Tarik Skubal Pitches Dodgers To Win

       

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

Tarik Skubal pitched into the eighth inning in his seventh start for the Los Angeles Dodgers to hold the Reds for a slim 3-2 win.

It was the Dodgers sixth straight win over all and the 10th straight win over the Reds in Dodger Stadium, including two playoff games last season. It also ended the Reds streak at three for winning a series.

Will Smith started the scoring against Nick Lodolo with a home run on a 3-2 pitch in the first inning. It was Smith's seventh home run and ended a nine pitch at bat.

The Dodgers used Lodolo's loss of command to add a run in the second inning. Teoscar Hernandez continued to be a nightmare for the Reds and pitching carefully, Lodolo walked him to start the inning. Miguel Rojas flied out and Alex Call struck out but another Reds' tormentor singled to center. Lodolo walked Enrique Hernandez walked. He hit Tommy Edman to force in the run.

Dane Myers singled with two out in the third. Elly De La Cruz crushed a Tarik Skubal's first pitch 444 ft, the longest home run at Dodger's Stadium this year. It was the 25th of the season to tie De La Cruz' career high. It was the fourth game in a row the De La Cruz hit a home run.

De La Cruz arm saved kept the game tied when Teoscar Hernanez hit a sinking line drive to center. Myers dived for it and it got past him. JJ Bleday chased it down at the wall and threw a relay to De La Cruz. From mid center he threw out Hernandez at the plate with plenty of room to spare.

Lodolo pitched into the fifth inning. 

Mookie Betts walked with one out. Smith was hit by a pitch. Freddie Freeman was called out on strikes on a successful challenge by Jose Trevino for the second out but Teoscar Hernandez second hit of the game scored Betts to put the Dodgers ahead.

Skubal allowed two more hits and two walks through seven innings. Skubal retired Rodriguez on a ground out, then was replaced by Edgardo Henriquez. De La Cruz doubled with two outs to bring the Major League leader in RBI, Sal Stewart, to the plate. He struck out looking on a successful challenge by Smith.

Tanner Scott issued a leadoff walk to Tyler Stephenson in the ninth and pinch runner Carlos Jorge stole second, his first career steal, but Scott struck out Eugenio Suarez and Bleday looking before Trevino grounded to short to end the game. 

Teoscar Hernandez reached base four times with three hits and a walk. He came into the game hitting .324 against the Reds with three home run.

De La Cruz has reached base at least twice in 12 straight games.

Reds Defense And Untimely Walks Gift Dodgers A Win

      

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

The Reds defense let the Reds down in an unlikely way as the Los Angeles Dodgers posted a 6-3 win.

The Reds started the scoring when Elly De La Cruz blasted his 24th home run of the season.

 After that Dodgers’ starter Emmet Sheehan retired 14 straight batters.

Reds starter Chase Burns pitched just three innings as the Reds are piggy backing his starts with Brandon Williamson.

Burns allowed just a walk in three innings. He struck out five including Shohei Ohtani the last batter he faced.

The Dodgers got a pair of gift runs in the fifth against Williamson. Teoscar Hernandez single for the Dodgers’ first hit. Williamson got two outs and was 0-2 to Alex Call but hit him in the back foot. Pinch hitter Miguel Rojas hit a slow ground ball to Ke’Bryan Hayes at third base. Hayes who was reactivated from the injured list after a groin injury, threw low and two runs scored. 

The Reds chased Sheehan in the sixth inning. Carlos Jorge singled for his first major league hit. Fellow rookie Hector Rodriguez singled to put runners on the corner with one out. De La Cruz was Sheehan’s 10th strikeout but he walked Sal Stewart to load the bases. Left hander Alex Vesia relieved Sheehan and struck out JJ Bleday to end the threat.

Williamson walked Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy in front of Hernandez’ 13th home run of the season for a 5-1 lead. 

Eugenio Suarez homered against Seth Halverson in the seventh inning. It is Suarez’ 22nd home run of the season and 211th as a Red passing Ken Griffey Jr for ninth on the Reds list.

The Reds chipped away in the eighth against Vesia. Rodriguez second single of the game opened the inning. De La Cruz singled him to third. MLB’s RBI leader with 107 struck out. Pinch hitter Dane Myers, who had 11 pinch hits in the year, grounded out to third to score a run after De La Cruz stole second. 

