Cincinnati, August 18, 2025 (AP) — In a dramatic finish at Great American Ball Park, Clutch Hays Hit in 10th Halts Brewers as Austin Hays delivered a bases-loaded single that lifted the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-2 walk-off victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. The hit not only sealed a thrilling win but also ended Milwaukee’s franchise-record 14-game winning streak — the longest in Major League Baseball since 2021.
For the Reds, it was more than just another victory. It was a night that showcased resilience, pitching brilliance, and clutch hitting, proving once again why baseball remains unpredictable until the very last pitch.
Brewers’ Record Run Meets Its Match
Milwaukee entered Sunday riding the hottest streak in baseball, winners of 14 straight games. Their run was not just historic for the franchise but also for the league, marking the longest streak since the St. Louis Cardinals won 17 consecutive games late in the 2021 season.
But on this night, Clutch Hays Hit in 10th Halts Brewers momentum cold. The Brewers, who had pulled off back-to-back comebacks in the first two games of the series, finally ran out of magic. Their 53-17 mark over the last 70 games has been remarkable, but the Reds showed they were not ready to be swept.
Pitching Duel Sets the Stage
Before the late-inning fireworks, fans witnessed a pitching duel. Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott and Brewers veteran José Quintana dominated through six innings.
- Abbott: 6 innings, just 3 hits allowed, 6 strikeouts.
- Quintana: 6 innings, 3 hits allowed, 5 strikeouts.
Neither offense could gain traction, and the game entered the late innings locked in a scoreless tie. That set the perfect stage for the drama that would lead to the headline: Clutch Hays Hit in 10th Halts Brewers.
Reds Strike First
Cincinnati finally broke through in the seventh inning. Hays doubled to lead off the frame, showing early signs of what was to come. He later scored on a deep sacrifice fly by Jose Trevino that nearly cleared the center-field wall.
That 1-0 lead seemed precious, especially given the dominance of both pitching staffs. But as the Brewers had shown repeatedly during their 14-game run, they were never out of it.
Brewers Rally in the Ninth
Down to their last three outs, Milwaukee showed why their streak had lasted so long. Reds closer Emilio Pagán entered with the lead, but William Contreras spoiled the party.
Contreras launched his 13th home run of the season — a two-run blast — to give the Brewers a shocking 2-1 lead in the ninth. Once again, it looked as though Milwaukee would pull off another comeback win.
But baseball is a game of moments, and on this night, the headline would belong to Cincinnati: Clutch Hays Hit in 10th Halts Brewers.
Reds Fight Back
Refusing to fold, the Reds answered in the bottom of the ninth. Will Benson reached on a fielding error by Brewers shortstop Joey Ortiz, and later scored on Trevino’s RBI single, tying the game at 2-2.
Momentum shifted, and the Reds carried it into extra innings, setting the stage for a memorable finish.
The Defining Moment
The game’s pivotal sequence came in the top of the 10th inning. With a runner on base, Milwaukee attempted to manufacture a go-ahead run with a bunt. But Andrew Vaughn, running as the designated runner, was gunned down at third trying to advance. That defensive gem kept the score tied and opened the door for Cincinnati.
In the bottom half, the Reds loaded the bases with one out. Up stepped Austin Hays, already responsible for sparking the earlier rally. Facing Brewers reliever Grant Anderson, Hays lined a single into left field, driving home the winning run.
The stadium erupted. Players stormed out of the dugout. And the night officially belonged to Cincinnati. The headline was clear for baseball fans everywhere: Clutch Hays Hit in 10th Halts Brewers in unforgettable fashion.
Historical Significance
The Reds’ victory carried historical weight.
- End of a Streak: The Brewers’ 14-game run was their longest in franchise history.
- MLB Context: It was the league’s longest streak in nearly four years.
- Reds’ Resilience: Cincinnati has now avoided being swept in 40 consecutive series — a new franchise record. The streak surpasses the 1970 Reds, who went 32 straight series without being swept.
Once again, Clutch Hays Hit in 10th Halts Brewers became not just a game recap but a moment etched into Reds’ history.
Key Performances
- Austin Hays: The hero of the night, with a double, a run scored, and the walk-off single.
- Jose Trevino: Drove in two runs, including the game-tying RBI in the ninth.
- Andrew Abbott: Set the tone with six dominant innings.
- Graham Ashcraft: Earned the win, improving to 7-4.
- Grant Anderson: Took the loss, falling to 2-4.
Every contribution mattered, but in the end, Clutch Hays Hit in 10th Halts Brewers overshadowed everything else.
Looking Ahead
The Reds head west to face the Los Angeles Angels, with Brady Singer (10-9, 4.31 ERA) taking the mound. Meanwhile, the Brewers travel to Wrigley Field, where Freddy Peralta (14-5, 2.90 ERA) will face the Chicago Cubs.
Though Milwaukee’s streak is over, their dominance in recent months still makes them a prime contender in the National League. For Cincinnati, Sunday’s win may serve as a confidence boost as they continue to push through the grind of the season.
Final Thoughts
In a season filled with dramatic storylines, Sunday’s game stood out as a showcase of resilience, grit, and timing. For the Brewers, the end of their streak was bittersweet, but for the Reds, it was a night of celebration.
When fans look back at the summer of 2025, one phrase will remain unforgettable: Clutch Hays Hit in 10th Halts Brewers.
It wasn’t just a hit. It was the swing that ended a historic run, lifted a team, and reminded baseball fans why every inning — and every at-bat — can define history.