The Cincinnati Reds currently hold a 26-24 record following a successful road trip to Philadelphia. Over the last 24 hours, the club secured a 9-4 series-clinching victory at Citizens Bank Park. Meanwhile, the High-A affiliate in Dayton shattered franchise records with a historic offensive performance.
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MLB Game Recap
Cincinnati defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 9-4 on Wednesday. This victory clinched their first series win since Mother’s Day. It also handed interim manager Don Mattingly his first series loss. Despite two errors by catcher P.J. Higgins, the Reds exploded for 15 hits. Nathaniel Lowe delivered a clutch two-run double in the seventh. This hit broke a one-run game open. Sal Stewart added a 441-foot insurance homer in the ninth. Starter Andrew Abbott earned the win with a line of 5.1 IP. He allowed 1 ER, 3 H, and achieved 3 K. He also issued 3 BB on 96 pitches (64 strikes). The bullpen utilized Brock Burke, Connor Phillips, Graham Ashcraft, and Sam Moll. They limited Philadelphia to just six total hits.
Standout Performer
Infielder Sal Stewart delivered a dominant 4-for-5 performance with a home run, a double, two RBIs, and three runs scored. Stewart hit a towering two-run blast off Jose Alvarado in the ninth inning. This effectively sealed the victory. His offensive outburst extended his series totals to 5-for-12. It included two homers. This was a major lift for a Cincinnati lineup. The team had been searching for consistency throughout the month of May.
Key News & Notes
The Reds officially sent third baseman Eugenio Suárez to the Triple-A Louisville Bats on Wednesday. He is beginning a rehab assignment as he recovers from an oblique strain. Injury concerns remain behind the plate. Starter Jose Trevino is expected to miss 3-to-4 weeks with a grade one hamstring strain. This leaves P.J. Higgins to handle primary backup duties. In the bullpen, Andrew Abbott’s recent resurgence has stabilized the rotation. He has now allowed one earned run or fewer in each of his four May starts.
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Farm Report
- AAA: Noelvi Marte went 3-for-5 with a home run. He had 4 RBIs during Louisville’s 7-5 loss in the first game of a doubleheader against Columbus. He continues to be a bright spot for the Bats.
- AA: Bryce Hubbart threw 2.0 perfect innings. He struck out 4 batters in Chattanooga’s 6-2 defeat at the hands of Rocket City. He provided a dominant relief performance.
- High-A: Carlos Sanchez went 4-for-4 with two home runs. He also had two walks and scored five runs. Dayton set a new franchise record for runs in a 22-8 win over Fort Wayne.
- Low-A: Mason Morris pitched 5.0 innings. He allowed only one run while striking out six during Daytona’s narrow 2-1 loss to Jupiter. This marked one of the best starts of his career.
- Rookie: ACL Reds did not have a game scheduled
Looking Ahead
The Reds enjoy a scheduled off-day on Thursday before returning home to Great American Ball Park to host the St. Louis Cardinals for a three-game weekend set. Friday’s series opener will feature Chris Paddack (0-5, 7.07 ERA) facing off against Cardinals Kyle Leahy (5-3, 3.94 ERA) with first pitch scheduled for 6:40 PM ET.
With the rotation stabilizing and the offense waking up, this Cardinals series feels like a massive opportunity. What do you think?
