Trying to take the series and season series, the Reds send Andrew Abbott (8-6 2.88) in the rubber game. The Padres countered with Nick Pivetta (13-5 2.85) in what turned out to be a pitchers duel.
The first seven innings of this game consisted of incredible pitching and very good defense from both teams. Ke’Bryan Hayes had a homerun taken away by Ramon Laureano to end the seventh, and Elly De La Cruz made a great running catch in short left field to end the fourth.
San Diego 1-0 (Bottom 7th)
The only run to score before the eighth was a HR to LF from Fernando Tatis Jr. in the fifth. It was only the fourth hit allowed by Abbott but it broke a scoreless tie and gave the Padres a late lead.
Cincinnati 2-1(Top 8th)
In a very good sign for the offense as a whole, the Reds bats came to life in the eighth. TJ Friedl reached on his MLB-leading 11th bunt hit, and, after Noelvi Marte grounded out, it was up to Elly to drive Friedl in. And do that he did. He sent an Adrian Morejon pitch to RF and Friedl beat out a strong throw from Tatis Jr.
Elly then stole second, Austin Hays was intentionally walked to setup a pinch-hitting Miguel Andujar to do what he was brought on via trade to do: hit lefty pitching. He sent a flare off his bat to LF that Elly easily scored on to give the Reds the lead.
Cincinnati 2-1 (Final)
Tony Santillan got the call to close out the game and he gave Reds fans a little worry before getting the job done in the end. Trying to close it out for Abbott, Santillan gave up a leadoff double to Gavin Sheets but was able to retire the next three to nail down the save. It gave the Reds the series and season series win over the Padres which could be huge for tie-breaker scenarios. The cowboy said it best “These guys are like cockroaches, you can’t kill them.” We’ll see you in Sacramento for some more games the Reds HAVE to win.
Win: Abbott (9-6)
Loss: Morejon (11-5)
Save: Santillan (6)
