Reds set MLB postseason record with consecutive shutout losses to Braves

For any fans lamenting the Cubs' Game 1 loss to the Marlins on Wednesday, just know that things could be worse.

Thursday, the Braves eliminated the Reds from the postseason with a 5-0 win. They shut out Cincinnati in both games of their NL Wild Card Series, and in doing so, the Reds made postseason history for offensive futility.

The Reds season has come to an end after going scoreless in both games vs the Braves.

Per @EliasSports, they set an MLB record for most consecutive scoreless innings to begin a postseason with 22. The previous record was 20, set by the New York Giants in 1921. pic.twitter.com/xKiU8ZDHt8
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 1, 2020

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First baseman Joey Votto declared the Reds to be a "f**king nightmare" last week. Their starting pitchers lived up to that billing against Atlanta (one run, 13 innings), but the unfortunate irony is "nightmare" accurately describes their offensive performance.

The Reds went 13-for-77 (.169) in those 22 innings, striking out 28 times compared to five walks. They finished last in MLB in batting average and 27th in runs scored this regular season, if you're wondering.

Joey Votto: "I think we're a f-ing nightmare" #Reds pic.twitter.com/tW4ajwKHQD
— Jed DeMuesy (@JedDeMuesy) September 26, 2020

To be fair, offense has come at a premium for NL Central teams in the first 24+ hours of the playoffs, not counting the Cardinals 7-4 Game 1 win over the Padres.

In addition to the Reds getting shut out twice, the Cubs scored once against Miami and the Brewers twice against the Dodgers. NL Central teams are a combined 1-4 this postseason, entering Thursday night's games.