After an extra inning loss last night, the Cincinnati Reds (73-85) look to win the series in the rubber match with the Atlanta Braves (93-65) at Truist Park Thursday night.
First pitch is set for 7:15 PM EDT.
Lineups
Cincinnati Reds | Atlanta Braves |
| Carlos Jorge – CF | Drake Baldwin – DH |
| Elly De La Cruz – SS | Ronald Acuña Jr – RF |
| Sal Stewart – 1B | Matt Olson – 1B |
| Tyler Stephenson – C | Michael Harris II – CF |
| JJ Bleday – LF | Mauricio Dubón – SS |
| Eugenio Suárez – DH | Ozzie Albies – 2B |
| Hector Rodríguez – RF | Mike Yastrzemski – LF |
| Matt McLain – 2B | Austin Riley – 3B |
| Ke’Bryan Hayes – 3B | Sean Murphy – C |
Starting Pitchers
| Pitcher | IP | ERA | WHIP | BB | K |
| Brady Singer | 154.0 | 5.67 | 1.57 | 60 | 125 |
| Tyler Mahle | 144.0 | 3.81 | 1.39 | 44 | 133 |
| Links: Brady Singer’s Stats | Tyler Mahle’s Stats | |||||
Brady Singer
Right-hander Brady Singer probably wants to forget the 2026 season in terms of performance alone. It was one of the worst seasons of his career, with a 5.67 ERA in 154.0 innings. He allowed 31 home runs, the most of his career. His strikeout rate this season significantly decreased when compared to both last season and his career strikeout rate in general. Singer would love to end his season on a high note, but the month of September has been his worst month of the season. He’s given up 21 earned runs in only 12.1 innings (a 15.32 ERA), including walking 15 batters and allowing five home runs while only striking out eight.
If there’s one thing Singer has been good at, it’s been durability. 2026 marked his fourth straight season with 30+ starts. Even if he was terrible this year, the Reds could count on him to be out there every fifth day, which was a necessity with some of the other pitching injuries the Reds dealt with during the season.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 247 | 54 | 11 | 1 | 8 | 10% | 14% | .249 | .333 | .419 |
| LHH | 460 | 127 | 15 | 2 | 23 | 8% | 20% | .312 | .381 | .528 |
Pitch Usage
| 2-Seam | Slider | Sweeper | Cutter | 4-Seam | |
| Velo | 91.1 | 82.6 | 82.1 | 87.3 | 90.7 |
| Usage | 50.5% | 27.3% | 13.4% | 6.8% | 2.0% |
Tyler Mahle
Old friend Tyler Mahle faces off against his former team tonight. Mahle started the 2026 season with the San Francisco Giants, and he wasn’t great. He had a 5.13 ERA in 94.2 innings while allowing 14 home runs and walking 37 batters in that span. However, since being traded to Atlanta, Mahle has done a complete 180 in his season turnaround. With the Braves, Mahle is 4-1 with a 1.28 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 49.1 innings across eight starts. In the month of September specifically, he has a 0.95 ERA with 12 strikeouts and just two walks allowed in 19.0 innings pitched.
Splits
| Split | PA | H | 2B | 3B | HR | BB% | K% | AVG | OBP | SLG |
| RHH | 264 | 69 | 9 | 0 | 8 | 9% | 20% | .292 | .359 | .432 |
| LHH | 328 | 63 | 12 | 2 | 10 | 6% | 24% | .209 | .260 | .362 |
Pitch Usage
| 4-Seam | Split | Cutter | Slider | 2-Seam | |
| Velo | 92.8 | 86.3 | 87.8 | 85.0 | 91.9 |
| Usage | 48.4% | 29.4% | 15.3% | 6.2% | 0.7% |
Game Details:
- Time: 7:15 PM EDT
- Place: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA
- TV: Reds MLB Channel, Reds.TV (in market), FS1/Fox One (national broadcast)
- Radio: 700 WLW (Cincinnati area)
- Weather: 69 degrees, cloudy, 0% chance of rain
News and Notes
Reds Ownership and Front Office Failures
It’s no secret that fans have been calling for changes at the top in the Reds organization, and an article in The Athletic dropped this morning that effectively gave fans more fuel for that fire. It was an eye-opening piece that effectively showed ownership and the front office are pointing fingers at each other. You can find our thoughts on the article here, with a link to read the original story from C. Trent Rosecrans and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, if you haven’t read it already.
