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Cincinnati Reds news

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The gist

Reds beat Cardinals 5-4 on Sal Stewart's three-run homer, splitting the series. The win keeps Cincinnati's slim playoff hopes alive despite a last-place record.

Background

The Cincinnati Reds, despite having the worst record in the NL Central and the worst offense in baseball, have been competitive in a five-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. After splitting a doubleheader on Monday, they won Wednesday's game 5-4 thanks to a three-run homer by Sal Stewart, evening the series at 2-2. The Reds are in a grueling stretch of 17 games in 16 days, and their star shortstop Elly De La Cruz has been struggling at the plate.

How it unfolded

  1. Aug 17, 2026Reds split a doubleheader with the Cardinals, losing game 1 and winning game 2 on a walk-off by Elly De La Cruz, his first career walk-off.
  2. Aug 18, 2026Reds option outfielder Noelvi Marte to Triple-A Louisville and promote catcher Will Banfield.
  3. Aug 19, 2026Reds beat Cardinals 5-4, with Sal Stewart hitting a three-run homer and Matt McLain adding an RBI bunt.
  4. Aug 20, 2026Reds and Cardinals play the series finale, with Brady Singer starting for Cincinnati.

Who’s saying what

Analysts
Analysts note the Reds have the worst offense in baseball, which has been a major factor in their last-place standing.
Public
Fans on Redleg Nation praised the relief pitching and Dane Myers' clutch hit, calling it the 'hit of the year.'

Sources

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