Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene delivered a commanding performance during his return from the injured list on Wednesday night, leading the Reds to a resounding 8-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. This win marked a key moment in the Reds’ season, demonstrating their resilience and boosting their standing as they gear up for a critical series against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Greene’s Six-Shutout-Inning Mastery Sets the Tone

In his first start since June 3rd, Hunter Greene dominated the Phillies lineup, pitching six shutout innings while striking out six batters. He allowed only three hits, issued no walks, and commanded the game with 85 pitches, 58 of which were strikes. Greene’s return provides a major boost for Cincinnati as they push deeper into the pennant race. The ability to deliver powerful, precise pitching like Greene’s can unsettle opposing hitters and strengthen the Reds’ pitching staff.

Offensive Explosion Lifts Reds to Secure Series Win

The Reds’ offense matched Greene’s dominance with a strong showing, scoring eight runs on ten hits. Miguel Andujar’s grand slam in the seventh inning was the highlight, propelling Cincinnati to victory. The team rallied for seven runs across the sixth and seventh innings, pulling away decisively from the Phillies. Notably, Noelvi Marte’s RBI single in the sixth inning turned into an inside-the-park run due to two Phillies errors, marking a rare advantage taken from an opponent’s defensive lapses.

Marte also contributed an RBI double in the fourth inning, and Austin Hays added a crucial RBI double in the sixth, further fueling the Reds’ offensive output.

Additional Game Notes and Key Stats

The Reds’ clutch hitting was evident as they went 3-for-4 with runners in scoring position, while leaving just three runners on base overall. Cincinnati’s bullpen also maintained the shutout, delivering three scoreless innings to preserve the lead. Four Reds players recorded multiple hits during the game, underscoring the depth of Cincinnati’s lineup.

Philadelphia’s starting pitcher, left-hander Cristopher Sanchez, pitched six innings but allowed four runs (three earned) on seven hits and one walk. He threw 81 pitches, with 57 strikes, and struck out six batters, though his effort was overshadowed by the Reds’ aggressive offense.

Upcoming Challenge: Milwaukee Brewers Series

Looking ahead, the Reds face the hottest team in Major League Baseball, the Milwaukee Brewers, in a pivotal three-game series starting Friday. The Brewers enter the weekend riding a 12-game winning streak and have won 27 of their last 31 games, holding the best record in baseball at 76-44. This matchup will test Cincinnati’s mettle as they attempt to build momentum against a powerhouse opponent.

Friday’s game begins at 6:40 p.m. ET and will be exclusively broadcast on Apple TV, while Saturday and Sunday’s games, starting at 6:40 p.m. ET and 1:40 p.m. ET respectively, will air on FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati and 700WLW radio. The Reds will start Nick Martinez, Zack Littell, and Andrew Abbott over the weekend, while the Brewers have yet to announce a starter for Friday, with Quinn Priester and Jose Quintana scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Significance of Greene’s Return and Team Momentum

Hunter Greene’s impactful return couldn’t come at a better time for the Cincinnati Reds as they position themselves for a strong finish to the regular season. His ability to deliver high-velocity, precise pitching offers a competitive edge vital to the team’s success in the closing stretch. Coupled with a revitalized offense that is starting to consistently produce runs, the Reds have shown they can bounce back from adversity and challenge top contenders.

The upcoming series against the Milwaukee Brewers will be a defining moment, providing a clear measurement of Cincinnati’s potential in the 2024 season. If Greene maintains his form and the Reds perpetuate their offensive surge, their optimism heading into the postseason could translate into tangible success.

“Having a pitcher like Greene can make a huge difference as the Reds enter the thick of the pennant race.” —Alex Frank, Sports Director
“It’s nice to see the Reds take advantage of an opponents’s defensive miscues as opposed to the other way around.” —Alex Frank, Sports Director
“Cincinnati is right there. Do you believe?” —Alex Frank, Sports Director