Spencer Steer Powers Reds Past Cubs with Two Homers to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive – Game Recap & Highlights (Sept. 19, 2025)

Friday, September 19th, 2025

Reds Power Past Cubs 7-4 With Season-High Five Home Runs

The Cincinnati Reds showcased their power at the plate, hitting a season-high five home runs to top the Chicago Cubs 7-4 on Friday night. With this win, the Reds maintained their position in the chase for a National League wild-card spot, staying two games behind the New York Mets. The Cubs, who have already secured the top wild-card slot, were unable to slow Cincinnati's momentum.

Steer and De La Cruz Lead the Charge

Spencer Steer delivered a standout performance for the Reds, homering twice in the victory. Steer's two-run blast in the sixth inning broke a 4-4 tie against Porter Hodge, putting Cincinnati ahead. On the very next pitch, Elly De La Cruz launched his own home run, giving both players their 20th homers of the season and fueling the Reds' surge.

Long Ball Barrage Off Cubs Pitching

The Reds capitalized against Chicago starter Shota Imanaga, striking for three home runs early in the game. Miguel Andujar homered in the first inning, Matt McLain added a solo shot in the third, and Steer hit his first of the night in the fourth. The offensive outburst helped Cincinnati stay toe-to-toe with their playoff rivals.

Cubs' Offense Highlights

Dansby Swanson hit his 23rd home run of the year for the Cubs in the second inning, while Matt Shaw clubbed a two-run shot in the fourth. Despite these efforts, Chicago was held scoreless after the fourth frame, unable to keep up with Cincinnati’s persistent power display.

Pitching Performances

Connor Phillips notched his first win of the season in relief for the Reds, tossing 1 1/3 scoreless innings after starter Nick Lodolo allowed four runs over 4 2/3 innings. Emilio Pagan secured the win with a scoreless ninth, earning his 28th save. Porter Hodge took the loss for the Cubs after yielding the pivotal home runs in the sixth inning.

Key Moment

In a crucial defensive play in the first inning, Seiya Suzuki of the Cubs attempted to score from first base on a Carson Kelly single to the left-center field gap. Elly De La Cruz executed a perfect relay throw to the plate, easily nailing Suzuki at home and ending the scoring threat.

Key Stat

Elly De La Cruz’s sixth-inning homer marked his first since July 31 and ended a 43-game career-long homerless drought, providing a timely spark for Cincinnati’s lineup.

Up Next

The series continues on Saturday with Cubs right-hander Javier Assad (3-1, 4.23 ERA) set to face Reds right-hander Zack Littell (9-8, 3.86 ERA) in a pivotal matchup as playoff hopes remain on the line.

In summary

The Cincinnati Reds kept their postseason hopes alive with an explosive five-homer performance to defeat the Chicago Cubs 7-4. Key contributions from Spencer Steer and Elly De La Cruz highlighted the night, as Cincinnati's offense surged against Chicago pitching. The Reds remain in the National League wild-card race, making each game in this late stretch crucial for their playoff aspirations.

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