Littell to lean on experience in hopes of keeping Reds' postseason alive

LOS ANGELES -- There aren't many Reds with postseason experience on the roster but starting pitcher Zack Littell is one who has been through it before -- against the Dodgers, even.

After the Reds were pounded with a 10-5 defeat to the Dodgers in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series on Tuesday, they are already facing elimination in Game 2 on Wednesday. Littell will need to tap into any and all veteran know-how in his toolbox.

“The goal was to win tomorrow either way, no matter what happened tonight," Littell said. "So we’ll go out there and get back after them. This team has done it all year, since I’ve been here for sure. It’s gotten right back up after getting kicked in the mouth.”

Littell has eight games of postseason experience -- all in relief.

"I do have a few games. I wouldn't call it a ton. But you go into it like any other game," Littell said before Tuesday's game. "The moment is different, whether we want to admit it or not. It's a different game. And learning how to deal with those emotions was an adjustment the first couple of times.

"In that regard, I think I'm definitely better suited than I was four, five years ago, when I first got into it."

Littell worked 2 2/3 innings in two games vs. the Dodgers in the 2021 NL Division Series while with the Giants. He allowed three runs in one of the appearances.

In the regular season, Littell was 10-8 with a 3.81 ERA in 32 starts. But one stat that could loom large one night after the Dodgers slugged five home runs on Tuesday: Littell allowed the second-most homers in the Majors this season, with 36.

Acquired at the Trade Deadline from the Rays, Littell's arrival allowed the Reds to move Nick Martinez into a relief role that strengthened the bullpen. In 10 starts after the trade, he was 2-0 with a 4.39 ERA for Cincinnati.

“Any experience is a good thing and having thrown in a postseason game before, he knows what’s at stake," first baseman Spencer Steer said. "I know he’ll give us a good one tomorrow.”

Manager Terry Francona decided to go with Littell in Game 2 over left-hander Andrew Abbott -- in part -- because the right-hander will work on his regular four days' rest. If the Reds can force a Game 3, Abbott is scheduled to start.

During September as the Reds played crucial games down the stretch to try to make the postseason, Francona employed a quicker hook on Littell so he wouldn't have to cycle through a lineup a third time. None of his last three starts reached six full innings, including 4 2/3 innings with one run and three hits allowed vs. the Brewers in his last start on Friday.

"I just look forward to going out there and competing with each hitter," Littell said. "Every guy is different. Every at-bat is different and we'll take it one pitch at a time.”

If Francona pulls Littell early, it's very possible Nick Lodolo could be the first option from the bullpen. Lodolo, who is usually a starter, was moved to the bullpen for this series after he had a right groin injury in his final start vs. the Pirates on Thursday. But Lodolo pitched one inning in relief on Sunday and was deemed healthy.

While the Reds are short on postseason experience, they have gathered plenty with bouncing back in must-win games after bad losses. They often prevented long losing streaks that way, but now they must dig deep again to avoid elimination from the postseason.

“Everybody has counted us out, so we’re right where we need to be," joked catcher Tyler Stephenson. "Yeah, it hurts. Sleep it off and be ready to go tomorrow. Season’s not ready to end so be ready to go.”