URGENT UPDATE: The Cincinnati Reds are just one win away from clinching a postseason berth after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 7-4 on Saturday night. Sal Stewart shined with a home run and an RBI single, while Miguel Andujar went 3-for-5, pushing Cincinnati closer to their first playoff appearance since 2020.
The Reds can secure the National League’s final wild-card playoff spot with a win against the Brewers on Sunday, or if the New York Mets lose to the Miami Marlins. A loss for Cincinnati coupled with a Mets victory would shift the playoff spotlight to New York instead.
Currently, both the Reds and Mets hold a record of 83-78, but Cincinnati has the head-to-head tiebreaker after winning 4 out of 6 matchups against New York this season.
The Brewers, despite the loss, clinched the best regular-season record in Major League Baseball and will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This was solidified by the Philadelphia Phillies’ 5-0 loss to the Minnesota Twins earlier in the day.
Cincinnati broke the game open with a remarkable six-run third inning, showcasing a combination of timely hitting and defensive errors from Milwaukee. The rally was highlighted by a throwing error from Brewers starter Robert Gasser that allowed Noelvi Marte to reach base. Andujar’s double advanced Marte, setting up Stewart’s one-out single that put the Reds on the board.
In a defining moment, Brewers rookie Jacob Misiorowski made his major league debut in relief with the bases loaded. He faced Ke’Bryan Hayes, who drove in a run with an infield single. Misiorowski then walked Matt McLain, leading to a two-run single from TJ Friedl, further capitalizing on another throwing error from left fielder Isaac Collins.
On the mound, Reds starter Andrew Abbott delivered a solid performance, allowing three runs over 5 1/3 innings, improving his record to 10-7. Emilio Pagan, who pitched for a fourth consecutive day, secured his 32nd save in 38 opportunities, making him just the second player this season to pitch on four consecutive days.
As the final day of the regular season approaches, all eyes are on Sunday’s matchups. The Reds will aim to capitalize on their momentum, while fans are left anxiously awaiting the outcome that could determine their playoff fate.
This thrilling showdown underscores the high stakes of Major League Baseball’s postseason race and the emotional rollercoaster for teams and fans alike. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops!