Division Standings
| Team | W | L | GB |
| Milwaukee | 99 | 59 | – |
| Chicago | 87 | 71 | 12.0 |
| Pittsburgh | 80 | 78 | 19.0 |
| St. Louis | 77 | 81 | 22.0 |
| Cincinnati | 73 | 85 | 26.0 |
I’m really hoping for a reading of my favorite bedtime story from a few years ago … “Mr. Mahle Won’t Throw Strikes”
Probably won’t be the case, but a guy can dream, right?
Sticking with the positive vibe again tonight. Let’s take the series from the Braves. They are focused on next week anyway.
Get 1 & 1 Elly!!
Tyler Mahle’s pitching performance since the trading deadline has been superb. It’s time for a little regression to the median.
+25,000
I’m onboard with that
*regression to the mean.
DWCT@. Regression to the average Nice one
I’d like to hear a candid conversation about any differences in his two organizations this year. Similar concept to Sonny Gray’s success coming to the Reds after the NYY. You never know what tou might learn that applies to your own team.
Good point, DaveCT. Sometimes I think we underestimate the “change of scenery” impact.
+10,000
I think the only real difference is that Tyler Mahle is healthy and physically sound, and not fighting an injury.
Glad that Carlos got a dinger.
For the 2nd straight game the Reds have a leadoff homer
Carlos Jorge starts the game in the same manner as Juan Brito did. 1-0 Reds.
Apparently Jon and Cowboy remember a different Mahle in a Reds uniform … one that “comes right after you”. Interesting.
Fat one “right down Broadway”.
That’s the way to start the game.
Now Jon is remembering the struggles in our uni 😉
I always liked the Mahle walked off the mound after an inning of pitching.
With Brady Singer on the mound that one run might just be enough.
😮
I expect a Carson Spiers appearance shortly.
The Braves come out hitting, and have tied it up already after the first three batters.
With those exit velocities, someone is going to get hurt.
Odd … I thought batting practice came BEFORE the game …
Singer has nothing at all. Fastest pitch is 90 so far.
Singer hasn’t the stuff to be competitive in the big leagues , he’s horrible right now…I would be glad if this is his last outing in a Reds uniform
Brady Singer isn’t fooling anyone. 5 Hard hit balls in a row.
Someone wake up Tito.
He’s stubborn when it comes to inning pitched.
One out, men on 1st and 3rd, and 2 runs scored … and this is the first inning.
Feel for Brady cause I think he is a good guy but nobody is going to offer him much of a deal next year.His stuff is just not good enough unless his location is perfect.Braves will hammer him.
Yep. He’ll get a #4 type offer. Maybe he can get an opt-out so it will be a “show me” year. I wish him the best.
Singer has to be hurt. There’s no logical explanation.
he could just stink.
28 pitches. 1 out. No bueno.
And now Singer clowns his way into screwing up a soft grounder to Sal.
Get Trevino up early.
It’s only game 158. You can’t expect the pitcher and the first baseman to be in sync this early in the season.
Singer threw more than 90 pitches in his last outing through just 3+ innings allowing 7 runs …Today seems it’s the same… 28 pitches for 1 out in the 1st… 3 runs and bases loaded
Out number 2. Run number 4.
2 outs now (both sac flies) and 4 runs scored … men on 1st and 2nd.
We lost one to the Brewers 20-0, and followed that with a loss to the Dodgers, 14-1.
Johnny Bench said that blowouts will happen. The ones he hated were like 16-14, because you scored 14 runs and still lost…
Just missed a salami there.
Singer was lucky this shot by Baldwin didn’t left the field for a grandslam… What a pathtic outing again by Singer …How can a 90 mph 2-pitch guy stay alive in the majors?
My apologies to any Singer fans out there but he’s got to go! He’s not fooling anybody tonight and has, once again, put his team in a hole that will be difficult to climb out! With his 38-pitch inning I suspect we’ll see Trevino early!
