Cincinnati Reds: Burke walks in winning run in another walk-off loss to Cubs

CHICAGO — One of the Cincinnati Reds’ biggest weaknesses through the first 37 games of the season has been that they’re walking too many hitters. Reds pitchers rank second in the league in walks, and Wednesday’s 7-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, May 6 was the most glaring example so far.

“I hear (Derek Johnson) preaching about pounding the zone every day,” Reds manager Terry Francona said. “We’ve got to improve. It’s going to certainly help us win when we do.”

The game ended with a bases loaded walk from reliever Brock Burke against Cubs first baseman Michael Busch. In a 3-1 count, Burke missed badly.

“No matter what time of year it is, you’ve got to throw strikes,” Burke said.

The game was nearly one of the most memorable wins of the Reds’ season.

For seven-and-a-half innings, the Reds looked down and out. Then, the return of reliever Tejay Antone provided a spark.

Pitching in his first big league game since 2024, Antone is now believed to be the third big league pitcher to come back from a third Tommy John surgery. He considered retirement but kept going, and it paid off with a meaningful and impressive inning at Wrigley Field.

It felt great,” Antone said. “Super pumped in that moment. I came into the dugout and got a huge congratulations from my teammates. I walked to the end of the dugout and it hit me then. A couple of tears. I had to step away for a second. Wow. Amazing night. Amazing comeback. Wrap up of the story. It's cool to continue writing it. It's not over. It's just getting started again.

The Reds then rallied in the top of the ninth inning. It started with a homer by Spencer Steer, and then the Reds took the lead on a two-run sacrifice fly by Elly De La Cruz. Matt McLain made an incredible read from second base and realized he’d have a shot to score, and he showed off his speed to give the Reds a two-run lead.

entered in the bottom of the ninth, looking for the save. It was the Reds’ first game without injured closer , who’s out for four-to-six weeks with a Grade Two hamstring strain.