Reds Stage Incredible Comeback in Wild Victory over Guardians
CLEVELAND — In a season marked by thrilling comebacks and stunning rallies, the Cincinnati Reds showcased their resilience once again on Tuesday night. The team battled back from two deficits and relied on five home runs to secure a remarkable 11-7 win against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. This win marked the Reds’ 48th come-from-behind victory, tying them for the Major League lead and keeping their hopes alive for a National League Wild Card spot.
Despite finding themselves trailing 3-0 after two innings and 7-5 after four innings, the Reds refused to back down. Starting pitcher Hunter Greene struggled and was pulled in the fourth inning, but Cincinnati’s offense rose to the occasion in a crucial must-win game.
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz, speaking through translator Jorge Merlos, praised the team’s never-give-up attitude, saying, “It doesn’t matter if the game is close or if we have to come back so hard, that’s why I like this team. We’re never going to give up. That’s why this team clicks so well as much as it does.”
De La Cruz had a career milestone night, hitting his first two home runs in the same game. The first was a solo shot to center field in the fourth inning, while the second was a two-run blast to right-center field in the ninth. Statcast projected that the second home run traveled an impressive 467 feet with an exit velocity of 119.2 mph, making it the farthest and hardest-hit balls of De La Cruz’s young big league career.
Teammate Christian Encarnacion-Strand couldn’t help but marvel at De La Cruz’s performance, exclaiming, “That was sick!”
Earlier in the day, the Reds announced that infielder Matt McLain would not return for the regular season due to a right oblique strain. This opened up an opportunity for De La Cruz, who has struggled at times at the plate recently. However, he remained positive and determined, stating, “It’s been a rough patch, but that doesn’t mean we’re not going to still go out there with a positive attitude… No matter what happens, you have to finish strong. That’s the mentality that you have to bring into it every time you go out to the field.”
Greene, coming off an impressive start against the Twins last week, found himself struggling on the mound this time. He gave up three home runs in just three-plus innings. The worn-down Reds bullpen, which has had its fair share of struggles, stepped up to the challenge and silenced the Guardians’ bats. Sam Moll, Fernando Cruz, Lucas Sims, and Alexis Díaz combined for six scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Reds manager David Bell praised the bullpen’s effort in halting the opposing team’s scoring.
The Reds’ offense played a crucial role in the victory, with Luke Maile hitting a home run in the third inning and delivering a two-run single in the fifth inning to put Cincinnati ahead for good. Encarnacion-Strand continued his hot streak, hitting his sixth home run in the past eight games, while TJ Friedl extended his home run streak to four straight games.
Reflecting on the importance of each game, Encarnacion-Strand said, “Every game means a lot… It means a lot to come out with a win.”
The Reds’ ability to fight back and emerge victorious in such a high-stakes game exemplifies their tenacity and determination. With their eyes set on a National League Wild Card spot, Cincinnati has shown that no deficit is insurmountable and that they will continue to battle until the very end.