The Cincinnati Reds experienced a heartbreaking collapse in their series opener against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field, watching a ninth-inning lead slip away in walk-off fashion.
Emilio Pagán took the mound for the Reds in the ninth inning Monday night, his first save opportunity in roughly two weeks. Cincinnati had battled back to a 4-3 lead after initially squandering a 3-0 advantage, but the baseball gods at the historic ballpark had other plans.
Pete Crow-Armstrong launched a rocket to center field that Dane Myers misplayed against the ivy-covered wall, resulting in a leadoff triple. The speedy Crow-Armstrong later scored on a sacrifice fly, igniting the Wrigley crowd that had patiently endured a rain delay. The energy only intensified when Pagán served up a hanging pitch to Michael Conforto, who crushed it into the left-center field bleachers for a game-winning home run, sending Cubs fans into a frenzy.
The loss was especially painful given the promising moments that preceded it. Chase Petty made his first start of the 2026 season after being recalled from the minors. The 22-year-old right-hander, who struggled in three appearances last year, showed significant growth despite surrendering a three-run homer to Seiya Suzuki. Petty's overall performance suggested he's much more prepared for major league competition this time around.
Offensively, the Reds found bright spots. Ke'Bryan Hayes drew a walk before crushing a two-run homer. JJ Bleday continued his hot start with a solo shot, and Elly De La Cruz reached base four times. But these positives were overshadowed by the ninth-inning meltdown that has become a troubling pattern for Cincinnati this season.
The Reds have built a roster that consistently finds itself in tight ballgames, for better or worse. Monday night, it backfired spectacularly, marking their second straight one-run loss and fourth consecutive defeat on this road trip through NL Central rivals.
This one stings now. It will sting tomorrow. And it will likely still sting come August.