Reds drop first game of split doubleheader against Guardians

With less than 60 games remaining in 2026, there's a finite window for the Cincinnati Reds to get hot while it still matters. The opportunity to continue a solid run coming out of the All-Star break slipped away against the Cleveland Guardians.

The Reds on July 28 trailed the Cleveland Guardians 4-0 after one inning at Great American Ball Park but climbed all the way back to take a 5-4 lead by the end of the fourth inning. Sal Stewart went 2 for 3 in the game with two walks, a solo home run and a two-run single to put the Reds on top in the bottom of the fourth inning.