The Cincinnati Reds snapped the Philadelphia Phillies’ seven-game winning streak on Tuesday night, securing an impressive 8-1 victory at home. Elly De La Cruz played a pivotal role for the Reds, hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning, his seventh of the season. He also stole his 12th base, tying him for the league lead. Christian Encarnacion-Strand had a standout performance, going 3 for 4 with two RBIs, including an RBI double that tied the score in the bottom of the first inning. Santiago Espinal contributed with three hits, including a solo home run in the eighth inning, his first since July 29.
Meanwhile, the Phillies’ offense struggled against the Reds’ pitching staff. Philadelphia’s starters have been on a roll, but Christopher Sánchez had a disappointing outing, lasting only three innings and allowing five runs, one earned. The Phillies’ defense also made three errors, further hampering their efforts.
The Phillies, who were without Bryce Harper due to paternity leave, got their lone run in the first inning on back-to-back doubles by J.T. Realmuto and Alec Bohm. However, they could not capitalize on a bases-loaded opportunity in the fifth inning, failing to score. Despite getting two hits through 4 1/3 innings against Andrew Abbott, the Phillies’ offense was unable to keep up with the Reds’ offensive output.
In the training room, the Phillies received some positive news as RHP Taijuan Walker (right shoulder soreness) threw a bullpen session and is expected to make his season debut Sunday in San Diego. For the Reds, LHP Sam Moll (left shoulder impingement) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list on Tuesday, and RHP Casey Legumina was optioned to Triple-A Louisville.
The Reds will face the Phillies again on Wednesday, with Spencer Turnbull taking the mound for Philadelphia and Nick Lodolo starting for Cincinnati.
