The Montreal Gazette
March 31, 2024
By Chris Davenport
Expos Drop Final Two Games in Cincinnati, Look Ahead to home opener!
CINCINNATI – The first series of the Montreal Expos' return to Major League Baseball ended on a tough note, as they dropped both Saturday and Sunday’s games against the Cincinnati Reds, finishing the series with a 1-2 record. While the results weren’t ideal, early signs point to a gritty, resilient team still finding its identity.
After a 5-2 victory on Opening Day, the Expos suffered an 11-6 loss in Game 2 and a hard-fought 11-7 defeat in Game 3, wrapping up their first series at Great American Ball Park.
Game 2: Reds’ Bats Overpower Expos
Following their season-opening win, the Expos sent Josiah Gray to the mound, but the right-hander struggled against an aggressive Reds lineup. Gray lasted four innings, giving up five runs on seven hits, including an early home run to Elly De La Cruz.
"Not the result I wanted, but I’ll take what I can from it and make adjustments," Gray said. "This team has my back, and I’ll be ready next time."
Offensively, Eddie Rosario provided a bright spot, hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning, while Joey Gallo followed with a two-run blast in the fourth. Luis Garcia added a solo shot in the sixth, but the Expos couldn’t keep pace with Cincinnati’s offense.
The Reds scored in five of their eight innings, led by Christian Encarnacion-Strand's three-hit, three-RBI performance. Cincinnati’s bullpen sealed the win, ensuring Montreal couldn’t mount a late comeback.
Game 3: Expos Fight Back, But Fall Short
Sunday’s finale saw Montreal jump out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the first inning, thanks to a Juan Yepez RBI single and a Riley Adams run-scoring hit. The Expos held a 3-0 lead after one, but Cincinnati quickly responded, tying the game by the second inning and taking the lead in the third.
Despite Victor Robles hitting a solo home run in the fifth, the Expos found themselves down late. A two-run eighth inning helped them close the gap, but the Reds delivered the final blow in the bottom of the frame, with Jonathan India crushing a two-run homer off Joe LaSorsa to put the game out of reach.
"We came out swinging early and gave ourselves a chance," Robles said. "We’re learning as a group and staying focused on what’s ahead."
Joey Gallo, who came off the bench late, also reflected on the early season challenges. "It’s a long season, and we know there will be ups and downs," he said. "The energy in this clubhouse is good—we’re building something here."
Manager Dave Martinez reiterated that this season is about growth and evaluation, and that the team remains focused despite the tough losses.
"We’re seeing good things," Martinez said. "The guys are playing hard, and that’s what we want to establish early consistent effort and competing every night."
With the first series in the books, the Expos now return to Montreal for their highly anticipated home opener at Olympic Stadium, where they will face the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game series starting April 1 for their highly anticipated Olympic Stadium home opener.
"One series down," Martinez added. "Now, we keep pushing forward."