⚾ Hunter Greene Shuts Down Cubs With Complete-Game Gem in Reds’ 1-0 Win
CINCINNATI — When the Cincinnati Reds needed their ace most, Hunter Greene delivered a masterpiece.
In a tense, playoff-like atmosphere Thursday night at Great American Ball Park, Greene went the distance with a one-hit shutout against the Chicago Cubs, powering the Reds to a crucial 1-0 victory in the NL Wild Card race.
💎 Greene’s Masterclass
Greene was simply untouchable. The right-hander fired 109 pitches, 78 of them strikes, while striking out nine and walking just one. The Cubs managed only a single hit all night — a two-out double by Seiya Suzuki in the seventh inning that barely snuck past third baseman Sal Stewart.
That was the only real scare. Otherwise, Greene controlled the game start to finish, showing the kind of dominance expected from a staff ace in September.
🔑 The Lone Run
The Reds didn’t need much offense thanks to Greene’s brilliance. Will Benson’s RBI double in the fourth inning stood as the difference. Cincinnati finished with just four hits — two from Austin Hays, one from Gavin Lux, and Benson’s game-winner — but it was enough.
👀 Wild Card Watch
With the win, the Reds improved to 77–76, staying within two games of the final Wild Card spot. The Mets also won earlier, beating the Padres, while the Diamondbacks and Giants were in action later on the West Coast.
Every game now matters — and Greene just kept Cincinnati’s October hopes alive.
⚔️ What’s Next
The series continues Friday in Cincinnati with another pitching showdown. Nick Lodolo (8–8, 3.30 ERA) takes the mound for the Reds against Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga (9–7, 3.29 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET on MLB Network (nationally) and FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati/700WLW locally.
👉 Bottom line: Hunter Greene looked every bit the ace the Reds drafted him to be — and with the Wild Card race tightening, his complete-game shutout might end up being the defining moment of Cincinnati’s season.
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