Reds Continue Playoff Push with Series Win Against Padres
The Cincinnati Reds are maintaining their playoff hopes after a strong series victory against the San Diego Padres. Stellar pitching performances and timely hitting propelled the Reds to win two of three games in San Diego, closing the gap in the wild card race.
Abbott's Dominant Performance Sparks Reds' Resurgence
Andrew Abbott delivered a masterful performance, allowing just one run on five hits over eight innings. This outing was a significant turnaround after a difficult start against the Mets. Abbott's dominance not only secured a win but also saved the bullpen for the remainder of the series. "I can say I got a little frustrated with myself for sure, but I knew that in this start, I was just going to bring it," Abbott said, showcasing his renewed confidence.
8 DOMINANT INNINGS FROM ANDREW ABBOTT Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 11, 2025
Clutch Hitting and Timely Additions
The Reds' offense came alive when it mattered most. Elly De La Cruz returned to his All-Star form with a crucial RBI single, and Miguel Andujar, a deadline acquisition, delivered a pinch-hit single to give the Reds the lead. The impact of deadline additions like Ke'Bryan Hayes, who was robbed of a homerun, and Littell continues to be felt, providing both offensive and pitching depth.
Wild Card Race Heats Up
The Reds are now tied with the San Francisco Giants and only two games behind the New York Mets for the final wild card spot. They secured a tie-breaker with the Padres by winning the season series, adding to their tie-breakers over the Mets and Arizona Diamondbacks. Winning four of their last six games against teams ahead of them in the wild-card race has boosted the team's confidence as they enter the final stretch of the season.
Bullpen Reinforcements and Closing Power
The Reds' bullpen is also receiving a boost with the return of Burns from the IL. Young relievers like Zach Maxwell and Connor Phillips stepped up in high-leverage situations, and Tony Santillan secured a save in a critical moment. While veterans like Scott Barlow and Brent Suter have had some struggles, the emergence of young arms and the return of key players provide depth and versatility to the bullpen.
| Game Summary | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | Reds 2, Padres 1 |
| Winning Pitcher | Andrew Abbott (9-6) |
| Losing Pitcher | Adrian Morejon (11-5) |
| Save | Tony Santillan (6) |
| Key Moment | Santillan retiring the side in the 9th after a leadoff double. |
The Cincinnati Reds have won four of their last five games and will travel to Oakland to face the Athletics. Brady Singer will be on the mound for the Reds on Friday night.
