Reds’ 12-game winning streak ends as Braves prevail 7-6 in 8-homer slugfest

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Braves Outlast Reds in High-Scoring Battle, Ending 12-Game Winning Streak

The Cincinnati Reds’ remarkable 12-game winning streak came to an end as they faced off against the Atlanta Braves in a thrilling slugfest that saw a total of eight home runs.

Trailing by three runs in the ninth inning, the Reds attempted a comeback with solo homers from Jake Fraley and Will Benson off Raisel Iglesias. The question lingered: Could they secure their 13th consecutive victory, a feat not accomplished in a century?

Unfortunately, it wasn’t meant to be. Iglesias showcased his pitching prowess by striking out Matt McLain and Jonathan India, helping the Braves hold on to a 7-6 victory and halt the Reds’ winning streak.

Spencer Steer expressed his desire for an even longer streak, stating, “I wish we won 100 in a row. We played some really good baseball in the last two weeks. We’ve built a strong culture and bond in the clubhouse, and I truly believe we can compete with the best teams.”

Both teams displayed impressive power, each hitting four home runs. Matt Olson reached a significant milestone, hitting his 200th career home run, while Travis d’Arnaud and Ozzie Albies also contributed to the Braves’ offensive showcase. Graham Ashcraft, making his 33rd start in the big leagues, allowed three home runs for the first time in his career. Marcell Ozuna added another home run against Alex Young, helping the Braves secure their ninth win in the last ten games.

McLain and Steer added two-run homers for the Reds, while Fraley continued his impressive streak by homering for the third consecutive game.

Iglesias, who previously pitched for the Reds from 2015-2020, began the ninth inning by striking out TJ Friedl. Despite the late homers, Iglesias managed to earn his 11th save in 13 chances.

Braves manager Brian Snitker acknowledged the unpredictable nature of the game, stating, “I never feel safe here with a lead, and I never feel like we’re out of it. You never feel good until it’s over.”

The Reds’ 12-game winning streak was their longest since April 1957, and they haven’t achieved a 13-game streak since 1918-1919.

Manager David Bell recognized the significance of the streak, saying, “It was quite a streak. It lasted long enough for us not to get used to it, and that’s a positive thing. We appreciate what we were able to accomplish against strong teams. We learned a lot about ourselves, grew as a team, and became stronger. Although the streak is over, it doesn’t diminish who we are and what we have in our clubhouse.”

Buoyed by their winning streak, the Reds enjoyed consecutive full-capacity sellouts for the first time since 2016 when Pete Rose’s No. 14 was retired, drawing 43,498 enthusiastic fans.

“The energy in the stadium was contagious,” said d’Arnaud. “It felt like the playoffs. We all enjoy playing in that type of atmosphere. It was electric, for sure.”

Michael Tonkin delivered a stellar performance for the Braves, pitching 2 1/3 hitless innings and earning the win. The Braves had previously won eight consecutive games before losing the series opener.

Ashcraft, making his return from a comebacker injury on June 8, had a challenging outing, allowing six runs and 10 hits in four innings. Despite the outcome, he remained optimistic, stating, “I felt like that was one of my better outings in a while. It just didn’t go our way today.”

The Braves took an early 2-0 lead with solo homers from d’Arnaud and Albies in the second and third innings, respectively. Ozuna’s RBI single extended their lead, but McLain’s homer narrowed the gap to 3-2.

Austin Riley’s RBI double and Olson’s NL-leading 24th home run added two more runs for the Braves in the fourth inning.

Ozuna’s seventh-inning home run, his 15th of the season and 13th since May, secured a 7-4 lead for the Braves.

In terms of injuries, the Braves expect C Sean Murphy, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, to start behind the plate in the next game. Reds’ RHP Ben Lively was placed on the 15-day IL due to a right pectoral muscle strain, while Ashcraft returned from a bruised left calf injury.

Looking ahead, the Braves will start 39-year-old RHP Charlie Morton (6-6, 3.71) in the next game, while the Reds have yet to announce Lively’s replacement.

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