Reds Blow 3-Run Lead, Lose 5-3 to Diamondbacks to Drop the Series

The Cincinnati Reds erupted for a huge 11-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday night. They had huge performances from Sal Stewart and Elly De La Cruz, who anchored the offense as they usually do. But JJ Bleday was the star of the show on Saturday night. Bleday hit for the cycle in a historic performance for Cincinnati.

On Sunday, the offense wasn't nearly as explosive, as it only mustered three runs in a game that the Reds lost 5-3. They scored three runs in the third inning, but were held scoreless in the other eight frames. It was another disappointing loss for a Reds team that's become accustomed to this kind of play.

Here are our takeaways from Sunday's loss to the Diamondbacks.

Andrew Abbott Falters Late

Aug 18, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott (41) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Andrew Abbott looked really good for the Reds on Sunday, but it turns out he was left in three batters too late. Abbott surrendered one run across six dominant innings to begin his night, but gave up two singles and a walk to lead off the seventh inning. All three runs would come around to score as the Reds lost the lead.

It's a tough situation, as almost no manager would have taken Abbott out in that situation. Manager Terry Francona isn't to blame for this situation. Sometimes, the other team does everything right.

Luis Mey is Human After All

Aug 22, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds pitcher Luis Mey (47) throws against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Luis Mey was tasked with coming into the game with the bases loaded and nobody out after Abbott surrendered two hits and a walk to lead off the seventh inning. Mey has been incredible over the last few weeks, but he gave up an RBI groundout, a triple, and a sacrifice fly to score all three of Abbott's runs and a run of Mey's own.

After being so dominant for the last few weeks, Mey finally surrendered a run and showed that he's human after all.

Sal Stewart Stays Hot

Aug 23, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Cincinnati Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) challenges the call against the Arizona Diamondbacks in the ninth inning at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On the bright side, Stewart recorded two more hits, a run scored, and an RBI. He's now riding an eight-game hit streak with five hits over his last two games. Stewart is closing in on 100 RBIs for the season while holding an OPS over .800 and nearly 30 home runs. He's been incredible for the Reds all season long and has the potential to bring home the National League Rookie of the Year award if he continues to heat up down the stretch.

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