Reds Manager Terry Francona Addresses Questionable Decision in Loss to Cardinals

The Reds lost their fifth straight game on Saturday night.

Aug 27, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona (77) walks out to the mound in the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds lost their fifth straight game on Saturday, falling 4-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals.

In the bottom of the ninth inning, trailing by two, the Reds had their first two batters reach base. With Will Banfield up to bat, the Reds asked him to put down a sacrifice bunt. He bunted the pitch back to the pitcher and the Cardinals were able to get the lead runner out at third base.

The move was certainly a questionable one. With the bunt attempt, it took the Reds win probability from 31.2% to 19.3%.

Terry Francona was asked after the game if he favors the bunt in that situation.

"I would never say always," he said. "I think that was the right thing for us to do with who is hitting and who was coming up."

The Reds have lost eight of their last nine games and will look to avoid their second straight sweep on Sunday afternoon.

You can watch and listen to Francona and Jose Trevino's postgame comments below:

Make sure you bookmark Cincinnati Reds Talk for the latest news, exclusive interviews, and daily coverage of the Cincinnati Reds!

You May Also Like:

MLB Insider Makes Bold Declaration Following Hunter Greene's Latest Start for Reds

Reds' Ace Hunter Greene Showcases Leadership With Support of Ian Gibaut 

Report: Reds' Top Prospect Chase Burns to Start Season in Dayton

Cincinnati Reds Ace Hunter Greene Being Disrespected By National Media Ahead of 2025 Regular Season

Watch: Ranking Cincinnati Reds’ Most Important Players Ahead of 2025 MLB Regular Season

Terry Francona Explains Why He Decided to Return to Baseball and Manage the Cincinnati Reds in 2025

Cincinnati Reds Second Baseman Matt McLain Made BIG Change That Could Impact His Future With the Club

Cincinnati Reds Right Hander Brady Singer Has Added a New Pitch to His Arsenal This Offseason

Cincinnati Reds Catcher Tyler Stephenson Expected to Miss Start of 2025 Regular Season With Oblique Injury

Cincinnati Reds Make Flurry of Roster Moves With Opening Day Looming

Look: Cincinnati Reds May Be Getting New Uniforms for 2025 Regular Season

Great American Ballpark Has Been Disrespected By National Media

Great American Ballpark Ranked Among MLB’s WORST Stadiums Ahead of 2025 MLB Season

Cincinnati Reds Release Tribute Video Honoring Pete Rose Following His Death

Pete Rose Shared POWERFUL Thoughts on Possible Hall of Fame Induction Before He Died

-----

Follow Cincinnati Reds on SI on Twitter/X: @RedsTalkSI

Like Our Facebook Page

Subscribe and follow the ONLY Daily Reds Podcast

Follow on Instagram