UPDATE: The Cincinnati Reds are now just one win away from clinching a coveted wild card playoff spot after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 on Saturday night. With this victory, the Reds are on the brink of their first postseason appearance since 2020.
This weekend’s matchup has become crucial as the Reds can secure the National League’s third and final wild card by winning against the Brewers again on Sunday, or if the New York Mets lose to the Miami Marlins. A loss for Cincinnati combined with a Mets win would shift the playoff spot to New York, making Sunday’s game a must-watch for fans.
The Reds, currently tied with the Mets at 83-78, hold the head-to-head tiebreaker advantage after winning four out of six games against New York this season. The stakes are high, as the wild card winner will face the Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-of-three series starting Tuesday.
In Saturday’s game, Sal Stewart shined with a home run and an RBI single, while Miguel Andjuar contributed significantly with a 3-for-5 performance at the plate. The Reds broke the game open with a six-run third inning, capitalizing on two Brewers errors and a series of timely hits.
“Every game matters now,” said Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott, who allowed three runs over 5 1/3 innings. “We are focused on getting that win.”
The Brewers, despite the loss, secured the best regular-season record in the majors earlier in the day, thanks to the Philadelphia Phillies‘ defeat against the Minnesota Twins. This means Milwaukee will have home-field advantage throughout the postseason.
As the Reds look to clinch their playoff spot, Emilio Pagán stepped up, achieving his 32nd save in 38 opportunities after retiring the side in order in the ninth inning. He is one of only two players this season to pitch on four consecutive days, showcasing the intensity and urgency of this crucial playoff race.
Fans are urged to stay tuned as the final game of the regular season brings an electrifying conclusion to the playoff chase. With everything on the line, the excitement is palpable as Cincinnati aims for a triumphant return to the postseason.