TJ Friedl hit two powerful home runs, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a thrilling 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday night. The win ended the Reds’ four-game losing streak.
Hunter Greene Leaves Early With Groin Injury
Reds’ starting pitcher Hunter Greene was forced to leave the game after just three innings due to a right groin injury. He had struck out six batters and allowed only two hits in three scoreless innings before exiting during warmups for the fourth inning.
Brent Suter and Emilio Pagán Keep the Reds Ahead
Left-hander Brent Suter stepped in after Greene’s exit and gave up a fifth-inning homer to Braves rookie Drake Baldwin. Still, the Reds held on. Right-hander Emilio Pagán, who blew a save the night before, closed the game in the ninth for his ninth save of the season.
Rosario Ends Braves’ Comeback Hopes
Pinch-hitter Eddie Rosario had a chance to tie the game but struck out with a runner on base. The Reds’ bullpen did just enough to secure the win despite late pressure from the Braves.
Key Moment: TJ Friedl‘s Home Run Spark
TJ Friedl started the game with a home run over the center field wall and added another in the third inning—his third of the season. These early runs of TJ Friedl gave the Reds a 3-0 lead that proved essential.
Key Stat: Greene’s Recent Pitching Load
Greene had thrown a season-high 114 pitches in his previous start, a 6-1 win over Washington, where he struck out 12 batters. That workload may have contributed to his early exit in this game.
What’s Next for Reds and Braves?
The four-game series wraps up Thursday night. Nick Lodolo (3-3, 3.27 ERA) will start for the Reds, while the Braves will send Spencer Schwellenbach (1-3, 3.92 ERA) to the mound. Schwellenbach has lost his last three starts.
