The Cincinnati Reds lost their starting pitcher in the 2nd inning and were down by four runs early. They would rally twice against Atlanta’s bullpen, though, to pull off a come from behind win to open up the homestand.
| Final | R | H | E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Braves (81-70) |
5 | 12 | 2 |
| Cincinnati Reds (74-78) | 6 | 10 | 0 |
| W: Suter (1-0) L: Johnson (5-5) SV: Diaz (28) |
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| Box Score | Game Thread | |||
Michael Harris II began the game with a solo home run on the game’s 2nd pitch. After Marcell Ozuna singled later in the inning it was Matt Olson’s turn to play long ball as he crushed a 2-run homer to make it 3-0 in the top of the 1st for Atlanta. Cincinnati would get one of those runs back in their half of the first when Elly De La Cruz doubled off of the wall in left and scored on a single by Tyler Stephenson.
In the top of the 2nd inning things went from bad to worse for Brandon Williamson. After getting a pop up to begin the inning he turned over the lineup and was facing off against Michael Harris II for a second time in the game. On the 4th pitch of the at-bat, the Reds lefty threw a 91 MPH fastball that was fouled off. Williamson immediately grabbed his arm and winced in pain. It appeared that he could be seen saying “I felt it pop” to Tyler Stephenson as the trainer was on his way to the mound. Unsurprisingly, Williamson exited the game at that point.
Fernando Cruz entered the game for the Reds and struck out Harris II but then walked three straight to load the bases. Ramon Laureano then picked up an infield single to bring in a run for Atlanta to extend their lead to 4-1. That’s where the score remained until Carson Spiers gave up a solo home run to Jorge Soler in the top of the 4th. The Reds were able to get that run back after Ty France doubled, moved to third on an error, and then scored when Jake Fraley hit a sacrifice fly.
The score remained 5-2 until the 6th inning. That’s when Cincinnati put together a 2-out rally against Jesse Chavez. Santiago Espinal got things started with a single and saw Jake Fraley follow up with a single of his own. Noelvi Marte then came through with a 2-run double that made it a 1-run game. They went back to it in the 7th against Pierce Johnson when Tyler Stephenson led off with a single and scored on the 20th home run of the season by Spencer Steer that put the Reds ahead 6-5.
Emilio Pagan took over in the 8th and he would get some help from his defense. After giving up a 2-out single to Ramon Laureano, Elly De La Cruz made a diving stop on a hard grounder and while laying on the dirt threw a 1-hopper to Jonathan India at second base to get a force out to end the inning.
Cincinnati’s offense went down in order in the bottom of the 8th. That put Alexis Diaz on the mound with a 1-run lead in the top of the 9th to face the bottom third of Atlanta’s order. Whit Merrifield led off the inning with a fly ball down the right field line that saw Jake Fraley catch it as he reached the side wall in foul territory. Jarred Kelenic came off of the bench to pinch hit for Atlanta and while he battled Diaz for seven pitches the at-bat ended in a strikeout. Orlando Arcia fell behind 0-2 before picking up a single on the 4th pitch. He would be pinch run for. On the second pitch to Michael Harris II, Eli White would steal second base without a throw. Diaz would have to work for it, but he got back-to-back swinging strikes to end the game with a strikeout.
Key Moment of the Game
Alexis Diaz striking out Michael Harris II to end the game and strand the tying run.
Notes Worth Noting
The Reds announced during the game that Brandon Williamson exited the game with a left elbow strain.
Spencer Steer’s home run gave him 20 on the season. He also has 25 steals. Steer joins Elly De La Cruz in the 20/20 club, making the two of them the first set of Reds teammates in the club during the same season since 1996 when Barry Larkin and Eric Davis both accomplished it.
Ty France, Tyler Stephenson, and Noelvi Marte all had 2-hit games and drove in a run. Marte also added a stolen base.
Brent Suter has pitched in 44 games this season for the Reds. Tuesday night saw him get his first decision of the year as he was credited with the win. He’s 1-0 with two saves.
Up Next for the Cincinnati Reds
Atlanta Braves vs. Cincinnati Reds
Wednesday September 18th, 6:40pm ET
Spencer Schwellenbach (6-7, 3.73 ERA) vs Jakob Junis (4-0, 2.73 ERA)
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