Reds defeat Cubs 1-0 behind Hunter Greene’s masterpiece

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: The starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds has a dominant start while the Reds fail to provide run support. In tonight’s version of this story, you can insert Hunter Greene’s name into that starting pitcher role, surely not for the first time this year, as he completely shut down a Chicago Cubs lineup fresh off of clinching a playoff spot. In all, he allowed only 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 9 in his first career complete game shutout. The last time he went that long without allowing a run was all the way back in 2022, when he went 8.2 innings without allowing a run. What an incredible performance tonight when the Reds absolutely needed it the most.

Equally as impressive was Cubs’ starter Colin Rea, who struck out 11 Reds over 7 innings of work and allowed the only run of the game. Thankfully, that lone run was all the Reds needed tonight thanks to the aforementioned performance by Greene. That run came in the bottom of the 4th inning, as Austin Hays led off with a double to right field. After a Sal Stewart strikeout, Will Benson would deliver yet again as he lined a double to center to drive in Hays to give the Reds the 1-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Hunter Greene continued to cruise. He hit his spots all night, inducing weak contact and lots of swings and misses. He carried a no-hitter into the 7th inning, one that was broken up on a double by Seiya Suzuki that probably would have been made if Ke’Bryan Hayes hadn’t been scratched with a sore back. There was a scare late, as Michael Busch led off the 9th by flying out to Will Benson at the warning track. But ultimately, Greene would strike out the final two batters, hitting 100 MPH in both at-bats, to deliver the 1-0 victory.

Tonight was an important victory for the Reds playoff chances. The Mets took a series from the Padres earlier today while the San Francisco Giants host the Dodgers later this evening. As it stands tonight, the Reds are tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks at 2 games back from the Mets, while the Giants sit at 2.5 games back with their game yet to start. If the Reds do make the playoffs, tonight’s outing by Hunter Greene is one we will point to as a pivotal moment in their late season run.

Things don’t get easier, as they still have another 3 games against the Cubs looming. Nick Lodolo gets the start on Friday against Shota Imanaga. First pitch is at 6:40 PM EDT. Go Reds!

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