The Cincinnati Reds showed some real resilience and grit on Sunday. They avoided a sweep by the National League-leading Milwaukee Brewers with a dramatic 3-2 victory in extra innings.
After two brutal losses to start the series — including Friday’s meltdown after blowing an 8-1 lead — the Reds clawed back for a much-needed win. They leaned on an outstanding pitching performance from All-Star Andrew Abbott, got clutch late-game hits from Jose Trevino and Austin Hays, and watched Graham Ashcraft lock things down in relief.
Cincinnati not only pulled off a morale-boosting win, but they also kept alive one of the rarest statistical feats in Major League Baseball: going an entire season without being swept in a series. That’s no small thing, honestly.
Andrew Abbott Dominates Early
Andrew Abbott has quietly become one of Cincinnati’s most dependable arms. Sunday’s performance just made his case even stronger as a cornerstone of their rotation.
The left-hander baffled Milwaukee hitters for most of the afternoon. He kept changing speeds, spotting his pitches, and inducing weak contact — it was fun to watch.
His command let the Reds keep pace with the Brewers in a tense, low-scoring battle. Abbott bought time for the offense to finally break through, which they eventually did.
A Late-Inning Twist
Despite Abbott’s brilliance, the Brewers made their move in the ninth inning. William Contreras flipped the script with a two-run homer off Emilio Pagán, putting Milwaukee up 2-0.
For a Reds squad that had suffered back-to-back gut-wrenching losses, that could’ve been it. Instead, they responded right away in the bottom of the ninth.
Jose Trevino’s RBI single brought home Will Benson to tie things up and send the game to extras. The energy in the ballpark completely flipped.
Extra-Inning Heroics
The 10th inning became a showcase for Cincinnati’s resolve. Graham Ashcraft got thrown into high-leverage duty and held the Brewers scoreless, even with the automatic runner on second.
That set the stage for Austin Hays. He delivered the game’s decisive blow — an RBI single that scored TJ Friedl, sealing the 3-2 win for the Reds and kicking off celebrations at Great American Ball Park.
Avoiding the Sweep
This win meant more than just another tally in the standings. The Brewers didn’t get their sweep, and the Reds preserved a remarkable streak — they remain the only MLB team in 2024 without suffering a sweep in any series.
In a sport defined by streaks and slumps, avoiding a sweep this deep into the season says a lot about the team’s mental toughness. They just don’t fold, no matter the opponent.
Current Standings and Postseason Outlook
With the win, the Reds improved to 65-60. They’re still within striking distance of the final National League Wild Card spot, which the New York Mets currently hold.
The Brewers, even with the loss, sit at an impressive 78-45 and remain comfortably ahead in the NL Central. For Cincinnati, every game from here on out feels like it carries October weight, and wins like Sunday’s show they can hang with the league’s best.
Key Takeaways from the Reds’ Victory
Fans and analysts can point to a few pivotal factors in Sunday’s win:
- Strong starting pitching – Abbott’s dominance kept the Brewers guessing and the game close.
- Clutch hitting – Trevino and Hays came through with huge RBIs in the ninth and tenth.
- Bullpen resilience – Ashcraft’s work in extras made a real difference, even after the ninth-inning hiccup.
- Mental toughness – Shaking off tough losses and rallying late is what playoff teams do.
- Preserving a rare streak – Staying sweep-free this far into the season is something special, honestly.
Looking Ahead
The Reds face a pivotal stretch in their schedule. They’re up against divisional rivals and other wild card hopefuls.
If they keep mixing strong pitching with clutch hitting, they might just grab a postseason spot. That win over Milwaukee could end up as the moment when everything changed.
For now, Cincinnati fans have every reason to feel proud after Sunday’s comeback. It wasn’t just another win—it sent a message: the Reds aren’t backing down, and they’ll scrap for every chance to keep their wild streak alive.
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Here is the source article for this story: Reds notch win against No. 1 Brewers, further lifting team’s hopes of achieving sweep-free season
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