Cincinnati Falls in Extra-Inning Firefight Against Braves Despite Eighth-Inning Eruption

The Cincinnati Reds pulled off one of the wildest innings of the MLB season Thursday night but ultimately came up one run short in a heartbreaker, falling to the Atlanta Braves 12-11 in extra innings.

The Reds clawed back from what looked like a sure defeat by matching Atlanta’s eight-run eighth with an eight-run eruption of their own, highlighted by massive three-run home runs from Spencer Steer and newly acquired Ke’Bryan Hayes. Great American Ball Park turned into a launchpad, with the scoreboard spinning faster than a batting practice fastball.

But in the top of the 10th, Braves slugger Marcel Ozuna delivered the dagger—a sacrifice fly that scored Matt Olson for the go-ahead run. Despite a valiant effort, Cincinnati couldn’t string together one more rally.

Elly De La Cruz blasted a two-run homer early to break out of a 29-game long ball drought, and the Reds finished with 17 hits on the night. But defensive miscues—including a misplayed double play ball by Hayes—proved costly late.

With 12 pitchers used and 30 total hits in the game, both teams emptied the bullpen and flexed their offensive muscles. The Reds’ streak of not being swept in a series remains intact, but this one will sting.

Cincinnati sends Brady Singer to the mound Friday against Bryce Elder as they look to regroup in Game 2 of the series and stay in the thick of the NL Wild Card hunt.