Cincinnati Reds Defeated Chicago Cubs 6-4
The Reds secured a victory at home behind key late-inning hits and solid pitching relief.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Baseball
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The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 at Great American Ball Park. The win featured a decisive sixth inning and a successful return to the mound for Julian Aguiar.
Why it matters
The outcome provides the Reds with momentum in their series against the Cubs as they look to capitalize on their bullpen depth and late-game hitting performance.
Julian Aguiar and Chase Burns each pitched three innings during the game. Pagan successfully recorded his 24th save of the season.
The players
Julian Aguiar
He is a professional pitcher who returned to the Cincinnati Reds roster after recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Ian Happ
He is a Chicago Cubs outfielder who recorded his 24th home run of the season during the third inning.
Chase Burns
He is a pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who completed three innings of work before reaching his pre-determined innings limit.
Jose Trevino
He is a professional baseball player who provided the go-ahead runs for the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning.
Pagan
He is a relief pitcher who secured the win for Cincinnati by recording his 24th save of the season.
The details
The Reds took the lead in the sixth inning after Eugenio Suarez tied the game at four with an RBI single, followed by a two-RBI single from Jose Trevino. Julian Aguiar made his first big-league appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery, allowing two runs over his three innings of work.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: The Reds defeated the Cubs 6-4.
September 19, 2024: Julian Aguiar played his previous big-league game before his surgery.
September 20, 2026: Game two of the series is scheduled for 6:40 ET.
Season Trajectory
The return of a player following Tommy John surgery recovery protocols marks a significant step in his professional career trajectory. This win helps Cincinnati maintain a competitive stance as they progress through the final stages of the regular season schedule.
Pagan successfully pushed his season save total to 24, providing a reliable late-game option for the team as they look toward future matchups. The win provides the Reds with a 1-0 series advantage heading into the next contest against Chicago.
The takeaway
Successful returns from major surgeries like Tommy John highlight the importance of careful workload management for professional pitchers. Fans tracking the team should keep an eye on the innings limits set for young prospects as the season reaches its final stretch.
What happens next
Nick Lodolo is scheduled to start for the Cincinnati Reds against Matthew Boyd of the Chicago Cubs in the second game of the series on September 20, 2026, at 6:40 ET.
Further reading
For more news on the team, visit Cincinnati Baseball.
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