The last 4 games Singer pitched have looked like batting pracrice!!
This is his last start for us. He’s not getting the QO (by a long shot) and he’ll hit the market. Just work him as long as you can tonight. Playing only for “pride” at this point.
Yikes! Baldwin not far off from an 8 spot in the 1st. Singer’s ERA up to about 17 or so for the month of Sept.
Well, that escalated quickly…I must say.
Alright, Hector. Needs lots more doubles.
What’s really sad is that the Reds are probably going to lose to The Nibbler, AKA Tyler Mahle!
Matty Mac gets one back with a single. 4-2.
How ’bout that ! Reds put two hits together and score another run in the 2nd. 4-2
This game turned a kind of bullpen night for the Reds after that 38-pitch 1st inning by Singer
Just put it on a tee. Save Singer some wear and tear.
He’s groovin’ ’em … Then Harris bunts his way on with 2 outs… Sheesh.
Kudos to Brady, an 8-pitch inning.
The Reds could do something here …
Elly makes it 4-3 !
NUMBER 30!!
That’s what I’m watching for tonight. Mashed that one.
Remaining positive tonight … I’m positive it’s time to switch to the WLW audio overlay before my brain explodes from an avalanche of words. First Wife says the same thing. Just baffling how so many syllables are needed to say so little while avoiding some silence.
😀
Geno drives in two on the first pitch – The Reds take the lead !
Well lookie there …
We’ll see which manager flinches first …
Need a vote here, friends. Is that sudden burst of offense because I switched audio feeds or because First Wife left the room to get a cup of tea?
Too dazed by what happened to think here.
Credit where credit is due.
Elly is closer to be a 30-30 this season…just shy a base steal…
3 and a half to get that. I’m not laying a bet AGAINST at this point.
After 3, we’re all tied at 5.
Singer has allowed a lot of hard contact…many flies to the warning track … The Reds offense got the team in the game…
Could just be one of those nights. 12- 10 or something like that.
Who knows, but it’s baseball!
Didn’t take long for Singer to give up the one-run lead!
Brady Singer throwing his usual batting
practice …. Hopefully won’t see this guy again in a Reds uniform . AWFUL !
Given second life by dodging that grand slam, Singer is making somewhat of a comeback in this game.
Based on the fact the Reds want to win as do the Braves,I would think Singer does not need to come back out for the 4th inning to face the top of the order.He survived and the game is tied so call it a night and a season for him.
Zach McCambley takes the ball. This will be interesting.
We get to see what McCambley can do …
Braves go down in order, but now without giving the ball a couple of good rides.
Glad Zach got thru unscathed.
Zach lucks out on the first batter he faces. 407-foot out.
Zach better wear a helmet next inning. Laser rockets are flying off bats.
McCambley did a good job in this 4th inning especially against Olson…
Singer finishes his season in a very bad note. He had a 5.85 ERA through 157 IP… It would be tough for him to get a good deal in free agency…
He threw AT LEAST three qualifying offers tonight.
Just a bad year for him. Headed for Most L in MLB if Reds lose.
No Brito at 3B? Mr defense over offense manager to the extreme prefers sending Hayes can get going? Get the you know what out of here.
That was UGLY
Strike 3 looking with the runner going?Must be on the plane.
Another one to the CF wall. Playing with matches. And a couple of singles mixed in with a stolen base and Atlanta leads 6-5.
Connor Phillips comes on with man on first and 1 run in … 2 outs
I know he was just called up, but that was 7 straight balls…
Throw strikes. Why do all of our relievers come in and walk people?
What’s the opposite of an Immacute Inning? That’s what Phillips has going so far.
Something starting with “putrid”???
+25000
*Immaculate
Phillips is back to the big leagues and threw 8 balls in a row…really awful…The Reds minors pitching coaching staff couldn’t fix anything with him…
It’s about time to send Phillips to Tampa Bay so he can do something with him.
Brantley with the emphatic. IF YOU THROW STRIKES THEY HAVE GUYS OUT THERE WITH GOIVES ON!
I love Cowboy comments. It’s like he’s pitched in MLB before.
H-Rod shows his pop! 2-run blast…
I’m not saying it’s her, but First Wife just left the room again …
Do I make her stay away now?
