Reds’ 12-Game Winning Streak Snapped by Braves’ Home Run Derby

Cincinnati Reds’ 12-Game Winning Streak Halted by Atlanta Braves

The Cincinnati Reds’ remarkable winning streak came to an end on Saturday night as the Atlanta Braves emerged victorious in a thrilling 7-6 battle. The Reds had been on a 12-game winning streak, their longest in 66 years, before Raisel Iglesias secured the final out by pulling out Jonathan India.

“I would have liked to win 100 times in a row,” expressed Spencer Steer, reflecting on the Reds’ impressive run. “We’ve played some really good baseball over the last two weeks. We have built a strong culture and bond within the team, and I believe we can compete with the best.”

Both teams showcased their power-hitting abilities, with each side hitting four home runs. Matt Olson reached a significant milestone in his Major League career, hitting his 200th career home run. Travis d’Arnaud and Ozzie Albies also contributed to the Braves’ offensive display, all against Reds’ pitcher Graham Ashcraft (3-6), who gave up three home runs for the first time in 33 starts in the major leagues. Marcell Ozuna added another home run against Reds’ pitcher Alex Young.

Matt McLain and Spencer Steer of the Reds also made their mark with two-run homers, but it wasn’t enough to secure the victory.

In the ninth inning, Raisel Iglesias, who previously played for the Reds from 2015-2020, entered the game with a 7-4 lead. However, he allowed Jake Fraley and Will Benson to hit back-to-back home runs before ultimately pulling out McLain and India for his 11th save in 13 chances.

“I never feel safe here with a points lead, and I never feel like we’re safe,” admitted Braves manager Brian Snitker. “You never feel good until it’s over.”

The Reds’ winning streak was the longest since April 30 to May 12, 1957. The team has not achieved a 13-game winning streak since their last six games in 1918 and their first seven in 1919.

The Reds’ impressive run attracted a crowd of 43,498 fans, marking their first consecutive sold-out games since June 24-26, 2016, when Pete Rose’s No.14 jersey was retired.

“It was a remarkable series,” praised Reds manager David Bell. “We didn’t get complacent during the streak, and that’s a positive. We appreciate what we were able to accomplish against strong teams, and it has made us a better and stronger team. Our growth and achievements won’t disappear despite this series loss.”

Michael Tonkin (2-0) played a crucial role for the Braves, pitching two-and-a-third no-hit innings. The Braves had previously won eight straight games before losing Game 1 of the series on Friday.

Graham Ashcraft, making his first start since being hit by a bullet on June 8, struggled on the mound, giving up six runs and 10 hits in four innings of work.

Elsewhere in MLB:

Diamondbacks 6 – Giants 7
ARI: Christian Walker hit a three-run homer in the 5th inning
SF: Luis Mato hit a two-run homer in the 6th inning

Mariners 4 – Orioles 6 (10 innings)
SEA: Mike Ford forced extra innings with a solo homer in the 9th inning
BAL: Ryan McKenna secured victory with a home run in the 10th inning

Mets 4 – Phillies 2
NYM: Max Scherzer allowed two runs on seven hits and struck out eight in six innings pitched
PHI: Nick Castellanos and Trea Turner hit solo homers in the 4th and 5th innings

Rangers 0 – Yankees 1
TEX: Jon Gray allowed one run on three hits and struck out four batters in five innings of work
NYY: Billy McKinney scored the only run of the game with a solo homer in the 4th inning

Red Sox 4 – White Sox 5
BOS: Triston Casas hit a two-run homer in the 6th inning
CWS: Elvis Andrus settled the game with a single in the ninth inning

Brewers 2 – Guardians 4
MIL: Brewers were limited to four hits
CLE: Tanner Bibee allowed one run on three hits and struck out seven in six innings pitched

Royals 9 – Rays 4
KC: Freddy Fermin hit three home runs in the 4th inning
TB: Yonny Chirinos had a rough start, allowing eight runs on nine hits in five