Title: Late Surge Not Enough: Reds’ Comeback Falls Short Against Mariners
The Cincinnati Reds mounted a spirited late-game comeback, but their rally fell just shy of the mark as the Seattle Mariners held on for a tense victory Wednesday night. Despite a ninth-inning surge that had Great American Ball Park buzzing, the Reds couldn’t fully overcome their early-inning struggles, ultimately dropping the game 6-5 in a tightly contested battle that showcased grit, determination, and just a bit of heartbreak for the home fans.
Early Woes Define the Reds’ Struggle
From the outset, the game leaned heavily in favor of the visiting Mariners. Seattle’s offense came out aggressive, capitalizing on a shaky start from Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott. The left-hander, known for his command and poise, struggled with location early, walking two batters in the first inning and giving up a two-run double to Cal Raleigh that set the tone for the Mariners.
Seattle continued to apply pressure in the second and third innings, tacking on additional runs thanks to a solo home run by Julio Rodríguez and a sacrifice fly from Ty France. By the fourth inning, the Mariners had built a comfortable 5-0 lead, quieting the Cincinnati faithful and putting the Reds in a familiar position: playing from behind.
Abbott lasted just 4.1 innings, giving up five earned runs on seven hits and three walks, a rare off-night for a pitcher who has often been a reliable presence in the Reds’ rotation. The bullpen, however, would do their part to keep Cincinnati within striking distance.
Bullpen Holds the Line
Following Abbott’s exit, the Reds’ bullpen combined for 4.2 innings of one-run ball, allowing the offense time to find its rhythm. Fernando Cruz, Lucas Sims, and Sam Moll each threw scoreless frames, while Alexis Díaz surrendered a solo shot to J.P. Crawford in the eighth — a run that would later prove crucial.
Manager David Bell praised the bullpen’s effort postgame. “They gave us every chance to come back,” Bell said. “That’s all you can ask when you’re behind early. They kept us in it.”
The Reds’ relievers not only kept the Mariners at bay but also injected a sense of urgency into the dugout, as the offense slowly began to chip away at Seattle’s lead.
The Offense Awakens
Cincinnati’s bats were held in check through the first five innings by Mariners starter Logan Gilbert, who mixed a sharp fastball with devastating off-speed pitches. Gilbert racked up seven strikeouts and allowed just three hits before running into trouble in the sixth.
Jonathan India ignited the Reds’ rally with a leadoff double, followed by a TJ Friedl single that put runners on the corners. Spencer Steer then delivered an RBI groundout to get the Reds on the board, and Elly De La Cruz followed with a booming triple to right-center, scoring Friedl and bringing the score to 5-2.
Encouraged by the signs of life, the Reds continued to apply pressure in the later innings. In the eighth, De La Cruz once again made an impact with a single, a stolen base, and a run scored on a Jake Fraley double, cutting the deficit to 6-4.
Ninth-Inning Drama
With the crowd on its feet, the Reds entered the bottom of the ninth needing two runs to complete the comeback. Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz, known for his high-velocity fastball, took the mound in a high-pressure situation.
Tyler Stephenson led off the inning with a single, and after a strikeout by India, pinch-hitter Nick Martini drew a walk. With two on and one out, the tension reached a peak as Steer stepped to the plate. He lined a single to center, scoring Stephenson and putting the tying run 90 feet away.
With runners on the corners and the stadium rocking, De La Cruz — already with a triple and a single on the night — had the opportunity to be the hero. Muñoz worked him to a full count, eventually freezing him on a slider that just caught the outside corner. The crowd groaned as De La Cruz stared back at the umpire, clearly displeased with the call.
Fraley, now up with two outs and still a chance to tie the game, hit a sharp grounder to first. France scooped it cleanly and stepped on the bag, sealing the 6-5 win for the Mariners and halting the Reds’ comeback just inches from fruition.
Silver Linings and Takeaways
Though the loss stings, the Reds took away several positives. The offense showed signs of resilience, with young stars like De La Cruz and Steer continuing to develop in high-pressure spots. The bullpen also proved its mettle, keeping the game within reach despite the early deficit.
De La Cruz finished the night 3-for-5 with two RBIs, raising his season average and once again displaying his blend of power and speed. “It hurts to come that close and not get it,” he said after the game. “But we’re going to keep fighting.”
Cincinnati falls to 9-8 on the season but remains firmly in the hunt in the competitive NL Central. Meanwhile, the Mariners improve to 10-7, building momentum as they continue their road trip.
Looking Ahead
The Reds will look to bounce back in their upcoming series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Hunter Greene is scheduled to start the opener, bringing his electric fastball and ever-improving command to the mound. The Reds’ offense, now showing signs of life, will hope to keep that momentum going against a D-backs team that has had its own ups and downs.
As for Wednesday’s game, it may go down as a loss in the standings, but it offered fans a reminder of this Reds team’s spirit. Down early, they didn’t fold. They battled. They pushed a talented Mariners squad to the brink and gave the city of Cincinnati a glimpse of the fight this young club is capable of.
“It’s a long season,” Bell said. “Games like this, they show you what kind of team you are. And I like what I saw tonight.”
