For years, the Cincinnati Reds’ struggles in one-run games were often blamed for their inability to make the playoffs, especially during the David Bell era. They’d win big or lose close — and too often, it was the latter that mattered most.
But if there’s one defining flaw of the 2025 Reds, it’s been their repeated failures in extra-inning games.
Monday night’s matchup against the San Diego Padres started promisingly. TJ Friedl launched a leadoff home run off Yu Darvish, and the Reds built a 3-0 lead thanks to a stellar performance from Nick Lodolo, who returned strong after dealing with blisters and illness. But once the bullpen got involved, the Padres clawed their way back to tie the game 3-3, eventually forcing extras.
As has become frustratingly familiar, Cincinnati couldn’t take advantage of their ghost runner in the 10th. Three batters couldn’t bring him home — no power hitting, no small-ball execution. The Padres, on the other hand, made quick work in their half of the inning, sealing a 4-3 win.
The Reds have now fallen to a dismal **3-11 in extra-inning games** this season — a glaring weakness that’s cost them dearly.
While San Diego’s win keeps them on the Dodgers’ heels in the NL West and comfortably in Wild Card position, Cincinnati’s loss pushes them back to **.500** on the season. They remain four games behind the Mets for the final Wild Card spot and have now also slipped behind the Giants in the standings.
Still, there’s a glimmer of hope. In their recent series against the Mets, the Reds lost the opener but bounced back to win the next two and take the series. They’ll need a similar turnaround in San Diego if they hope to stay in the playoff conversation with just three weeks left in the regular season.
**Zack Littell** will take the mound for Cincinnati on Tuesday night, facing **Michael King**, who returns from the injured list. King, who finished seventh in NL Cy Young voting last year, has posted a dominant **2.92 ERA** since joining the Padres from the Yankees, making this a tough matchup for the Reds.