MLB Gameday Live Updates: Braves at Reds, September 19, 2024

Braves Win 7-3, Secure Wild Card Berth

The Atlanta Braves clinched a berth in the National League Wild Card Game with a 7-3 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night. The Braves improved to 88-67 with the win, while the Reds fell to 76-79. Ronald Acuña Jr. went 3-for-4 with two RBIs to lead the Braves' offense. Spencer Strider earned the win on the mound, allowing three runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Braves Take Early Lead

The Braves took an early lead in the game, scoring two runs in the first inning off Reds starter Hunter Greene. Michael Harris II led off the game with a double, and Acuña followed with a single to score Harris. Dansby Swanson then walked to load the bases, and Matt Olson drove in two runs with a single to give the Braves a 3-0 lead.

Reds Tie Game

The Reds tied the game in the bottom of the third inning on a two-run homer by Joey Votto. Votto's homer came off Braves starter Spencer Strider, who had retired the first six batters he faced. The Reds threatened to take the lead in the fourth inning, but Strider struck out Votto with runners on second and third to end the inning.

Braves Pull Away

The Braves regained the lead in the fifth inning on a solo homer by Acuña. Acuña's homer came off Reds reliever Tejay Antone. The Braves added two more runs in the sixth inning on a double by Swanson and a single by Olson. The Reds scored one run in the bottom of the sixth on a groundout by Jake Fraley, but the Braves bullpen held on to secure the win.

Acuña Leads Braves' Offense

Acuña led the Braves' offense with a 3-for-4 performance. Acuña's two RBIs gave him 104 for the season, which is the most by any Braves player since Hank Aaron in 1971. Swanson also had a strong game for the Braves, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs. Olson finished the game 1-for-4 with two RBIs.

Strider Gets the Win

Strider earned the win for the Braves, allowing three runs on six hits in 6 2/3 innings. Strider struck out eight batters and walked one. Kenley Jansen pitched the ninth inning for the Braves, allowing one hit but no runs. The Reds' bullpen allowed four runs on six hits in 3 1/3 innings.

Braves Clinch Wild Card Berth

With the win, the Braves clinched a berth in the National League Wild Card Game. The Braves will face the winner of the game between the Milwaukee Brewers and the Philadelphia Phillies in the Wild Card Game.

Conclusion

The Braves' victory over the Reds was a significant step towards their goal of reaching the World Series. The Braves have now won eight of their last ten games, and they are playing their best baseball of the season. The Reds, on the other hand, have lost six of their last ten games, and they are in danger of missing the playoffs.