The Cincinnati Reds began their crucial nine-game road trip on a high note Monday, defeating the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 in Anaheim, California. This victory boosted their momentum in the competitive National League wild-card chase, with Hunter Greene set to start the next game. The Reds now sit just one game behind the idle New York Mets for the final playoff spot.

Brady Singer’s Strong Performance Eases Bullpen Strain

Brady Singer pitched impressively, earning his season-high 11th win by allowing just one run on six hits over six innings. His reliable effort gave manager Terry Francona the chance to rest key relievers who had been overworked during a demanding weekend series against Milwaukee. Veteran reliever Scott Barlow secured the save with a four-out performance, striking out four of five batters faced to close out the game.

Reds Fuel Early Lead with Lux’s Home Run and Aggressive Hitting

Cincinnati’s offense set the tone early, racking up three triples and a pivotal two-run homer from Gavin Lux in the first inning. Lux acknowledged the physical and mental toll of the recent homestand but expressed relief at starting the road trip with a win. The Reds’ continued success against the Angels dates back to 2019, marking their ninth consecutive victory over the team.

That last homestand was pretty draining,

Lux said.

A lot of important games and meaningful games, like they all are. It’s good to get the first one (on the road trip).

—Gavin Lux, Reds Player

Hunter Greene’s Return and Upcoming Start Against Angels

Right-hander Hunter Greene, boasting a 5-3 record and a 2.47 ERA, will try to keep the winning streak alive when he faces the Angels on Tuesday. This will be Greene’s first time pitching against the team, despite his local ties to Sherman Oaks’ Notre Dame High School, approximately 45 miles from Angel Stadium. Returning from a right groin injury, Greene delivered six shutout innings last Wednesday in an 8-0 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, allowing three hits with no walks and striking out six.

He really pitched. That was fun to watch,

Francona said.

That’s what you hope for. It doesn’t always work out that way, but it gave us a big lift.

—Terry Francona, Reds Manager

Greene has stated his confidence and eagerness, highlighting his focus on staying present as he contributes to the Reds’ playoff push.

We’ll see. I have a lot of confidence in myself and what I’m able to do at this level,

Greene said.

I’m taking it one day at a time and I’m being as present as possible. It’s a lot of fun. It’s a lot of excitement.

—Hunter Greene, Reds Pitcher

Angels’ Struggles and Kyle Hendricks’ Challenge Ahead

The Angels, currently 7.5 games behind for an American League wild-card spot, dropped their third game in four contests with this loss against Cincinnati. Kyle Hendricks is slated to pitch against Greene, making his 29th career appearance and 27th start versus the Reds. Hendricks carries a 9-6 record and a 4.09 ERA against Cincinnati, making this a significant matchup as the Reds aim to maintain their winning streak.

Interim Angels manager Ray Montgomery noted the challenges his team faced despite some hard contact at the plate, explaining that balls were often hit directly at Reds fielders, limiting scoring opportunities.

(Singer) threw a good game,

Montgomery said.

We hit some balls hard, we just hit them in spots that helped them get through innings. … Just one of those nights. Couple of balls got hit right at people, and we didn’t come through.

—Ray Montgomery, Angels Interim Manager

The Angels nearly seized the lead in the seventh inning, when Zach Neto, fresh off an AL Player of the Week award, lined out near the center field fence with two runners on base.

I’ve seen him hit them so much that I thought it was going to be really close,

Montgomery added.

I thought he got it good enough.

—Ray Montgomery, Angels Interim Manager

Implications for the Reds’ Postseason Pursuit

The Reds’ victory Monday and Hunter Greene’s strong return highlight Cincinnati’s renewed vigor in the race for the postseason. With the wild-card spot within reach, consistent pitching performances and timely hitting will be critical as the team continues its road trip. Greener’s healthy presence on the mound stands out as a key factor for the Reds’ hopes to extend their playoff berth into October.