The Cincinnati Reds rallied from three runs down to beat the Chicago Cubs 10-8 on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Wrigley Field. Tyler Stephenson, Sal Stewart, Jose Trevino, and TJ Friedl all went deep as Cincinnati's lineup battered multiple Cubs relievers in the middle innings to flip the game. It was a division win that required real fight, and the Reds delivered it over nine complete innings, handing Trent Thornton the loss with a disastrous relief appearance after Peterson had kept the Cubs ahead through five innings.

Reds Offense Explodes in Middle Innings to Erase Cubs Lead

This one was not comfortable early. Peterson worked five innings and held Cincinnati to two earned runs on six hits, striking out six. The Cubs built their lead in part thanks to Pedro Ramírez, who went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBI for Chicago, and Seiya Suzuki added a 3-for-5 night with two RBI to keep the Cubs ahead. At the five-inning mark, Cincinnati was staring at a deficit.

Then Trent Thornton entered the game for Chicago, and the Reds went to work. Thornton recorded just two outs while allowing five earned runs on four hits and a walk. That single-inning collapse was the turning point of the game and put the Reds in front for good. Cincinnati pushed across runs in bunches, and the lineup refused to give the lead back.

Four Reds Hit Home Runs as Lineup Depth Proves Decisive

Tyler Stephenson was the biggest bat in the box. The catcher went 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI, providing pop right when the Reds needed to break the game open. Sal Stewart contributed a 2-for-4 night with a solo shot and two RBI. Jose Trevino — 2-for-5 — added a home run and an RBI, and TJ Friedl delivered a pinch-hit home run in a 1-for-1 appearance that highlighted the kind of contribution that makes a difference in a tight division game.

Elly De La Cruz went 3-for-5 with two RBI, providing consistent production throughout the lineup. Héctor Rodríguez also contributed with a 2-for-3 night and an RBI, helping Cincinnati keep runs coming even when the big boppers caught their breath.

Rhett Lowder Earns the Win; Tejay Antone Implodes in Relief

Rhett Lowder started for the Reds and did enough. He went five innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits with five strikeouts and zero walks. The Cubs got to him, but Lowder kept Cincinnati in the game long enough for the offense to take over — which is exactly what a starting pitcher needs to do in a game like this.

The Cubs' bullpen did the real damage to their own chances. After Thornton's five-run implosion, Tejay Antone entered and could not record a single out, surrendering three earned runs on three hits before being pulled. Chicago's bullpen combined for ten earned runs across the relievers who followed Peterson. Aaron Civale provided stability for the Cubs later, going 2.1 innings with two strikeouts and no earned runs, but by then the damage was already done.

Emilio Pagán closed it out for Cincinnati, tossing a perfect ninth inning with a strikeout to earn the save. It was a clean finish to a messy but ultimately rewarding road win.

Key Performers at a Glance

  • Tyler Stephenson: 2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
  • Elly De La Cruz: 3-for-5, 2 RBI
  • Sal Stewart: 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
  • Jose Trevino: 2-for-5, HR, 1 RBI
  • TJ Friedl: 1-for-1, HR, 1 RBI (pinch hit)
  • Héctor Rodríguez: 2-for-3, 1 RBI
  • Rhett Lowder (W): 5.0 IP, 5 K, 3 ER
  • Emilio Pagán (SV): 1.0 IP, 1 K, 0 ER

What's Next for the Reds

The Reds and Cubs remain in Chicago, with the series continuing this weekend. Cincinnati will look to build on this comeback win and keep the pressure on in the NL Central. After a performance like Friday night's — four home runs, a three-run deficit erased, and a clean save to close it — the Reds will carry confidence into the next game at Wrigley Field.