Brewers - Reds

USA - MLB, Round 1

The Reds had no intentions of underestimating the Nationals, who currently occupy the last place in the league standings. Their determination was evident on Thursday afternoon as Cincinnati completed a remarkable four-game series sweep with a hard-fought 5-4 victory in 10 innings.

Following a game-saving catch in the bottom of the ninth inning, Nick Senzel further solidified his hero status by blasting a crucial two-run home run in the top of the 10th, securing the Reds' fifth consecutive win. This victory marked their eighth win in the last nine games and an impressive 20th win out of their last 24 matches.

Sitting comfortably in first place, Cincinnati now boasts a record of 49-39, placing them 10 games over .500. Their remarkable resilience has led them to achieve a league-leading 32 come-from-behind wins. In this particular game, they found themselves trailing 3-2 in the eighth inning when Eill Benson kick-started a rally with a double down the left field line. Then, with one out, Joey Votto stepped up as a pinch-hitter and delivered a game-tying RBI single to right field.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, with a runner on second base and just one out, Senzel made an incredible leaping catch at the right field fence, denying the Nationals a potentially game-winning RBI hit.

Taking the momentum into the 10th inning against Hunter Harvey, Senzel wasted no time. He aggressively attacked a first-pitch fastball and launched a two-run homer to left field, propelling the Reds to their first four-game series sweep since August 2021.

While there is still half of the season remaining, Cincinnati has entered one of the most critical and defining stretches of their schedule. It is during this time that they will either solidify their status as contenders in the National League Central or expose any shortcomings they may have. We eagerly await the performance of the young and promising champions of the Reds as they continue to strive for success.