Reds End Long Drought With 12‑8 Victory Over Brewers The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 12‑8 in Cincinnati, winning their first home series against the Brewers since 2022 and their first series win over Milwaukee this season. Designated hitter Elly De La Cruz was the star, hitting a two‑run homer, recording four RBIs, and scoring a run. The Reds' offense produced 12 runs on 14 hits while struggling to capitalize on runners in scoring position. The Brewers' bullpen forced a late comeback that was shut down by closer Emilio Pagan, who converted his 16th consecutive save. The Cincinnati Reds marched to a decisive 12‑8 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on September 6, 2026, snapping a three‑year home series drought against Milwaukee and securing their first series win against the Brewers this season. The win was highlighted by a dominant performance from designated hitter Elly De La Cruz, who hit a two‑run home run in the fourth inning, drove in four runs, and scored as part of the Reds' 12‑run offensive outburst. The Reds scored 12 runs on 14 hits, displaying a balanced attack that included seven doubles, a double‑double‑home run lineup, and key plays from the field.Despite the offense's success, the Reds' run‑production woes were evident as they were 5‑20 from runners in scoring position, leaving 13 on base and allowing 20 walks between the two teams. In the second inning, De La Cruz made a significant impact by charging a fielder's choice that brought home Matt McLain after a throwing error by Brewers third‑baseman David Hamilton.The Reds kept the pressure on with a sacrifice fly from Sal Stewart, which added to his league‑leading RBI total and further stressed the Brewers' defense. As the game shifted to the bottom of the fourth, De La Cruz's 23rd home run of the season and his tenth against left‑handed pitching propelled the Reds to an early 6‑3 lead, giving them a cushion that would expand as the game progressed.In the fifth inning, with the bases loaded and no outs, De La Cruz delivered a sap‑shaking double, driving in two additional runs and showcasing his lethal combination of speed and power. That inning underlined the volatility of the Reds' offense: while they had the ability to explode for runs, they frequently left runners stranded. The Brewers mounted a late rally in the ninth inning, only to be thwarted by the Reds' bullpen.After starting pitcher Brady Singer struggled throughout the game, allowing five hits and six earned runs, the Bulls' relief corps performed admirably. Senators' Luis Meyer tossed a two‑strikeout gem in the sixth, while Brock Burke and Graham Ashcraft each contributed to three‑run intervals with free‑running results. The late‑innings danger was ultimately nullified by closer Emilio Pagan, who delivered a two‑strikeout shut‑down in the ninth, preserving the Reds' 12‑8 advantage.Pagan notches his 16th consecutive save, cementing his role as the Reds' most reliable closer since his return from the injured list on June 30. The Brewers fought valiantly, with a solid offensive showing from Jake Bauers and a remarkable bullpen performance by some of their relievers.However, the Brewers were prevented from catching up, as the Reds' offense had already reached double digits. This victory will serve as a morale boost for a Reds team that has struggled with consistency, and it provides a silver lining as the club looks to rebuild its roster for the future.The game featured several key moments, including the strategic use of the bullpen, the resilience displayed by De La Cruz, and the defensive lapses that allowed the Reds to rally. The Reds' progression toward a strong first‑half record looks promising, as they will look to carry this momentum into the remainder of the season. Overall, the game was a workout for both teams' pitchers but underscored the Reds' offensive potency and a bullpen that can finish games when called upon