The Dodgers loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth. Tommy Edman reached on Hayes’ second error of the game. It was just the fourth time he’s had a multi error game. Muncy doubled and Hernandez was intentionally walked to load the bases with no outs. Kyle Tucker hit a slow ground ball to De La Cruz who charged it and threw off balance to get the force at home. Tejay Atone relieved Williamson. Pinch hitter, Will Smith, hit a fly to center deep enough to score the Didgers’ sixth run.

Williamson pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing six runs, three earned on three hits. He four walks and one intentional walk. He struck out four.

Elly De La Cruz Rescues Bird Then Rescues Reds

       

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

 Elly De La Cruz as the DH was in position to be a hero while the Milwaukee Brewers were in the midst of a three run rally in the Reds 12-8 win over the first place Milwaukee Brewers. 

Jake Bauers homered for the first hit, his team-leading 24th.

 A helpless bird landed in the middle of the first base line. Reds starter Brady Singer tried to shoo it, the ball boy unsuccessfully tried to capture it in his cap. De La Cruz popped out of the dugout and picked up the bird with his bare hands. 

Then as the Brewers were now within a run, De La Cruz said, “bye bye birdie” with his 23rd home run  of the season with a man on in the bottom of the inning.

The 6-3 margin didn’t last long as Singer issued six walks. The Brewers knotted the game in the fifth with three runs, that started with a pair of two out walks to Brewers hitters. Garret Mitchell singled and Brice Turang hit a game tying double before Terry Francona could get someone ready in the bullpen.

Singer got a line out from Pratt to end the inning.

It was Elly De La to the rescue again with a bases loaded two run double off Antonio Senzetels in the bottom of the inning to allow Singer to qualify for a win

Luis Mey pitched a scoreless sixth. Brock Burke extended his career high with his 71st appearance in a scoreless seventh.

Graham Ashcraft fresh off the injured list kicked off some rust with his first appearance since May 25. He walked the first two batters he faced then gave up a run scoring single to Bo Naylor in his first Brewers’ appearance to cut the lead to 9-7. Ashcraft struck out Christian Yelich with the tying run on deck to preserve the lead.

The Reds seemingly put the game away with three runs in the bottom of the eighth. 

Matt McLain walked. Rookies Juan Brito and Hector Rodriguez followed with their third hits. Sal Stewart, who drove in his MLB leading 107th run walked to load the bases. Dane Myers, who reached base a career high four times hit a ball hard that eluded David Hamilton in what was scored an error.

That presumably gave Francona a chance to save closer Emilio Pagan.

But troubled brewed in the ninth.

Pierce Johnson got a lead off fly out by Jackson Chourio but walked Bauers and Andrew Vaughn. Turang singled to drive in his third run. Pratt hit a ground ball to McLain at short. Britt’s relay was ruled in time to double Pratt but the Brewers challenged and won.

Now Francona had to summon Pagan, who got pinch hitter Gary Sanchez to earn his 22nd save.

Graham Ashcraft Activated Sam Moll Designated For Assignment

      

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

Graham Ashcraft returns to the Reds from the 60-day injured list.

Lefthanded reliever Sam Moll is the sacrificial lamb, being designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster.

Ashcraft has been healing an elbow since May 29. He last appeared in a game on May 25. He was 1-1 with a save and a 3.33 ERA in 25 games.  

The plans were for Ashcraft to pitch the seventh or in situations with base runners. Tony Santillan would set up Emilio Pagan. Soon after the Reds 20-11 start those plans fell apart. All three served time on the injured list.

Moll appeared in 65 games, second most on the club, to Brock Burke's 70.

He was 2-7 with a 4.79 ERA and one save. Right handed batters hit .293 against him, left handers .217. The injuries of the three pitchers mentioned pressed him into situations that he was not suited for.

Moll's departure leaves the Reds with one left hander, Burke, in the bullpen.

Reds Hit Three Home Runs And Hold Tight To Edge Brewers

     

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

The Reds hit three solo home runs and Eugenio Suarez scored from second base on a wild pitch as the Reds evened the series against the Milwaukee Brewers, 5-3.

William Contreras hit his 14th home run in the first inning against Andrew Abbott. The Brewers are last in baseball with 132 home runs.

Elly De La Cruz took Brewers' starter Dustin May downtown with his 22nd home run of the season in the bottom of the first.

The Reds gifted a run in the third inning. David Hamilton beat out an infield single to Sal Stewart at first. With one out Abbott picked Hamilton off first but Stewart's throw went into left field and Hamilton advanced to third. Luis Lara's slow ground ball allowed the unearned run to cross.

