UPDATE: In a thrilling showdown, Hunter Greene delivered a breathtaking one-hitter, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night, September 28, 2023. This win keeps the Reds firmly in the hunt for the NL wild card, now just two games behind the New York Mets.
Greene, age 26, showcased his incredible talent by striking out nine batters and walking only one in his first career nine-inning shutout. The game reached a climax in the ninth inning when Greene retired the first twelve batters he faced, allowing only a single hit to Moises Ballesteros, who reached on an error in the fifth. Greene sealed the game by striking out Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ back-to-back, bringing fans to their feet.
The Reds’ sole run came in the fourth inning when Austin Hays doubled and was driven in by Will Benson’s clutch double, proving crucial in this tightly contested match. This victory is vital for Cincinnati, keeping their playoff aspirations alive as they fight for an opportunity to enter the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Mets solidified their position by defeating the San Diego Padres 6-1 on the same night, escalating the pressure on the Reds. The Cubs had already secured a postseason berth with an 8-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates earlier this week, but they are still battling for home-field advantage in the wild-card round.
Looking ahead, the Reds must maintain their momentum as they prepare for upcoming games against tough opponents. With the postseason just around the corner, every game counts, and the stakes have never been higher.
As the season draws to a close, the excitement is palpable. Fans are encouraged to rally behind the Reds as they make their final push towards the playoffs. Stay tuned for more updates as this thrilling race unfolds!
