The Cincinnati Reds have triumphed in seven consecutive games and have won eight of their last ten. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about repeating last year’s insane 12-game streak, eh? Lucas Sims just had to make it a nailbiter. I for one started worrying as soon as I heard John Sadak say that the Reds had him throwing in the bullpen. Tyler Stephenson made a phenomenal play on a foul pop behind the plate to the first base side to give Justin Wilson a chance to earn the save.
The Reds clinched a series victory with a 4-3 win on Saturday afternoon over the Cubs, leaping over Chicago and St. Louis for sole possession of second place in the NL Central. The Cincinnati Reds (32-33) continue to dominate Chicago, now 5-1 against the Cubs this season. Cincinnati trusted Andrew Abbott after a rocky start where he seemed out of control at times. Abbott allowed nine to reach safely, including a season-high four walks in a 99-pitch outing. He ultimately concluded with just one run allowed over five innings, securing his fifth victory of the season. Just like I said in the game preview (which if you aren’t reading these before each game, you aren’t prepared), Abbott always gives you a chance to win.
The Cubs (31-34) consistently left runners on base, especially when facing Abbott. Chicago managed only 1-for-14 with runners in scoring position, which included a 1-for-8 performance during Abbott’s time on the mound. Abbott having to escape that many situations is an issue in and of itself, but he found a way – as he usually does. Cubs right fielder Mike Tauchman will be kicking himself having gone 0-4 – all with runners in scoring position.
Friedl accounted for three of the Cincinnati Reds’ four RBIs, the only exception being Jeimer Candelario’s solo shot in the first inning. This marked Friedl’s second three-RBI game of the season, the first of which on June 2, also against the Cubs.
Besides moving into sole possession of second place, the victory was a nice change of pace for the Reds when it comes to their luck in one-run games. Cincinnati, a woeful 3-11 team in one-run games—the lowest in MLB—finally took a one-run game that it felt like they dominated in. The Cincinnati Reds seventh straight victory marks their longest winning streak since the unforgettable 12-game surge in June 2023.