The Reds got a singles from JJ Bleday and Suarez to put runners on first and third with two outs in the fourth when the rains came. The delay was 2 hours and 22 minutes and Jose Trevino had to wait to deliver a run scoring single against DL Hall to tie the game. 

Abbott wanted to go back out and won the argument with acting pitching coach, Matt Tracy but minutes before the game was to resume another shower came down.

"To be honest I was prepared for it before the second rain delay. We had an idea because he was out there warming up," Trevino said. "Abbott was throwing the ball really well. He was going to go back out there after the first one and he wanted to go back out. He was fighting Tracy for it. We had him ready for it then the second rain happened. The biggest thing was bringing the energy. It was a typical baseball, grind."

Tyler Stephenson led off the sixth inning with his 15th home run of the season against Jo Jo Romero. 

Julian Garcia and Tejay Antone pitched scoreless innings.

Tony Santillan went out for the seventh. He struck out Brice Turang but Cooper Pratt, Gary Sanchez and David Hamilton singled to load the bases. Jackson Chourio tied the game with a sacrifice fly and Santillan walked Luis Lara but he struck out Contreras to end the inning.

"That was big for Tony," Trevino said. "Obviously, he's been going through it (injuries and ineffectiveness). He threw the ball really well tonight, holding his composure and getting after it man. It looks promising for him moving forward."

Matt McLain greeted Aaron Ashby with his 15th home run.

For the second time in the game Hector Rodriguez was thrown out stretching a single to a double and thrown out by Chourio from left field.

Brock Burke struck out two in his 70th appearance, a scoreless eighth.

Suarez doubled and scored from second base on a wild pitch from Grant Anderson.

Emilio Pagan gave up a one-out double to Sanchez, walked Jake Bauers and gave up a single to Chourio to load the bases. He induced a pop up to short from Lara and a routine fly to center from Contreras to take his 21st save in 24 tries.

 

Cooper Platt Drives In Four Runs And Ruins Eugenio Suarez First Home Run As A Citizen

      

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

Milwaukee Brewers rookie Cooper Pratt drove in four runs with a ground out and a triple to send the Brewers to a 10-7 win over the Reds.

Brice Turang had three hits, including a two-run double to seal the Reds fate. 

It spoiled a triumphant return for Eugenio Suarez in his return from the naturalization process that made him a US citizen.

The Reds jumped to a one-run lead in the first inning against Shane Drohan.

Dane Myers beat out an infield hit and stole second. Elly De La Cruz grounded a single up the middle to score Myers.

The Brewers took the lead against Rhett Lowder in the second inning. Brice Turang singled and stopped at third on Garrett Mitchell's double. Cooper Pratt's ground out scored Turang. David Hamilton followed with a triple but Myers robbed Sal Frelick of his fifth home run. 

Eugenio Suarez came to bat for the first time since he became a US citizen to Lee Greenwood's, God Bless the USA, as his walkup song. Saurez walked and scored on Matt McLain's 14th home run of the season.

The Brewers took the lead right back off Lowder.

Jake Bauers walked for the second time. Jackson Chourio forced him at second. Christian Yelich grounded out to first as Chourio was running on the pitch. Turang second hit of the game was a two-run double off the right field wall.

De La Cruz singled and Tyler Stephenson walked to put two men on in front of Suarez, who launched his 21st home run of the season to put the Reds up by two runs. It was his 210th home run as a Red which tied Ken Griffey Jr. for ninth on the Reds list.

The Brewers loaded the bases against Lowder in the fifth. Chourio singled and Yelich walked. De La Cruz botted a double play ball from William Contreras.  

“A big play," Terry Francona said. "We get a grounder to short. We got a chance to have two outs and a runner on third. I went back and looked at it a couple of times. It went right between Contreras’ legs. I don’t know if it snuck up on Elly after that - unfortunate.” 

Terry Francona went to left hander Sam Moll to try to escape the inning. Moll hit Turang with a 3-2 pitch. Moll struck out pinch hitter Luis Lara looking on a 3-2 pitch which was challenged but was upheld. Pratt tripled inside the third base bag to put the Brewers back in the lead. Pratt scored on a wild pitch to give them a 9-6 lead.

“Four walks and six hits in four innings. That’s a lot of traffic. Sam came in and didn’t walk anybody but just wasn’t throwing it where he wanted to. Early on, it looked good. They scored, we’d come back. Their bullpen stopped us and ours didn’t stop them," Francona said.”

