The Cincinnati Reds continued their strong run against the Los Angeles Angels, prevailing 4-1 in the opener of a three-game set at Angels Stadium. The win pushed the Reds’ interleague streak against the Angels to nine in a row, a stretch that has become a recurring source of frustration for Anaheim.
The game featured a first-inning spark from Gavin Lux, whose two-run homer set the tone early. Brady Singer worked six solid innings to steady the mound, and Scott Barlow closed things out with a four-out save as several trusted late-inning relievers were unavailable.
With the victory, Cincinnati moved to within one game of the idle New York Mets for the final National League playoff berth, leaving 36 games to play in the season. Hunter Greene was slated to make his second start since returning from a groin injury, a reminder that the Reds are still navigating important late-season pitching depth as they chase meaningful October games.
“I’m glad to be in games that matter,” Singer said after another strong showing. “This is what you play for. I’ve had seasons where you weren’t in it, and this is a lot more fun.”
Defensively, the Reds turned in some highlight-reel plays that helped swing momentum. Recently acquired third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes made two standout defensive plays. In the second, Hayes snagged a scorching grounder off Christian Moore and used a nimble glove-and-throw to record the first two outs. In the third, a comebacker off Singer’s foot caromed toward the third-base line, but Hayes recovered quickly with a barehanded play and throw to notch another out.
Reds manager Terry Francona even embraced the moment, praising Hayes’s performance: “That double-play ball—that ball’s by him. I would say he comes as advertised. We thought we were maybe getting the best defensive third baseman in the league, and it sure looks like it.”
Historical note and context came up during the game as well. The last time the Angels defeated the Reds, Mike Trout was the MVP and Derek Dietrich was Cincinnati’s cleanup hitter, back on June 25, 2019. Since then, Cincinnati has worked toward extending its dominance, including a recent series sweep push.
Next up for the Reds is another test in Anaheim as the series continues. The club’s playoff pursuit remains very much alive, and the combination of timely hitting, solid starting depth, and a resurfaced defensive backbone gives Cincinnati reason for optimism as the stretch run approaches.
Additional context and takeaways:
– The Reds’ offense appeared opportunistic early, with Lux’s first-inning blast providing the cushion needed for Singer and the bullpen.
– Hayes’s defense could be a meaningful factor down the stretch, offering a versatile and reliable glove at a key infield position.
– The bullpen work remains a talking point, but Barlow’s save adds a reassuring exponent to a relief corps that has carried heavy workloads in recent weeks.
– The Reds’ pursuit of a wild-card spot is still dynamic, with every win narrowing the margin in a crowded NL playoff race.
Summary: The Reds dominated defensively late, leaned on timely offense, and kept their postseason hopes alive with a 4-1 victory, extending their winning streak over the Angels and reinforcing their ascent in the NL wild-card standings. A positive night for Cincinnati as they head deeper into a critical portion of the schedule.