Tanner Pearson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

As of this moment, the Giants have yet to announce any of their starters for the three-game series against the Reds. However, game one on Monday will feature a heavyweight on the mound for the good guys.

Yes, fans are being treated to another Chase Burns day! Burns has had an unbelievable rookie campaign for the Reds. The young flame-thrower has posted a 14-2 record with an ERA of 2.51.

The day is coming sooner rather than later when the franchise will more than likely shut Burns down for the season. Enjoy him while you can see him. A potential lockout could mean we don't get to witness Burns' greatness until 2028.

Aug 20, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Brady Singer (51) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Game two of the series will see right-hander Brady Singer (5-11, 4.72 ERA) on the hill for the Reds. Singer has looked like a completely different pitcher since play resumed after the All-Star Break. In four of his last five starts, Singer has gone six innings.

The series finale on Wednesday will feature Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (3-3, 5.04 ERA) getting the start. What can be said about Lodolo's 2026 season? The lefty has had one of the most rocky seasons any starting pitcher has had this season.

In his start this past Friday against the Diamondbacks, Lodolo went just 3.1 innings, in which he gave up 10 hits and six earned runs. The left-hander will be itching to get back on the hill once again.

Looking For A Reason?

Aug 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) hits a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It's hard to know that your team's season is cooked before the final month of the schedule has even arrived.

The Reds need a miracle to come back from the nine games they trail for the final spot in the National League Wild Card race. So, why should you still watch?

Real ones know that the love of the game keeps us coming back. Also, getting the chance to see talents like Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz helps.

Come on, you've made it this far. This isn't the first time this franchise has let you down. Let's soak in the little bit of season we have left and cheer the Redlegs on to as many victories as we can get.