COACHJEFFDEMERS
Reds Stun D-backs with 5-Run Eighth, Win 6–1
Monday, August 25, 2025
Reds Rally in the Eighth to Avoid Sweep Against Diamondbacks
The Arizona Diamondbacks came into Sunday with a chance to sweep the Cincinnati Reds on Hispanic Heritage Weekend at Chase Field. For six innings, it looked like a pitchers’ duel would decide things, but a five-run eighth inning flipped the script. The Reds salvaged the finale with a 6–1 victory, halting Arizona’s momentum before a difficult road trip.
Early Action Belongs to Arizona
The D-backs struck first in the opening inning. Geraldo Perdomo ripped a leadoff triple, and Lourdes Gurriel Jr.’s sacrifice fly brought him home for a 1–0 lead. Zac Gallen then settled in, working efficiently through the Reds lineup while the Arizona offense threatened but failed to capitalize on Cincinnati miscues.
Gallen’s Strong Start
Gallen looked sharp, keeping hitters off balance and stranding runners in scoring position. He struck out five through six innings and allowed only one earned run—a Noelvi Marte triple that scored on a throwing error in the sixth, tying the game 1–1.
The Eighth-Inning Collapse
The turning point came in the top of the eighth. With the game knotted, Juan Burgos surrendered an RBI single to Austin Hays that gave Cincinnati its first lead. Spencer Steer then delivered the knockout blow—a three-run homer, his 16th of the year, pushing the Reds ahead 5–1. TJ Friedl added another RBI single later in the inning to cap a five-run rally.
Diamondbacks Go Quiet
Arizona’s offense never recovered. Cincinnati’s bullpen trio of Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagán combined for three shutout innings, allowing only two baserunners. The D-backs went down quietly in the ninth, sealing the 6–1 loss.
Key Performers
- Spencer Steer (CIN): 1-for-5, game-breaking 3-run homer (16).
- Austin Hays (CIN): 3-for-5, 1 RBI, 1 run.
- Noelvi Marte (CIN): 2-for-5, triple, 2 runs scored.
- Zac Gallen (ARI): 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 5 K.
- Graham Ashcraft (CIN): Earned the win with a scoreless 7th inning.
Final Score
Cincinnati Reds 6, Arizona Diamondbacks 1
- Winning Pitcher: Graham Ashcraft (8–5)
- Losing Pitcher: Kyle Backhus (0–3)
What It Means
- Cincinnati improves to 68–63, staying alive in the NL Wild Card race.
- Arizona drops to 64–67, still 5.5 games back despite help from the Mets losing.
- The Diamondbacks finish the homestand 4-2 but now face a brutal road trip: four games at Milwaukee followed by three at the Dodgers.
- Cincinnati heads west to open a three-game set against the Dodgers before a nine-game homestand.
For six innings, this game had all the makings of a series sweep for Arizona. Instead, one rough frame unraveled their hopes, and Cincinnati escaped the desert with a much-needed win. For the Diamondbacks, the loss stings as they continue to chase the Wild Card, but the upcoming road stretch will define their postseason push.
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Hi, I'm Jeff Demers
Sports Director for Sports Media X/Coach Jeff Demers
"For the past ten years, I've been deeply immersed in the world of Valley sports. I wear many hats, serving not only as a Sports Director but also as a journalist, photographer, podcaster, and the creator of the "Sports Media X" program, dedicated to building sports media brands. Beyond my sports endeavors, I'm a fervent entrepreneur and a business coach, specializing in marketing and sales for small businesses."
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