The Cincinnati Reds currently have a 32-36 record. A late defensive collapse led to a 5-2 loss against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday. The defeat marks the team’s fourth straight loss. It is their 11th loss in the last 14 games. They continue to struggle without their star shortstop.
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MLB Game Recap
The Reds fell 5-2 after a tie game evaporated in the ninth inning. Left fielder Blake Dunn dropped a two-out fly ball, which allowed the go-ahead run to score. Starter Nick Lodolo provided a solid effort. He threw 5.1 innings and allowed two earned runs with five strikeouts. However, Arizona’s Jordan Lawlar iced the game with a two-run single against reliever Brock Burke following the error. The turning point came when Cincinnati failed to capitalize on early chances. They stranded 10 runners. The team went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position.
Standout Performer
Noelvi Marte finished the night 1-for-4 with a 427-foot home run, one run scored, and one RBI. Marte led off the second inning by launching the solo shot to center field. This marked his first home run since September 2025. The blast gave Cincinnati an early lead. However, it was one of only four hits for the Reds lineup. They are currently averaging just .144 with runners in scoring position over their last 14 games.
Key News & Notes
Manager Terry Francona announced that Elly De La Cruz’s hamstring is 90% healed. A decision on his return timeline is expected after this weekend. Outfielder Blake Dunn made a costly ninth-inning error. He was consoled by teammates afterward. Francona noted that this play “needs to be made” for the team to regain momentum. Meanwhile, outfielder TJ Friedl remains hot in Triple-A. He homered in back-to-back nights as he nears a potential return to the major league roster.
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Farm Report
- Louisville Bats (AAA): TJ Friedl went 1-for-3 with a home run. He also had a walk and scored two runs in a 6-4 loss to the Iowa Cubs. Friedl has hit safely in consecutive games. He is working to regain his confidence as a leadoff catalyst after his demotion.
- Chattanooga Lookouts (AA): Leo Balcazar finished 3-for-4 with a double, a run, and two RBI. The team achieved a 4-3 victory over the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Balcazar’s two-out RBI single in the seventh sparked a three-run comeback to snap Chattanooga’s recent skid.
- Dayton Dragons (High-A): Alfredo Duno went 1-for-5. He hit a grand slam and earned four RBI in a 10-6 loss to the Fort Wayne TinCaps. Duno’s 14th home run of the year provided a brief lead, but five defensive errors sank the Dragons.
- Daytona Tortugas (Low-A): Henry Hunter had one hit in four at-bats. He hit a two-run home run in a 15-6 lopsided loss to the Jupiter Hammerheads. Hunter’s third long ball of the season came during a late six-run eighth-inning surge.
- ACL Reds (Rookie): Mason Neville finished 2-for-4. He hit a solo home run and scored two runs in an 11-9 loss to the ACL Dodgers. Neville’s fourth-inning blast marked his seventh home run of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Reds send right-hander Rhett Lowder (3-3, 5.01 ERA) to the mound on Saturday afternoon. He faces Arizona right-hander Mike Soroka (8-3, 3.28 ERA) at Great American Ball Park with the first pitch scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET.
The Reds’ season is currently hanging by a thread. While De La Cruz’s return offers a glimmer of hope, the fundamentals have to improve. Skills like catching a fly ball in the ninth inning are vital. These are crucial for them to stay relevant in the NL Central race.
