Reds Take Dramatic Extra-Inning Win Over the White Sox in Series Opener

The Reds move to 57-61 on the year.

Aug 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz (44) makes a throw to first base on a ground ball by Washington Nationals right fielder Dylan Crews (not pictured) during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Cincinnati Reds got a much-needed day off on Monday after being swept by the Washington Nationals on Sunday.

Tuesday night's game started to feel like one fans have seen too many times this season. However, a late push by the offense made things interesting for the Reds.

It took extra innings, but the Reds were able to complete the dramatic comeback in game one of their series in Chicago, earning a 5-4 win. Let's take a look at all the action from the epic win.

A Needed Return Ends Flat

Jul 11, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Lodolo (40) pitches against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Nick Lodolo's return to the mound couldn't have come at a better time for the Reds. After losing Hunter Greene for an extended time, the Reds honestly just need arms at this point.

Lodolo has been absent due to his blister issues that returned last month, but the left-hander finally got his first start in a month on Tuesday. Sadly, things didn't go according to plan for his return.

The lefty looked a little rusty in his return to the big leagues. Lodolo went four innings, allowing four runs and striking out five on 70 pitches.

The White Sox used the long ball to their advantage against Lodolo, hitting three on the Reds left-hander.

It wasn't the ideal return for Lodolo, but maybe he can finally find a rhythm on the mound without worrying about blisters putting him back on the injured list.

Never Give Up

Aug 8, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Cincinnati Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suárez (28) hits a two run home run against the Washington Nationals during the sixth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Reds didn't get their first hit of the game until the top of the fifth inning when Eugenio Suarez hit a solo home run. Things started slow, but late in the game, the offense found a way to make things interesting.

In the top of the eighth, the Reds' offense finally had its moment. The Reds would score three runs in the top of the eighth to tie a game that felt like it was out of reach since the first inning. It was a mix of everyone up and down the lineup that led the Reds to tie this game.

Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson would be the one to hit the clutch single to score in Michael Toglia and Elly De La Cruz to make it a 4-4 game.

There's a reason this team is still in the Wild Card hunt, even if no one really believes they have a shot. They never give up.

Aug 7, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Cincinnati Reds second baseman Matt McLain (9) celebrates with Reds first baseman Sal Stewart (27) after hitting a home run against the Washington Nationals during the third inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

In the top of the tenth, Toglia and De La Cruz were able to get Matt McLain home on deep flyouts. The lone run scored in the tenth would be the ultimate difference-maker in the game.

Slam The Door Shut

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán (15) cheers after striking out Tommy White for the final out of the ninth inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Athletics at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 The Reds won the second game of the series, 3-2. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Reds closer Emilio Pagan has looked like a completely different pitcher since his return from a hamstring injury.

Pagan picked up his 14th save in 17 attempts on Tuesday night, in what was one of the most satisfying wins the Reds have had this season.

What's to come of these Reds? Who knows. All fans can do is enjoy moments like these when they get them.

Game Two

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder (25) throws a pitch in the second inning of the MLB Interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Athletics at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026 The game was tied 1-1 after three innings. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Game two of the series with the White Sox will take place on Wednesday night with the same start time as game one.

First pitch is set for 7:40 pm ET and will feature Rhett Lowder taking on former beloved Reds starter Luis Castillo.