The Reds currently hold a 20-17 record and have slipped to fifth place in the National League Central. Cincinnati’s struggles continued Wednesday night. They faced a heartbreaking 7-6 extra-inning loss to the Chicago Cubs. This marked the team’s sixth consecutive defeat.
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MLB Game Recap
Despite trailing 4-2 late, Cincinnati staged a dramatic four-run rally in the ninth inning. This gave them a temporary lead. However, they surrendered a game-tying homer to Pete Crow-Armstrong and eventually lost on a bases-loaded walk in the 10th. Starter Brady Singer kept the club competitive with a resilient outing (6.0 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 6 K, 96 pitches), but the bullpen faltered as Graham Ashcraft blew the save and Brock Burke issued the walk-off free pass. The turning point came in the bottom of the ninth. The defense did not protect a two-run cushion. This led to the third consecutive walk-off win for the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Standout Performer
Matt McLain provided a significant spark. He finished 2-for-3 with his third home run of the season. He also made a sacrifice bunt and scored two runs. His solo blast in the fifth inning kept the game within reach. He demonstrated heads-up baserunning. He scored from second on an Elly De La Cruz sacrifice fly. Taking advantage of Seiya Suzuki’s fall after catching the ball at the wall. This briefly gave the Reds a 6-4 lead in the ninth.
Key News & Notes
Closer Emilio Pagán has been placed on the 15-day IL with a Grade 2 left hamstring strain. He is expected to be sidelined for one to two months. In corresponding moves, the Reds activated Pierce Johnson from the bereavement list. They also selected Tejay Antone’s contract. Antone made an emotional return to the mound with a perfect eighth inning. This happened after a two-year recovery from surgery. Additionally, Chase Petty was optioned to Louisville, and Brandon Williamson was transferred to the 60-day IL with shoulder fatigue.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A (Louisville Bats): Rece Hinds went 3-for-3 with a walk, two runs, and two stolen bases. His performance contributed to a 6-4 win over Nashville. He reached base in every plate appearance during his first game back in Louisville.
- Double-A (Chattanooga Lookouts): Dominic Pitelli led an 11-1 victory over Montgomery. He went 2-for-5 with a double, a home run, and four RBI. His performance supported a one-run quality start from Johnathan Harmon.
- High-A (Dayton Dragons): Esmith Pineda went 2-for-4. He delivered a clutch two-out single in the ninth. This secured a 4-3 comeback victory over West Michigan.
- Single-A (Daytona Tortugas): Ty Doucette launched his first home run of the season. Despite this achievement, the Tortugas’ four-game winning streak ended. They suffered a 5-3 loss to Clearwater.
- Rookie (ACL Reds): not scheduled last night.
Looking Ahead
The Reds conclude their four-game series against the Cubs this afternoon, with Rhett Lowder (3-2, 5.09 ERA) slated to start against Chicago’s Shota Imanaga.
Losing a ninth-inning lead is a bitter pill to swallow during a losing streak. However, Tejay Antone’s successful return to the big leagues provided a much-needed emotional boost for the clubhouse. What do you think?
