CINCINNATI – The Cincinnati Reds suffered a setback at a crucial moment in the season, losing 4-2 to the Pittsburgh Pirates this Tuesday at Great American Ball Park. This defeat complicates their chances of advancing to the postseason.
The game was presented as the first with the Reds occupying the last wild card spot in the National League, tied with the Mets but with the tiebreaker advantage. However, the loss opens the way for other contenders like the Diamondbacks, with only five games left to finish the regular season.
The power of Elly De La Cruz was not enough to change the course of the game.
In the bottom of the second inning, Elly De La Cruz responded to Pittsburgh’s initial attack with a two-run home run to right field. This was his 21st home run of the year, tying the franchise record for a rookie. His hit reduced the difference, but the home offense couldn’t score any more runs.
The opening pitcher, Brady Singer, one of the most consistent arms down the stretch, was punished with four runs in the second inning, including a home run by Oneil Cruz with two outs. After this bad moment, the right-hander recovered and completed 5.1 innings, allowing seven hits, four runs, no walks, and with three strikeouts.
The fight for the wild card tickets in the National League remains intense. The Mets and Diamondbacks were still playing their games at the end of the day, while the Reds are keeping the pressure on, but now have less room for error in the final days of competition.
