Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/18/26): Reds 6, Cubs 3 – Too Many Missed Chances

The Cubs took on the Reds in the first game of their series at Great American Ball Park Friday night. The road team briefly held a lead in the middle innings, but they went on to lose with the final out coming on a head-scratching mistake on the bases.

Cincinnati got to starter Clay Holmes in the bottom of the 1st on a sacrifice fly from Sal Stewart and an RBI single by Tyler Stephenson for a 2-0 edge. Chicago evened the score against Chase Burns with a run-scoring single by Carson Kelly in the 2nd and a solo home run from Ian Happ in the 3rd.

The Reds got one back in the bottom of the frame on a double play by Stewart end it was 3-2. The North Siders went in front in the top of the 4th when Seiya Suzuki flared a two-run single to right field off of reliever Julian Aguiar for a 4-3 advantage.

Holmes came out for the 6th inning and it did not go well, as he left with the bases loaded and one out. Reliever Javier Assad allowed the game-tying single to Eugenio Suárez, followed by the go-ahead hit from catcher Jose Treviño that gave Cincy a 6-4 lead.

The Cubs had a couple more chances but could not come through. The game ended on an inexplicable stolen base attempt by Michael Busch that was ruled an out after video review left the potential tying run at the plate. (Box score)

Key Moment

Pete Crow-Armstrong came up with multiple runners on base four separate times on Friday and went hitless, stranding a total of nine. Very uncharacteristic for him in 2026.

Why the Cubs Lost

Numerous missed scoring opportunities and having to push the starting pitcher too far to protect the bullpen were the biggest factors in the loss.

Stats That Matter

• Holmes trying to go one extra inning blew up on him: 5.1 IP, 6 R, 3 H, 4 K, and 5 BB.
• Kelly was perfect, reaching base four times with two singles, a walk, and a hit by pitch.
• Michael Conforto had three knocks and continues to hit well.

Bottom Line

That was one of those games for Chicago when they had tons of chances to bust the game open and just couldn’t do it. Without a shutdown ‘pen, failing to come through in those situations is going to result in defeats fairly often. That being said, PCA is going to reward them most of the time if they keep putting men on base ahead of him.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Saturday night at 5:40pm CT. Matthew Boyd goes up against Nick Lodolo in a contest airing on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.