Reds Power Past Cubs With Explosive Offense
Cincinnati fans witnessed a thrilling display Saturday night as the
Reds defeated the Cubs 6-3, fueled by a relentless home run attack that has the city buzzing about postseason possibilities.
Spencer Steer continued his torrid streak, launching his fourth homer in as many games and driving in two runs, while teammates
TJ Friedl and
Tyler Stephenson also went deep to secure the win.
The victory marks the Reds’ fourth straight and puts them just
one game behind the New York Mets for the final National League wild-card spot. Crucially, Cincinnati holds the tiebreaker over New York, intensifying the drama as the regular season winds down.
Cubs Stumble After Clinching Playoff Berth
The Cubs, who clinched a postseason berth earlier in the week, have now dropped three consecutive games in Cincinnati. Despite home runs from
Michael Busch and
Reese McGuire, Chicago couldn’t keep pace with the Reds’ power surge. McGuire’s solo shot tied the game in the fifth, but Steer’s blast in the bottom half swung momentum back to the home team.
Chicago’s recent skid comes after a celebratory clinch in Pittsburgh, raising questions about their focus heading into October. The Cubs still hold the top wild-card spot, but their rivals are closing in fast.
Steer’s Hot Streak and Reds’ Timely Hitting
Spencer Steer has been the story of the series, going 6-for-14 with four home runs and 10 RBIs over the last four games. His ability to deliver in clutch moments has energized the Reds’ lineup and fanbase.
Tyler Stephenson’s two-run homer in the eighth provided crucial insurance, and
Emilio Pagán locked down his 29th save of the season to seal the win.
The Reds have now hit eight home runs in the past two games, showcasing a lineup that’s peaking at the perfect time.
Injury Update and Pitching Matchup
Cincinnati outfielder
Austin Hays saw his 15-game on-base streak end after leaving in the fifth inning with back spasms. On the mound,
Zack Littell improved to 10-8, continuing his solid run since joining the Reds in late July. Littell has allowed three runs or fewer in 20 of his last 28 outings, providing much-needed stability for the rotation.
Looking ahead, the series finale features Cubs right-hander
Jameson Taillon (10-6, 3.93 ERA) against Reds lefty
Andrew Abbott (9-7, 2.88 ERA). Cincinnati will aim for its first four-game sweep of Chicago since 2018.
What’s Next: Wild-Card Race Heats Up
With only a handful of games left, the
Reds are surging at the right time, and the wild-card race is tighter than ever. Cincinnati’s recent form and tiebreaker advantage over the Mets make them a team to watch as the postseason approaches.
Key Takeaways:
- Reds are one game out of the final NL wild-card spot, holding the tiebreaker.
- Cubs have clinched a playoff berth but are struggling in Cincinnati.
- Spencer Steer’s power surge is driving the Reds’ offense.
- Series finale could see a historic sweep for the Reds.
Baseball fans should keep their eyes on Cincinnati—the wild-card drama is just getting started.
Sources
1. Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds Results, Stats, and Recap
2. 2025 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Game 155 | Bleed Cubbie Blue
3. Cubs vs. Reds Game Highlights (9/20/25) | MLB Highlights - YouTube
4. Cubs Lineup (5/30/25): Justin Turner Starts at First Base
5. Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds | September 20, 2025 MLB Season
6. Chicago Cubs vs. Cincinnati Reds preview, Saturday 9/20, 5:40 CT
7. Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds - September 21, 2025
8. DraftKings Promo Code: $200 in Bonus Bets + $200 Off Sunday Ticket
9. Cubs vs. Reds Highlights | 09/20/2025 | Cincinnati Reds - MLB.com
10. Chicago Cubs News, Rumors, and Analysis at Bleacher Nation
