Full Breakdown
Chase Burns' Nine-Strikeout Gem Propels Reds Past Phillies, Ends Losing Streak
5/20/2026, 11:36:18 PM
Reds Snap Three-Game Skid Behind Chase Burns' Dominant Start
On May 19, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park, the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 4–1. Right-hander Chase Burns worked six innings, allowing one run on a solo Trea Turner homer, striking out nine, issuing no walks and drawing 18 swings and misses. Burns exited after the sixth when a 108.8 mph liner from Bryce Harper struck his lower torso; he then headed straight to the clubhouse.
Background: Reds' Recent Struggles and Stakes
Before the game the Reds were 24-24, mired in a three-game losing streak and hovering below .500 for the first time this season. The rotation had been depleted by injuries, and the bullpen was described as “a disaster” in recent coverage. The victory moved Cincinnati to 25-24, restoring a winning record.
Key Performers and Game Highlights
Elly De La Cruz opened the fourth with a leadoff triple and later drew a bases-loaded walk. Sal Stewart’s walk and Spencer Steer’s infield single set up sacrifice flies by JJ Bleday and Dane Myers for a 2–1 lead. A fielder’s-choice RBI in the seventh added insurance. Tony Santillan closed the game for his second save.
Statistical Snapshot
- Burns: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K, 1.83 ERA.
- 18 swings and misses; two-or-fewer runs in nine of ten starts, one-or-fewer runs in seven of ten.
- 121 strikeouts in his first 18 career starts – third-most in Reds history (since 1900).
- Reds: 25-24 record; Phillies’ five-game win streak ended.
- Kyle Schwarber, league leader with 20 HR, sat out with illness.
- Game temperature 95 °F (35 °C).
Official Reactions
Manager Terry Francona praised Burns’ resilience after the Harper liner, noting the incident “was scary” and emphasizing Burns’ role as a “stopper” for the staff. Burns acknowledged the hit, saying it “hurt, for sure,” but remained focused on the upcoming All-Star Game. Phillies shortstop Trea Turner highlighted Burns’ dominance, observing that “if you miss that mistake, then the at-bat gets a lot tougher.”
Critique of Supporting Cast
Analysts pointed to ongoing issues at the bottom of Cincinnati’s lineup. Ke’Bryan Hayes continued to struggle, batting .144 overall and .171 over his last 15 games, while the bullpen’s inconsistency has been a recurring concern despite the recent win.
On-Field Observations
Fans participated in the “tarps off” trend, stripping shirts and waving them in the rain despite the wet conditions. The game proceeded under clear skies but high heat, and the crowd’s energy waned after the Phillies’ offense was silenced post-third inning.
Conflicting Details and Unresolved Questions
Sources differ on Burns’ age (23 years in most reports, 26 years in one) and on the spelling of the reliever’s name (Santillan vs. Sillitan). Bryce Harper’s surname appears as “Haper” in a single excerpt. These inconsistencies remain unverified.
Future Outlook
Cincinnati will start left-hander Andrew Abbott (3-2, 4.21 ERA) against Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola (2-3, 5.91 ERA) in the series finale on Wednesday.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'll tell you what,” Reds manager Terry Francona said, “that was scary. The way he ran off the mound, I thought he was OK. Then he got in the dugout, and it looked like he was dead. I asked him, please tell me you have a cup on. He said, no. I was like, Chase, I don't even watch a game on TV without wearing a cup.”
- “It hurt, for sure,” Burns said.
- “It might be in the back of my mind somewhere,” Burns said.
- “Feels like if you miss that mistake, then the at-bat gets a lot tougher,” Turner said.
- “I think he's special now,” Francona said.
