Athletics Defeat Reds 3-0, Reds Fall 1.5 Games Behind Wild Card

The Cincinnati Reds suffered a 3-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics in the opening game of their series, hampering their chances to close in on the final National League Wild Card spot. The Athletics' Lawrence Butler and Carlos Cortes each hit multiple solo home runs, with Butler leading off the game with his 20th homer and Cortes adding two more, including one in the eighth inning. Reds starter Brady Singer pitched well, allowing only two runs on three hits over six innings, but the Reds' offense was stymied, going 0-for-12 with runners in scoring position and leaving 11 runners on base throughout the game. Despite opportunities early in the game, the Reds failed to capitalize, including several innings where runners were stranded despite leadoff hits or walks. The loss kept the Reds 1.5 games behind the Mets for the wild card spot, who themselves lost that night. The Athletics' pitcher J.T. Ginn left the game early due to injury, but the bullpen performed effectively to maintain the shutout.