Reds Rapid Reactions From the Come-From-Behind 11-7 Win

It's not often the Cincinnati Reds erase a six-run deficit. Pessimistic fans would counter with the idea that it's more likely the Reds blow a six-run lead. On Wednesday night, with the series on the line and their playoff hopes on their last leg, the Reds scored 11 unanswered to down the Toronto Blue Jays.

It's the first time in Reds history that the team took a series over the Blue Jays in Toronto.

1. Martinez Struggles

He will end up with a no-decision on the day but Nick Martinez struggled mightily.

It all started with a Springer Dinger on the second pitch of the ballgame in the bottom of the first. Then, three batters later, Spencer Horwitz continued his incredible run of tearing up Reds pitching with a two-run shot.

After a one-two-three second inning, it seemed Martinez was settling in. Unfortunately, it was the calm before the storm. Daulton Varsho singled then advanced to second on a wild pitch. Horwitz walked. Then Ernie Clement took Martinez deep for a three-run shot to make it 6-0 after three.

In the fourth, he allowed another single and a walk but was able to stymie the bleeding. Finally, in the fifth, he allowed a one-out 101.3 MPH double and that was it.

He got bailed out by Tony Santillan . His final line is 4 1/3 innings (so, even if he left with the lead, he won't get the win), six hits, three walks, six earned runs. He allowed three home runs and struck out three.

2. Comeback Kids

Coming up to bat in the top of the fourth, the Reds were without a hit and had managed just two walks. One of which ended up getting thrown out trying to steal second.

The fourth was when it all got started but it was not without conflict. Elly De La Cruz singled to break up the no-hitter but was thrown out stretching into a double. After a Tyler Stephenson single, TJ Friedl flew out, making it look like the Reds were about to go to the bottom of the frame still down 6-0.

Then, Spencer Steer jacked a two-run shot 400 feet and it all took off.

In the fifth, the Reds collected four hits, a walk, and a hit by pitch. They also benefited from an error to keep the onslaught going.

Jonathan India knocked an RBI single, then De La Cruz did the same. Stephenson grounded into a fielders choice and De La Cruz scored on a contact play. Finally, Santiago Espinal walked to bring a run in.

They got back to it in the sixth with back-to-back home runs from Noelvi Marte and India. Then, Stephenson doubled to bring home De La Cruz. The Reds weren't done and added an 11th unanswered run in the top of the eighth with a De La Cruz home run.

In total, four Reds finished with multiple hits (India, De La Cruz, Stephenson, Marte). De La Cruz actually had three hits and even drew a walk.

It had been nearly a week since the last time the Reds stole a base. Tonight, they swiped four.

3. Four With Pittsburgh Up Next

The Pittsburgh Pirates have been struggling this month. After getting swept by the San Diego Padres at home, they went 0-6 on a West Coast trip at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Padres again. They took two of three from the Seattle Mariners but dropped two of three to the Texas Rangers.

For the most part, Cincinnati has done a good job of beating bad teams. They're either the worst good team or the best bad team this season. Regardless, four against a division rival and 5.5 off the pace for the final NL wild card spot?

There's plenty to play for. The Reds are going to have to earn it because they'll face Paul Skenes right away and have dropped two of three in the two previous series on the year.