Lowder finished with four plus innings, allowing seven runs, six earned. He gave up six hits and walked four with two strikeouts.

“What stems from that is two-strike execution that led to some walks and it led to some hits and some runs. I left some balls over the plate. I just expanded too much and got into some bad counts, which led to some walks,” Lowder said. “The offense was doing their job and I just gave it right back. I tried to get myself in position, I felt like I got in position to do it. I was one pitch away and didn’t make that pitch and they capitalized on it in back-to-back innings.”

The Brewers added a run against Luis Mey on a two-out RBI double by Contreras. 

Sal Stewart who was named the Rookie of the Month for August singled to drive in the Reds seventh run to extend his major league lead to 106. He has already set the Reds rookie record and has the highest total for a rookie since, Pete Alonso, from the New York Mets drove in 120 in 2019.

Trevor Megill pitched a scoreless ninth for his 26th save in 28 attempts.

The Brewers need only 10 wins in the last 20 games to establish a franchise record for the third year in a row.

Carlos Jorge flied out to left in his first major league at bat.

Reds Select Contract Of Another Star Prospect.

      

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

The Reds selected the contract of  Carlos Jorge from Triple A Louisville on Friday (090326).

Ivan Johnson was optioned to Louisville and the Reds placed Michael Toglia on the 60-injured list with a separated right shoulder.

Jorge is a speedy left handed hitter, who is 5'9" and a 22-year old native of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

He was in Dayton last year and slashed .251/.342/.355 with 16 doubles, four triples, six home runs and 37 RBI in 110 games. He stole 40 bases in 47 attempts.

After an impressing spring in Goodyear, Jorge, went to Chattanooga for 59 games, slashing .330/.402/.452 with four doubles, three triples, six home runs and 32 RBI. He stole 23 bases in 27 attempts. 

Jorge was promoted to Louisville for 29 games, .263/.323/.377 with five doubles, a triple, two home runs and 11 RBI. He was 10 for 11 in stolen bases.

Terry Francona pointed him out after watching him perform at the end of games in Goodyear this spring.

"Nothing was given to him. He just kind of played his ass off," Francona said. "He will play center field against the righties. I think a lot we wanted to get him here now. You want to win every game you can but you also try to set yourself up for next year. I saw energy. His energy is off the charts which is good. He is a highlight center fielder. There are some ambitious mistakes. That's ok. You'd rather have it that way. We're looking forward to knowing him."

Jorge made strides this season.

"I'm excited to be here, to get the opportunity to prove myself," Jorge said. "I know we are at the end of the season. I will try to do my best. Tito watched me play in spring. That was good. Last year I didn't think I would be here. I won't stop learning and keep working hard."

"Offensively, I am better at controlling the strike zone and using the whole field. I'm going to be an energy guy. I going to cheer for my team like I hope they will cheer for me. I feel like I'm family here there are guys that I played with. At the end of the day we are family. I'm a speedy guy. My job is to be on base for the guys," Jorge said.

Reds Rookies Punish Padres

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

Juan Brito hit his first major league home run and fellow rookie, Hector Rodriguez belted his fifth both in the fourth inning to help the Reds to a 7-3 win over the San Diego Padres.

"We got offense, some of it from the bottom of the order," Terry Francona said. "I thought we played a good game. I thought we played a good all around game."

The Reds won their second series in a row against contenders for the playoffs. The Padres started the game with a half game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third wild card spot.

Rodriguez has five home runs in his last 10 games. 

"I think we're starting to see him," Francona said. "When he first got here. He tried to do too much. It happens a lot. He's ultra aggressive and has always been like that his whole career. When he swings at strikes you see what he can do. His hands are extraordinary."

Brandon Williamson made his seventh start of the season and first since April 30, returning from shoulder fatigue.m

It didn't start as well as he wished. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. opened with a single to center. Williamson got the next two outs but former Red, Ty France hit his 20th home run to put the Padres up. The ball hit the top of the wall but bounced over the wall.

Austin Hays, another former Red, doubled off Sal Stewart's glove at first base and Tatis Jr. drove him in with a ground single to center.

JJ Bleday saved the Reds from more damage making a running catch of Jackson Merrill's attempt at an extra base hit.

The Reds took control in the bottom of the second against Casey Mize. 

