Kyle Manzardo belted a two-run home run and added another RBI, while Joey Cantillo delivered four strong innings of relief to steady the Guardians' pitching staff.
Cantillo allowed just four hits and struck out eight batters, keeping the Reds in check despite a shaky start. He walked one and navigated tense situations in the first, second, and fourth innings. His command and ability to escape trouble were key, especially as the Reds had scored two bases-loaded walks from starter Brady Singer in the fifth.
The Guardians, coming off a stretch where they were held scoreless in three of four games, broke through in the fifth inning with a four-run rally. With the bases loaded and no outs, they scored four times despite getting just one hit in the frame, capitalizing on errors and poor pitch selection. A shortstop error by Elly De La Cruz and a fielding mishap by Edwin Arroyo compounded Cincinnati's struggles, allowing runners to reach and shifting momentum to Cleveland.
Manzardo’s leadoff home run in the seventh extended the lead to 5-1. It marked his 13th of the season and his fourth against Cincinnati. The Reds’ lone run came in the sixth on a single by Noelvi Marte, but it was not enough to mount a comeback.
Erik Sabrowski earned the win with a scoreless inning in relief. Singer took the loss for the Reds, giving up four unearned runs over five innings and walking four while issuing two bases-loaded walks. Despite not allowing an earned run, Singer's exit marked the beginning of a disastrous inning for Cincinnati's defense and offense.
Cleveland’s RHP Tanner Bibee is set to start Friday’s game against the Diamondbacks in a critical stretch. For the Reds, Rhett Lowder will open Thursday’s matchup with the Pirates, looking to regain momentum after this loss. The Reds' lineup, which struck out 16 times and stranded 10 runners, now sits at 50-57, with continued struggles looming as the trade deadline approaches.