Full Breakdown
JJ Bleday’s Cycle Powers Reds to 11-5 Victory Over Diamondbacks
8/23/2026, 8:24:39 PM
The Game-Winning Cycle
On August 22, 2026, the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 11–5 at Chase Field. Outfielder JJ Bleday completed a cycle—single, double, triple and solo home run—in his first four at-bats, delivering the game-tying run in the first inning and the decisive homer in the sixth. The sixth-inning blast was his 21st home run of the season, a career high. Bleday finished 4-for-6 with three RBI and two runs scored, while the Reds amassed 16 hits, four home runs and 11 runs.
Background & Context
Cincinnati entered the game 62-68, 7½ games out of a National League wild-card spot. The Reds had struggled offensively in recent weeks, scoring four runs or fewer in five of their last nine games. Bledat had been signed to a one-year, $1.4 million contract after being released by the Oakland Athletics in the offseason. Prior to Bleday, the most recent Reds player to hit for the cycle was Elly De La Cruz on June 23, 2023. Bleday’s achievement therefore marked the first Reds cycle in more than three years.
Data & Statistics
- Bleday: 4-for-6, three RBI, two runs, 21st HR (career high).
- Reds total: 11 runs, 16 hits, four home runs (the 10th Reds game with four or more HR).
- De La Cruz: four hits, including a 450-foot, 115 mph home run, also his 21st of the season.
- Other contributions: Matt McLain (HR), Hector Rodríguez (first career HR), Tyler Stephenson (300th career RBI).
- Cycle count: Cincinnati.com and Redlegnation list Bleday’s cycle as the eighth in franchise history; Sporting News records him as the 12th.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Terry Francona called Bleday’s performance “not a fluke” and suggested it could become a cornerstone for the team’s offense.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on where Bleday ranks in Reds cycle history. Cincinnati.com and Redlegnation identify him as the eighth player to achieve the feat, while Sporting News counts him as the 12th. No official clarification from the Reds organization has been published, leaving the exact franchise tally unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's always cool seeing someone hit for the cycle,” — De La Cruz
- “I don’t think it’s a fluke. I think he’ll continue.” — Terry Francona, caption reds manager
- “That’s another cool thing. The cycle homer was my career high, so that’s just a blessing,” — Zack Littell. Bleday
- “I’m feeling pretty optimistic about it; that it’s just going to be day by day,” — Michael Toglia
What’s Next
The series concludes on August 23, 2026, with left-hander Andrew Abbott (6-8, 4.07 ERA) slated to start for Cincinnati against Diamondbacks right-hander Mitch Bratt (1-2, 4.17 ERA). The outcome will influence both clubs’ positioning in the late-season playoff race.