Tyler Stephenson walked and Dane Myers followed with a single. Juan Brito reached the right field seats with his first major league home run to tie the game. Brito is not known for power but he did hit 21 in a full season at Triple A Columbus in the Cleveland Guardians organization in 2024. Hector Rodriguez hit his fifth home run and first at Great American Ball Park to put the Reds on top.

"It was something that you're looking for," Brito said through interpreter Tomas Vera. "When it happens you have fun."

Brito had to recover from some injuries in 2025. He hit 11 this season between Columbus and Louisville.

"I had a hand injury last year," Brito said. "It took me away for a couple months. When I was ready to come back, I had the hamstring injuries. That took a lot from me."

Part of the good all around game was the infield play. Brito and McLain turned a double play and followed it up with a nice recovery when the ball bounced off Williamson. Edwin Arroyo made a tough play on France look easy in the eighth.

"Brito came as advertised," Francona said. "He knows how to play and plays the way he's supposed to. I thought Arroyo made a nice play. He made a long throw that had plenty of carry on it."

Williamson rallied and pitched into the sixth inning. He retired eight straight until he walked France to start the inning. Xander Bogaerts ran out an infield hit but Williamson struck out Ethan Salas, making his first big league appearance as the Padres starting catcher. He is just 20 years old. 

"Willie gave up that home run in the first and it really wasn't hit that, you know. It was 94 MPH off the bat. After that he kind of kept them off. He had a good cutter, a change up. He stayed out there for 90 something pitches," Francona said.

Pierce Johnson relieved Williamson and got the final two outs.

"I felt good pretty much from the jump," Williamson said. "Any time you can pitch in the majors it's a big deal. I think there may be a little more sense of urgency but I know what I can do. My arm feels good. We're playing playoff teams but if you're a big leaguer, you have to believe you can face anyone who is in the box, no matter what uniform they wear."

Williamson pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and two walks. He struck out five.

He picked up the win on his daughter's birthday. 

"I'd like to shout out some guys from Arizona. Erick Gonzalez helped get me here for sure. I didn't do it on my own. My wife and kids were with me," Williamson said.

Matt McLain drove in an insurance run with a bases loaded sacrifice fly. Bleday started the inning with a bunt single. Dane Myers singled up the middle off David Morgan. Brito walked to load the bases. 

Tejay Antone walked Jake Cronenworth to start the seventh but he struck out Tatis Jr. on a 3-2 pitch. Stephenson completed the double play catching Cronenworth stealing.

Elly De La Cruz collected his second single of the game off Sycamore High School grad, Kyle Hart. The Padres turned to Jhony Brito. Bleday set an new career high with his 22nd home run 416 ft. into the right field stands to double the Reds' lead.

Bleday, who hit for the cycle on August 22, is a triple short of repeating the feat. 

Tony Santillan pitched a scoreless eighth.

Emilio Pagan pitched a perfect 14-pitch inning in a non-save situation.

Reds Late Rally Evens Series with San Diego

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

Jose Trevino spoiled the San Diego Padres strategy with a bases loaded single and new comer Juan Brito delivered what proved to be the winning run with a sacrifice fly to take down the San Diego Padres, 4-3 to tie the series.

San Diego manager and University of Dayton graduate intentionally walked Dane Myers against left handed pitcher Adrian Morejon with runners at second and third with one out playing for an inning ending double play but Trevino ruined the move and is 3-for-3 with the bases loaded this season.

"I don't know about career wise because I haven't been around him that much," Terry Francona said. "I just know that he can get to velocity. Their guy was throwing 98, 99. I also know that he can hit into a double play but we had Stevo (Tyler Stephenson) behind him if he didn't drive him in. He had a really good at bat and so did Brito."

Trevino has been comfortable in general.

"That Tito trust me in that situation and my teammates too," Trevino said. "You look in the dugout and you see guys, let's go, let's go. Right now in September it's tough."

"It was a really good at bat. He kind of came as advertised," Francona continued. "I saw him when he was a kid but PK (Louisville manager, Pat Kelly) talked about how he just plays the game. He does things the right way and kind of did that tonight."

The Padres spent very little time scoring against Nick Lodolo in the first inning.

Samad Taylor tripled into the left center field gap. Manny Machado, fresh off a four-hit night brought him home with a deep fly to right field. 

In the third inning, Jace Bowen led off with a triple. Fernando Tatis Jr. ground out to Brito at second with a drawn in infield. Lodolo hit Taylor with a pitch and Manny Machado walked to load the bases. Ty France hit into a double play.

