Cincinnati Reds Win Fourth Straight Over Chicago Cubs, Tighten NL Wild Card Race

The Cincinnati Reds secured a 6-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park, marking their fourth straight win and closing the gap to just one game behind the New York Mets for the final National League wild card spot. Key contributions came from multiple Reds players, including Spencer Steer, TJ Friedl, and Tyler Stephenson, who hit a crucial two-run homer in the eighth inning to extend the lead. Relief pitcher Tony Santillan played a pivotal role by closing out the game under high-pressure circumstances, striking out key batters and preserving the win. The Reds displayed urgency and resilience, with manager Terry Francona emphasizing the importance of the win and making strategic pitching changes accordingly. Despite the Cubs' efforts, including home runs from Michael Busch and Reese McGuire, they were unable to overcome the Reds' power hitting and defensive plays, such as shortstop Elly De La Cruz's game-saving throw in the eighth inning. The Reds continue their playoff push with strong team chemistry and momentum heading into the final games of the season.