The Chicago Cubs dropped a 6-4 decision to the Cincinnati Reds on Friday, September 18, 2026, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Clay Holmes took the loss after allowing six earned runs on three hits and five walks across 5.1 innings, and Cincinnati completed a comeback from a one-run deficit to win by two. With the division rival Reds taking this one, it's a result the Cubs would like to have back in a hurry.

Clay Holmes Could Not Hold the Lead

Holmes was simply too generous with free passes on Friday night. Five walks in 5.1 innings is a recipe for disaster, and Cincinnati made him pay. He struck out four, but the command issues proved fatal. Six earned runs against a division opponent in a game the Cubs led at some point is the kind of start that stings. Holmes was charged with the loss, and it was well earned.

Javier Assad came on in relief and kept things from getting worse, working 1.2 innings with four hits allowed but no runs crossing the plate. Jacob Webb finished things out, striking out two in a clean final inning — but by then, the Cubs were chasing a game already out of reach.

Happ Homers, Conforto and Kelly Provide Offense — But Not Enough

The Cubs were not without their bright spots offensively. Ian Happ went 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI, providing one of the few clean moments on the night. Michael Conforto led the Cubs offense, going 3-for-4 on the night. Carson Kelly chipped in two hits and an RBI in two at-bats off the bench. The pieces were there for a productive night at the plate — the problem was the pitching staff couldn't match the output.

Key Cubs Offensive Performers

  • Michael Conforto: 3-for-4
  • Ian Happ: 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Carson Kelly: 2-for-2, 1 RBI

The Turning Point: Holmes Unravels in the Middle Innings

The Cubs entered this game with a lead at some point — the game metadata confirms Cincinnati came back from a one-run deficit — but Holmes could not hold it. The five walks he issued gave the Reds too many chances, and Cincinnati converted. Once the Reds flipped the scoreboard, they never looked back. Julian Aguiar bridged the gap for Cincinnati after starter Chase Burns exited at three innings, working three innings of his own and earning the win by limiting Cubs hitters enough to preserve the lead. Emilio Pagán closed it out with a 1-0 ninth for the save.

Elly De La Cruz Contributes for Cincinnati

On the Reds side, Elly De La Cruz went 2-for-2, reaching base twice in two plate appearances. He didn't drive in any runs Friday, but his on-base presence added to the pressure Holmes could not manage throughout the middle innings.

What's Next for the Cubs

The Cubs remain in Cincinnati for the continuation of this division series. After a loss like this one — built on walks and a bullpen that got the call too late — the conversation turns quickly to execution. Conforto showed he can hit. Happ has pop. The offense isn't the immediate problem. Getting a starter to eat innings and keep the lineup in the game is the priority heading into the next matchup against the Reds.