Cincinnati built a 3-0 lead through five innings, getting an RBI walk from Matt McLain and a sacrifice fly from Tyler Stephenson in the second before Elly De La Cruz added an RBI double in the fifth.

The Reds appeared to take control in the eighth when Spencer Steer drove in a run with a single, followed by McLain’s two-run homer to make it 6-1.

Cleveland answered with a five-run bottom of the eighth, capitalizing on walks and timely hitting to pull within one. The Guardians loaded the bases during the rally before Cincinnati escaped the inning with the lead intact.

The Reds added an insurance run in the ninth when JJ Bleday drove in Dane Myers on a forceout.

Tejay Antone gave up a run in the ninth before Matt McLain at second base made a diving stop in the outfield and threw out Travis Bazzana for the final out. It was Antone's first save since May 30, 2021 as the right-hander has undergone three Tommy John surgeries.

McLain finished with three RBIs, including the key two-run homer, while Bleday collected three hits and scored twice. Andrew Abbott earned the win after allowing one run over five innings.

The Reds have now won two straight games. Cincinnati will continue the series Saturday night with Chris Paddack scheduled to start against Cleveland right-hander Gavin Williams. Paddack enters the matchup still searching for his first win of the season at 0-5 with a 7.63 ERA. First pitch is set for 6:10 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 5:40 p.m. on WMDJ FM 100.1.