Reds fans already knew that the 2021 season was over, but the nail in the coffin was hammered in during the 8th inning while the Reds were trailing 5-1 to the White Sox. The Cardinals won their historic 17th consecutive game to officially clinch the second wildcard spot, and eliminate the Reds. The Reds would go on to lose 7-1 to end their four game winning streak.
The Reds fell behind 4-0 on Friday evening in a stadium that understandably felt lifeless. The Reds 2021 season is virtually over, but as this team has shown time and time again they never quit. They once again came roaring back. The Reds are now two wins away from finishing at least .500. It would be just the 4th time in the last 20 full seasons that the Reds finish at .500 or better.
Tonight was not the night for run prevention for the Cincinnati Reds professional baseball club. None of the Reds hurlers could stop runners from crossing the plate, except for Mr. Tony Santillan and position player, Max Schrock. The Reds defense was just about as bad. It just was not the Reds night this evening. The Reds have lost 5 of 6. The Reds will have to wait for the result in San Diego late this evening to see if they are still 0.5 games up or 0.5 games back for the final NL playoff spot with 26 games to play.
The Reds offense struggled once again against a left-handed starting pitcher. The Reds only had four total hits on the night. The Reds did put the go-ahead run on base in the 9th, but Mike Moustakas grounded into a double play to end the game.
37 year old, Joey Votto continues to defy all logic with his 2021 season. The future first ballot hall-of-famer hit two home runs and made an incredible defensive play. Amir Garrett finished off the Cubs in the bottom of the 9th, and left Javier Baez in the on-deck circle.
Tyler Stephenson's eighth-inning sacrifice fly completed a Cincinnati Reds comeback for a 6-5 win, their fifth straight over the St. Louis Cardinals, in front of 30,605 fans at Great American Ball Park.