No, she has to leave at the right time …
Hector Electric with a two-run shot. Redlegs back on top 7-6.
Matty made that close … and he didn’t whiff. Game 159 and I’m calling that progress.
Hector Rodriguez: Little Man, Big Stick.
H Rod has come a long way since the White Sox series. He’s recognizing pitches and making hard contact much more often.
Jorge has been a delight to watch this game. Hope Elly gets on base and runs.
K-Pop. No, not the Korean singers. The Reds 3rd baseman.
And so it begins…..again.
Phillips could hold on the lead somehow
Phillips does the job. On to the 7th. Reds have Antone, Burke and Pagan loaded in the pen
All told, it’s been an interesting game.
Los Bravos have hit a ton of hard hit baseballs.
Tejay uses that veteran moxie to get through the 7th. Superb year for Antone.
Got to be way up there for comeback player of the year.
He and Garcia are great stories from the 2026 Reds season.
It’s unbelievable the Reds have Antone in his bullpen “A” at this moment . Guy has been pretty reliable. After 3 TJ surgeries it’s hard someone could expect that…
TJ3X is a walking miracle/anomaly
That crowd action is HILARIOUS!!! We heard them describe it. Seeing it is required to appreciate it.
Could have used an insurance run or two in the 8th… It’s up to our pitching now.
Please no extras tonight … pretty please …
Burke negotiated a little trouble in the 8th but scampers out of trouble.
His 78th game. 22 “holds” so far. His first career saves. ERA+ 180 plus. He’s having a very good year.
Oh thank you!!! Thank you VERY MUCH.
Score at least one and then let’s put a bow on it.
Whew ! Reds get thru the 8th still on top !
Rodriguez, McLain and Hayes. That’s good for an insurance run.
a long shot though
6 pitches all outside the strike zone results in a strike out. Crazy.
It’s Emilio’s time to shine. The thinnest of margins – one run.
Buckle Up and Hold on to Yo Butts!!!
Gladly take a free out.
The Bravos are playing to tie in the 9th…
And that wild pitch puts Harris on 3rd … 1 out
Got heem. One more out.
Ball game. ATOBBTR.
I doubted re-signing Pagan to close but he’s been very good since coming back.
Living in Columbus, I’m watching the Reds try to hang on against the Braves while switching over occasionally to see the Guardians celebrate clinching yet another playoff berth.
On a day in which the Reds’ organizational problems were exposed by The Athletic, it seems fitting and ironic that Ohio’s other small-market team showed how to get it done.
+15,000
And their market IS Cleveland. Reds market is Cincy, Columbus, Lexington, Louisville, and Indy. “Small market” my fat @$$. More like stupid, greedy ownership.
Don’t forget Dayton.
Pagan has been nails for quite some time.
I think he is 100% on SVO since returning from injury. 19 straight saves. He’s not a Nasty Boy but he is a good closer. 32/38 in 2025 and 25/28 in 2026.
Major exhale …
Of to that baseball city on the north shore of Lake Whatever.
Good night, friends.
Lake America. LOL.
If you’ve never been, Toronto is worth the trip. Arguably the cleanest big city in North America. And (less arguably) the best seafood meal I’ve ever eaten at a little B&B in suburban Cobourg. Nova Scotia salmon and lemongrass soup. The meal cost more than the room (30 years ago) but memorable to this day.
Spent my 10th anniversary in downtown Toronto. Saw Phantom. Great trip. That was 30 years ago.
REDS WIN! Fittingly last put out made by Jorge (11 POs in game!) I like Jorge catching a key out much better than Myers.
He does look smooth out there.
Reds are very probably the better team this year. The Reds have played the most games over .500 this year at 89. The Indians have played just 55. If the teams were switched and the Reds played in the AL-Central, most likely they would be winning that division.
How sweet is that win ? Down 4-1 in the first, and the Reds manage to do just enough ! That’s a series win against the Braves too.
Only three in Toronto remain…
Reds claim the series vs Braves after taking this tight roller coaster game…Pagán could save with some drama…Elly is pending to add a steal to reach 30…
The bullpen had a good (results oriented) night. 6 IP, 1 R, not bad.