Reds Snap Losing Streak with Back-to-Back Wins Over Brewers

Cincinnati’s last-place Reds rallied in a rain-delayed Saturday night contest to edge the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers 5–3, with Matt McLain delivering a seventh-inning leadoff homer that broke a tie. The following Sunday afternoon, the Reds amplified the comeback, outlasting the Brewers 12–8 in a slugfest that featured 20 runs, 21 hits and 20 walks. The two victories gave Cincinnati its first home series win over Milwaukee since May 2022, ending a nine-series losing streak at Great American Ball Park.

Reds hit 3 home runs and hold on for 5-3 victory over Brewers Cincinnati Enquirer

Entering the weekend the Reds held a 69–74 record and sat in the NL Central cellar despite a historic offensive output from three core players earlier in the season. Milwaukee entered the series atop the division with a 88–55 mark and a seven-game lead over the Chicago Cubs. The Reds had not won a home series against the Brewers since a May 22 victory in 2022, and the stretch of nine consecutive series losses at the ballpark had amplified pressure on the club.

Cincinnati EnquirerReds hit 3 home runs and hold on for 5-3 victory over Brewers

• Runs: 5 (Saturday) + 12 (Sunday) = 17 for Cincinnati; 3 + 8 = 11 for Milwaukee.

Reds hit 3 home runs and hold on for 5-3 victory over Brewers

• Hits: Reds recorded 14 hits on Sunday; combined with the Saturday game the offenses produced 21 hits in the 12–8 contest alone.

Cincinnati Enquirer

• Walks: Both teams issued 20 walks in the 12–8 game, matching the total number of hits.

Elly De La Cruz drives in four as the Reds beat the Brewers

• Home Runs: Three Reds homers on Saturday (McLain, Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson) and multiple long balls on Sunday, including De La Cruz’s 116 mph double and Stephenson’s 15th homer of the year.

Reds hit 3 home runs and hold on for 5-3 victory over Brewers

• Pitching: Emilio Pagán earned his 21st save in 24 chances on Saturday and recorded his 12th save on Sunday, preserving both wins. Brady Singer logged a career-high six walks in five innings on Sunday but secured the win; his line on Saturday was a loss despite strong offensive backing.

Elly De La Cruz drives in four as the Reds beat the Brewers

• Individual Performances: De La Cruz logged a fourth straight multi-hit game; Dane Myers reached base four times and scored three runs on Sunday.

Elly De La Cruz drives in four as the Reds beat the Brewers

Manager Terry Francona praised the collective effort, saying the team “was really proud of them” after the high-scoring Sunday showdown and noting the “too many walks” that plagued both clubs. The Reds’ pitching staff highlighted Pagán’s composure in the ninth-inning bases-loaded jam, which he navigated without surrendering the lead.

Cincinnati Enquirer

• “I don't think the guys in the clubhouse give a damn what the chances are,” — Dane Myers

Cincinnati Enquirer

• “Our offense was incredible. I wasn't very good by any means,” — Brady Singer

Cincinnati Enquirer

The Saturday game was delayed more than two hours by rain, with a 2-hour-22-minute pause before play resumed. Fans witnessed a dramatic ninth-inning double-play review that was overturned, leading to Pagán’s final out. On Sunday, a “beautiful day” followed the rain delay, and the crowd of 23,310 saw multiple lead changes, including a pivotal two-run double by De La Cruz that propelled Cincinnati ahead for good.

Elly De La Cruz drives in four as the Reds beat the Brewers

Cincinnati’s schedule moves to Los Angeles, where the Reds will open a three-game series at Dodger Stadium later this month. The club will then host Milwaukee again in a mid-month series before concluding the road stretch with a return visit to Great American Ball Park.

Cincinnati Enquirer

---

Cincinnati Enquirer

*All figures and statements are drawn from contemporaneous game reports and team communications.*

Reds come from behind to beat the Brewers and even the series