URGENT UPDATE: The Cincinnati Reds pulled off a stunning comeback against the Toronto Blue Jays, winning 5-4 in a dramatic finish on September 4, 2023. Noelvi Marte delivered a game-ending, two-run single after the Reds faced a ninth-inning bullpen meltdown, igniting the crowd at Great American Ball Park.
With this victory, the Reds have tightened their grip on the playoff race, remaining just four games back of the New York Mets for the last National League wild card spot. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays’ lead in the American League East has shrunk to just 2.5 games over the Boston Red Sox and idle New York Yankees.
In a thrilling ninth inning, the Reds, trailing 4-2, witnessed back-to-back home runs from Toronto’s Bo Bichette and Daulton Varsho. Bichette’s two-run drive marked his fourth hit of the night, sending shockwaves through Cincinnati. The momentum shifted when Ke’Bryan Hayes led off the bottom of the ninth with a single off pitcher Tommy Nance, followed by a hit from Matt McLain.
Brendon Little (4-2) took the mound for the Blue Jays, but chaos ensued when TJ Friedl hit a double into the right-field corner. A rare lodged ball call allowed both Hayes and McLain to advance, with McLain controversially sent back to third after a video review.
Despite the setback, Marte’s clutch single to left field sent McLain home, while Friedl slid in just ahead of a slightly errant throw from Myles Straw, sealing the game for the Reds.
“It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but we never gave up,” Marte said post-game. “We fought hard until the end.”
Yosver Zulueta (1-0) secured his first major league win by getting the last two outs in the ninth, capping off a night filled with high stakes and electric plays. The Reds’ Sal Stewart, only 21 years old, made his major league debut and contributed with a hit and a run, showcasing the team’s depth and determination as rosters expand this September.
Hunter Greene delivered a solid performance on the mound, allowing just three hits through six innings and reaching speeds of 100 mph on 21 pitches. However, his control faltered in the seventh, where Bichette’s double led to a run scored by Alejandro Kirk.
As the playoff chase intensifies, the Reds look to build momentum from this thrilling victory, while the Blue Jays will need to regroup quickly to maintain their position in the standings. Fans can expect an exciting finish to the season as both teams strive for a postseason berth.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and watch for the next matchup between these two competitive teams!
