The Arizona Diamondbacks erased a three-run deficit and handed the Cincinnati Reds a 5-3 loss on Sunday, August 23, 2026, in Phoenix. Andrew Abbott took the hill for Cincinnati and worked six full innings, but the bullpen couldn't protect the lead as Arizona rallied for five runs on the night. The loss stings because the Reds had the game in hand — and then didn't. In a regular season where every game matters, surrendering a three-run advantage is the kind of thing that keeps a clubhouse quiet on the bus ride home.

Andrew Abbott Works Six but Exits With the Loss

Abbott gave Cincinnati exactly what a starting rotation needs — six innings of work — but not quite enough to keep the Reds in front. He struck out six, surrendered seven hits, walked two, and allowed four earned runs over his outing. Arizona found ways to string hits together against him, and by the time Abbott was done, the Reds were in a fight. Four earned runs is too many to overcome when your offense manages just three, and Abbott was handed the loss despite the length of his outing.

Reds Offense Couldn't Sustain the Early Advantage

Cincinnati's best offensive contributions came from Sal Stewart and Dane Myers. Stewart went 2-for-5 with an RBI. Myers added a 2-for-4 night but did not drive in a run. The Reds collected enough hits to build a lead, but couldn't add insurance runs when the opportunities were there — and that lack of cushion proved fatal once Arizona's comeback took shape.

Arizona's Bullpen Held the Line After a Shaky Start

Diamondbacks starter Mitch Bratt lasted only three innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits and three walks with three strikeouts — the kind of outing that typically sinks a team's chances. But Arizona's bullpen answered. Gerardo Carrillo followed with 1.2 scoreless innings and three strikeouts. Taylor Clarke threw 1.1 clean frames. Jonathan Loáisiga worked a scoreless inning and was credited with the win. Juan Morillo added a perfect inning, and Brandyn Garcia and Kevin Ginkel closed it out, with Ginkel earning the save after recording a strikeout in his 0.1 innings of work. Collectively, Arizona's relievers held Cincinnati scoreless after the third inning while the offense climbed back.

Turning Point: Arizona's Three-Run Comeback

The game's decisive swing came as Arizona erased what had been a three-run Cincinnati lead. The Reds built that advantage early against Bratt, but Arizona's lineup made enough noise to erase the deficit and take the lead for good. Ildemaro Vargas led the home team offensively, going 2-for-4 with two RBI. Corbin Carroll added a 2-for-3 performance with an RBI. Tim Tawa went 2-for-4. That trio accounted for the heart of Arizona's production. Luis Mey was the lone Reds reliever charged with an earned run, allowing one on a hit and two walks across his inning of work. Cincinnati's bullpen, which had entered the game needing to protect a lead, ultimately couldn't do it.

Key Performances — Cincinnati Reds

  • Andrew Abbott (SP): 6.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 6 K — charged with the loss
  • Sal Stewart: 2-for-5, 1 RBI
  • Dane Myers: 2-for-4
  • Luis Mey: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 1 K
  • Pierce Johnson: 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER — clean inning

Key Performances — Arizona Diamondbacks

  • Ildemaro Vargas: 2-for-4, 2 RBI
  • Corbin Carroll: 2-for-3, 1 RBI
  • Tim Tawa: 2-for-4
  • Jonathan Loáisiga: 1.0 IP, 0 ER — winning pitcher
  • Kevin Ginkel: 0.1 IP, 1 K — save

What's Next for the Cincinnati Reds

The Reds wrap up this road trip and will look to bounce back in their next scheduled contest. Surrendering a three-run lead in a game you controlled is a correctable mistake — but it has to actually be corrected. Cincinnati's bullpen depth and late-game execution will be the storylines to watch as the regular season continues.