That's a wrap on another season series against a National League rival, and this time, it's a victory in the books for the Cincinnati Reds. Remembering last year's close call with the postseason, the Reds know just how crucial it is to start strong and stay consistent, whether it's April or September.
Outfielder Stuart Fairchild sums it up, saying, "Every game matters, and winning season series against really good teams is a big deal." This mindset is even more critical now that tiebreakers are decided by formulas instead of one-game playoffs, as was the case before the playoff field expanded in 2022.
The Reds are taking each game seriously, knowing that every win can make a difference, especially when facing playoff contenders early in the season. Luke Maile, Reds catcher, notes, "You can kind of get a feel for what the recipe is to get to the playoffs."
This year, the Reds will have faced four NL playoff hopefuls by the end of May, including the Phillies, Diamondbacks, Padres, and Dodgers. Maile emphasizes the importance of beating these strong teams, saying, "Anytime you can beat good teams, you know you’re going to put yourself in a better spot."
Reflecting on last year's slow start, the Reds are focused on turning every series into a win. Will Benson highlights this, saying, "That’s why our focus is really just on winning. Just win the series. That’s what we talk about a lot."
With their recent victory over the Phillies, the Reds are off to a strong start, boasting their best 25-game record in 18 years. Fernando Cruz, one of the team's clutch relievers, acknowledges the team's readiness, stating, "(My teammates) are ready for anything that we need in the moment."
As they look ahead to May, the Reds are gearing up for more challenges. As Luke Maile puts it, "That’s why it’s the big leagues."
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