The Cincinnati Reds (64-60) may look back on their grueling August series against the Milwaukee Brewers as the high point of their season if they miss out on a Wild Card spot at the conclusion of the season. And it hasn’t even been finished yet. Terry Francona’s team has a great chance to get into the postseason picture with two significant victories in front of the home fans, despite the fact that it may appear impossible to defeat the scorching Brew Crew—and technically it has been this month.
Cincy lost 6-5 to its divisional rival one night after squandering an early 8-1 lead and wasting a one-run lead in the ninth inning. The Brewers achieved their franchise-record 14th straight victory thanks to Emilio Pagan walking two batters, Elly De La Cruz’s 17th mistake of the season, which enabled the tying run to score, and Andruw Monasterio’s three-run pinch-hit home run in the top of the 11th. However, the Reds’ past two games were summed up by one especially heartbreaking moment that made a significant impact.
In the tenth inning, outfielder Jake Fraley twisted his ankle after failing to field a base single from William Contreras, giving Milwaukee a 3-2 lead. What happens to him after the regrettable scene is still unknown. In the previous two games, the Reds made three mistakes apiece. This team needs to play baseball in a fundamentally solid manner if it hopes to sneak into October. While not many teams can emulate the 2025 Brewers, a unit led by Francona ought to function more calmly.
Reds must wake up quick
This new loss might be particularly harsh for Fraley, who has been battling a torn labrum in his shoulder from earlier in the season. The whole city of Cincinnati is currently in shock. Instead, what might have been the most thrilling two days of the season becomes a sobering reminder that this team hasn’t qualified for the playoffs in a complete 162-game season in 12 years. The Reds have had some success, but they are unable to overcome the hump.
This team has wasted several chances since the All-Star break, and these back-to-back disasters are by no means the first. Cincy lost two of four games against the Pittsburgh Pirates during that span, as well as a series to the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals. Teams of playoff caliber are expected to take advantage of such opportunities.
The Reds are only 1.5 games behind the New York Mets for the last National League Wild Card spot, which is wonderful news. They need to attempt to salvage the conclusion of this homestand by drawing inspiration from these terrifying performances.
