The Cincinnati Reds turned on the power and never looked back, slugging four home runs to back starter Andrew Abbott and edge out the Oakland Athletics 6-5 on Thursday. The win at Great American Ball Park sealed a three-game series sweep and sent the Reds into the weekend with a burst of momentum.

Power Surge Lifts Reds Early

The Reds wasted no time establishing their offensive rhythm. In the first inning, they jumped on Oakland's pitching with a two-run homer that set the tone for the night. By the time the fourth inning rolled around, Cincinnati had already gone deep three times, building a lead that would prove just enough.

Abbott, the left-handed rookie, wasn't as sharp as he'd been in recent outings, but he did enough to keep the A's at bay. He allowed four runs over six innings, striking out five and walking two. The bullpen, however, made things interesting in the late innings, surrendering a solo shot in the seventh that trimmed the lead to one.

A's Fight Back But Fall Short

The Athletics showed their own power, answering with two homers of their own, including a solo blast in the seventh that made it a one-run game. But the Reds' bullpen bent without breaking, with Alexis Díaz shutting the door in the ninth for his 28th save of the season.

Oakland threatened in the final frame, putting two runners on with two outs, but Díaz induced a game-ending flyout to secure the sweep. The A's have now lost five straight and continue to struggle in the American League West cellar.

Key Moments That Sealed the Sweep

  • First-inning strike: A two-run homer by Tyler Stephenson gave the Reds an early lead they never relinquished.
  • Abbott's grit: Despite allowing four runs, the rookie kept the team in the game with key outs in the fifth and sixth.
  • Díaz's composure: The closer worked around a two-out rally to notch his 28th save.

Abbott's Solid Outing

Andrew Abbott, who has been a revelation for the Reds since his call-up in June, improved his season record to 9-3 with a 3.12 ERA. While he didn't have his best stuff, he demonstrated the poise that has made him a fan favorite, scattering seven hits and limiting damage.

"He's a compe*****," said Reds manager David Bell. "Even when he doesn't have his A-game, he gives us a chance to win. That's all you can ask for."

Reds' Playoff Push Gains Traction

The sweep is a significant boost for Cincinnati, which entered the series tied with the Milwaukee Brewers for the top spot in the NL Central. The Reds have now won seven of their last nine and are starting to look like a genuine contender in the National League.

Offensively, the team has been clicking on all cylinders. The four home runs on Thursday bring their season total to 168, good for fourth in the majors. The power display was led by Stephenson, who also added a solo shot, and complemented by blasts from Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer.

"We're swinging the bats really well right now," said Stephenson. "It's contagious. When one guy gets a hit, the next guy wants to do even better."

Looking Ahead

The Reds now head to Pittsburgh for a four-game set against the Pirates, while the Athletics return home to host the Seattle Mariners. For Cincinnati, the focus remains on staying hot and building on this momentum as the postseason race heats up.

As for Oakland, the team faces an uphill battle, but manager Mark Kotsay remains optimistic. "We're close," he said. "The guys are fighting, and that's all we can ask for."

Key Takeaways

  • The Reds hit four home runs to complete a three-game sweep of the Athletics.
  • Andrew Abbott earned his ninth win, despite a shaky outing.
  • Alexis Díaz recorded his 28th save, closing out the 6-5 victory.
  • Cincinnati now sits atop the NL Central standings.