Game result and context
Cincinnati Reds defeat Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 in 2026 regular season matchup
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 on Friday, September 5, 2026. The Reds utilized three solo home runs to overcome the division-leading Brewers, who now hold an 88-55 record. The Reds move to 68-74 on the season.
Final result
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-3 in a nine-inning contest on September 5, 2026. The Brewers entered the game with an 88-55 record, while the Reds improved to 68-74.
How the game changed
The game remained competitive through the early innings, with both teams trading runs in the first. The Brewers took an early lead on a solo home run by William Contreras in the top of the first, which was immediately answered by Elly De La Cruz's solo shot in the bottom half of the frame. The Reds broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning when Tyler Stephenson hit a solo home run. They added an insurance run in the seventh inning via a solo home run from Matt McLain, ultimately holding the lead to secure the 5-3 win.
Key performances
The Reds' offense was powered by three solo home runs from Elly De La Cruz, Tyler Stephenson, and Matt McLain. De La Cruz finished the game with two hits in four at-bats. On the mound, Andrew Abbott pitched 4.0 innings for Cincinnati, striking out five batters and allowing one earned run. For the Brewers, William Contreras provided the team's lone home run, while starting pitcher Dustin May recorded five strikeouts over 3.2 innings of work.
Season and playoff context
With this result, the Milwaukee Brewers maintain their position as the first-place team in their division with an 88-55 record and a magic number of 13. The Cincinnati Reds, currently fifth in their division, hold a 68-74 record. The Reds face a wild-card elimination number of 14 and remain 6.5 games back in the wild-card standings.