Reds One Win From Clinching NL Wild Card Game 162

The Cincinnati Reds are right on the edge of clinching a postseason spot after a wild 7-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night. That win bumped Cincinnati up to 83-78, leaving them tied with the New York Mets for the last National League Wild Card spot.

Because the Reds have the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Mets, they control their own fate heading into the final day of the regular season. One more win, and playoff baseball’s coming back to Cincinnati. That’s a big deal.

Cincinnati’s Crucial Win Keeps Playoff Dream Alive

This wasn’t just some random win in a long season. The Reds knew a loss could push them to the brink, but they showed up ready — especially in the third inning.

A Third-Inning Explosion

The offense exploded with a six-run rally in the third. The Brewers made two mistakes, and TJ Friedl made them pay with a two-run single.

That inning totally flipped the momentum to Cincinnati. Rookie Sal Stewart kept the energy going with a solo homer in the sixth, his fifth home run of the month. The kid’s got some serious pop and a knack for big moments.

Pitching Steps Up When It Matters

The bats got things started, but the pitching staff kept it locked down. Rookie starter Andrew Abbott finished his debut season strong, tossing 5 1/3 innings and giving up just three runs. He ends the year with a sharp 2.87 ERA.

Pagán Slams the Door

In the ninth, there was no question about who’d get the ball. Emilio Pagán picked up his 32nd save, pitching for the fourth day in a row and shutting down Milwaukee’s late push.

He’s been a rock for the bullpen, especially with the season on the line.

What’s at Stake on Sunday

Here’s the deal for Cincinnati:

This one’s got all the tension and hype of October, even if we’re not quite there yet.

Managing for the Must-Win

Manager Terry Francona isn’t holding anything back for Sunday. Brady Singer gets the start, but Francona’s basically said every pitcher is available — starters, relievers, whoever.

When your season’s on the line, you can’t stick to the usual script.

The Bigger Picture

For fans and players, this run is more than just catching fire late. The Reds have fought through injuries, the ups and downs of young players, and the nonstop stress of a tight playoff chase.

Now, they’ve got a shot to punch their own ticket. One more win, and Cincinnati’s in. Lose, and suddenly they’re watching the scoreboard, hoping Miami takes care of the Mets. That’s baseball for you—never simple, always nerve-wracking.

Fans Hold Their Breath

In Cincinnati, baseball isn’t just a pastime—it’s the heartbeat of the city. Fans will be glued to every pitch in Milwaukee, barely daring to blink.

They’ve witnessed magical runs before. This year’s team brings a balanced lineup, a few fearless young stars, and a bullpen that can shut things down when it matters most.

Maybe Sunday’s game turns into a party. Or maybe it’s a tense wait for out-of-town scores—who really knows?

One thing’s for sure: the Reds have brought excitement back to the Queen City. With destiny right in their hands, the next nine innings will decide if this electric season rolls into October.

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