Cubs Defeated Reds 5-2 at Great American Ball Park
The Chicago Cubs secured a victory over the Cincinnati Reds as they push toward a postseason berth.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Baseball
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The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 at Great American Ball Park. The win moves the Cubs within a half-step of clinching a playoff spot as the season nears its conclusion.
Why it matters
The game holds significant playoff implications for the Cubs as they navigate the final week of the regular season. For the Reds, the result highlights ongoing struggles against divisional opponents.
The Reds recorded four hits throughout the game, while starting pitcher Nick Lodolo threw seven innings and allowed three runs. The Cubs secured the win behind home runs from Michael Busch, which traveled 417 feet, and Dansby Swanson, his 19th of the year.
The players
Michael Busch
He is a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs who hit a decisive home run in this game.
Dansby Swanson
He is a professional baseball player for the Chicago Cubs who contributed a home run in the ninth inning.
Nick Lodolo
He is a professional pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who logged seven innings of work during this matchup.
Ryan Zeferjahn
He is a relief pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who struck out a batter to end a scoring threat in the eighth inning.
Sal Stewart
He is a professional baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds who was struck out during a critical eighth-inning sequence.
The details
Michael Busch broke a 2-2 tie with his sixth-inning home run, while Dansby Swanson added an insurance run in the ninth. Reds pitcher Nick Lodolo took the mound for seven innings, and reliever Ryan Zeferjahn preserved the lead by striking out Sal Stewart in the eighth.
Timeline
September 19, 2026: The Chicago Cubs defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-2.
Season Trajectory
This victory moves the Cubs within a half-step of clinching a playoff spot, intensifying the race for the remaining postseason berths. The loss further cements the Reds' difficult standing against NL Central rivals as they play out the final seven games of their season.
The Cubs now hold a slim margin as they approach their final seven games of the season, directly impacting their postseason qualification probability. The result leaves the Reds with a 19-32 record against National League Central rivals, confirming their inability to gain ground within the division.
The takeaway
The Cubs' narrow path to the postseason highlights the high stakes of late-season divisional play. Fans and analysts should monitor the team's remaining schedule to see if they can maintain this momentum to secure a playoff spot.
Further reading
For more on local professional athletics, visit the Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dayton Daily News.
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