"Lodolo had to fight through command early on," Francona said. "He held his stuff and his command got better. He gave us six and that was good."

Lodolo missed time with blisters on his left index finger but has changed his grip.

"I stuck with it and got out of that third there. I got through six and I've been searching for that," Lodolo said. "I am getting more comfortable with the new grip. We didn't throw it a ton tonight. I'm definitely getting more comfortable with it."

"He's put a ton of work since he came back from the IL," Trevino said. "Taking a mound visit. We're not out of the woods, yet but we could get Ty France on a ground ball. It was a clutch double play. We had Machado a good hitter, who is hot right now. Being able to pitch around him and understand that, is good."

The Reds got that right back against Randy Vasquez in the bottom half.

Hector Rodriguez started with a double. With two outs, JJ Bleday singled him home.

Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a line drive home run that had enough height to clear the right field wall for his 18th home run of the season in the fifth inning. 

Once again the Reds got the run back.

TJ Friedl walked with one out but was caught stealing second. The shame about it was Edwin Arroyo hit a ground rule double and was on second with two outs. Hector Rodriguez singled to tie the score. The Reds rookie has 14 hits in his last 38 at bats over his last 10 games at that point, a .368 average with eight RBI.

Lodolo pitched six innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks and two hit batters. He struck out five.

Luis Mey took over in the seventh and pitched around a walk and catcher's interference to post a scoreless inning. 

Brock Burke made his 69th appearance in the top of the eighth. 

Jackson Merrill hit a two out double. The Reds walked Xander Bogaerts intentionally. Burke struck out pinch hitter, Luis Campusano to send a tie game to the bottom of the eighth.

Adrian Morejon started the bottom of the eighth for San Diego.

Elly De La Cruz walked to lead off the inning. Sal Stewart's second hit of the game sent De La Cruz to third. Bleday bounced out to second as De La Cruz held. Stewart went to second. Matt McLain was walked intentionally to pitch to Jose Trevino, who singled to score one run. Juan Brito scored Stewart with a sacrifice fly to left. 

David Morgan replaced Morejon. Dane Myers flied out to right.

Emilio Pagan entered to try to nail down a save.

He got two quick outs on fly balls but Tatis Jr. hit his second home run of the game and 19th of the season. Pagan struck out Taylor to earn his 20th save.

Welcome My Fellow American Eugenio Suarez

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Dateline: Cincinnati  

Eugenio Suarez left the team and headed to Miami, Florida to be sworn in as a United States citizen.

The Reds are fully supporting his absence for the purpose.

Was born July 18, 1991 in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela.

He has been in the US on visa's since 2011 after he was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 2009 and spent two seasons, playing in the Venezuela Summer League.

The Reds traded Alfredo Simon to the Tigers for Suarez in December after he played 85 games in Detroit in 2014.

Suarez played seven season for the Reds and was traded to the Seattle Mariners before the 2022 season. The Reds resigned him to a free agent contract during the winter.

Suarez is in his eighth season with the Reds and considers Cincinnati as his baseball home. He resides in Miami, Florida.

He hit his 209th home run in a Cincinnati uniform on Saturday (083026) to put him 10th on the Reds list for career home runs. His next will tie him with Ken Griffey Jr. for ninth on the list.

Ever proud on his native country, he played for the Venezuelan World Baseball Classic in 2023 and the classic this year. He had some key hits as Venezuela won the Classic in March.

He hit 49 home runs in 2019 that surpassed Miguel Cabrera for the most home runs by a Venezuelan player in Major League Baseball. It was important for him as Cabrera was his mother's favorite player.

When Nicolas Maduro took over the presidency in 2019 with a voter absentee rate of 68% that protests challenged the unfavorable person who took control of the country.

Suarez played a protest song as his walkup music was Mis Ilusiones.

Hear it here:

https://youtu.be/a6aqKkoCMrA?si=Gp9yz2LOkc2VsNpy

Suarez has been studying for the naturalization test for weeks and has been in the process for a couple years. 

The Reds fully support the popular player and team leader. 

"It is very, very cool that he is doing this," Terry Francona said. "The timing of it, if people are wondering, it is not his timing. If you can imagine when you're dealing with the government, you go when they tell you. I saw him on this last trip. He was practicing his questions. He knew them a lot better than I did. We could put him on the restricted list and I agree with Nick (Krall) and Brad (Meador) it would not be a good look."