gg2
Reds news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Elly De La Cruz hit his first career walk-off, lifting Reds to a twin-bill split with Cardinals. The Reds' worn-out pitching and August slump make this win crucial for momentum.
Background
The Reds and Cardinals are in a heated NL Central race. The Reds have been struggling offensively in August, hitting an MLB-worst .191 as a team, and their pitching staff is worn out. This walk-off win provides a much-needed boost.
How it unfolded
- Aug 17, 2026Cardinals were set to face a worn-out Reds pitching staff, with Chase Petty as the likely starter.
- Aug 18, 2026Elly De La Cruz delivered his first career walk-off home run, giving the Reds a win and splitting the doubleheader with the Cardinals.
- Aug 19, 2026The Reds won again, with Sal Stewart hitting a three-run homer and Dane Myers adding an RBI single, taking a 5-4 lead.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Reds manager Terry Francona praised De La Cruz, saying 'He's a great player. He's been going through a tough time. Hitters do that.'
- Analysts
- Analysts noted the Reds' August offensive struggles, hitting an MLB-worst .191, but also highlighted their power with 20 home runs.
Still unverified
The starting pitcher for the Reds on August 17 was not officially announced as of writing, though Chase Petty was the likely option.