Blue Jays Edge Reds in Thrilling Finish
Friday, September 25, 2026, 7:07 PM ET · Rogers Centre
Quick answers
Who won Cincinnati Reds vs Toronto Blue Jays?
Toronto Blue Jays beat Cincinnati Reds 6-5 at Rogers Centre on September 25, 2026.
Who was favored in Cincinnati Reds vs Toronto Blue Jays?
Toronto Blue Jays were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -174 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested game at Rogers Centre, the Toronto Blue Jays triumphed over the Cincinnati Reds with a final score of 6-5. This victory allowed the Blue Jays to take a 2-0 lead in their current series against the Reds. The match showcased a back-and-forth battle, with both teams demonstrating resilience and skill throughout the nine innings.
The Blue Jays entered the game with a home record of 78-82, while the Reds had an away record of 74-86. Toronto's recent form has been somewhat inconsistent, with a record of 4-5-1 over their last ten games and an average of 3.9 runs scored per game, while allowing an average of 3.8 runs. They were on a one-game losing streak prior to this matchup. In contrast, the Reds had a record of 4-6 over their last ten games, with an average of 3.1 runs scored and 4.5 runs allowed, entering the game on a one-game winning streak after defeating the Atlanta Braves 7-6 the previous day.
The game began with the Blue Jays taking an early lead. In the first inning, Okamoto doubled to left field, bringing Kirk home, putting Toronto ahead 2-0. However, the Reds answered back in the second inning when Suárez homered to left, narrowing the gap to 2-1. The third inning saw a significant shift as the Reds took control of the game. De La Cruz doubled, scoring Jorge and Cabrera, and then Stewart singled, bringing De La Cruz home, giving Cincinnati a 5-2 lead.
Despite the deficit, the Blue Jays fought back in the seventh inning. Guerrero Jr. singled to right, scoring Giménez and cutting the Reds' lead to 5-3. Okamoto then doubled again, scoring both Kirk and Guerrero Jr., tying the game at 5-5. The comeback was completed when Lukes singled to left, bringing Springer home and sealing the victory for Toronto at 6-5.
In terms of injuries, the Blue Jays were missing several key players, including Shane Bieber, Rudy Martin Jr., Jonatan Clase, Luis Urias, and Brett Bateman. The Reds also faced challenges with injuries, having Tony Santillan, Spencer Steer, Chase Burns, Julian Garcia, and Michael Toglia on the injured list.
The betting odds provided by DraftKings indicated that the Blue Jays were favored at -174, with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 7.5 runs. The over odds were at -114, while the under odds were at -105. This context highlighted the expectation of a competitive game, which ultimately delivered with its thrilling finish.
As the game progressed, viewers were treated to a showcase of offensive prowess, particularly from the Blue Jays, who demonstrated their ability to rally in crucial moments. The conditions at Rogers Centre were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams capitalizing on opportunities.
In previous meetings, the Blue Jays had a slight edge, leading the head-to-head record at 2-1 for the season, having won two games in September 2025 before this matchup. The history between these teams added an extra layer of excitement to the game, as both sides aimed to improve their standing in the league.
Overall, the game was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Blue Jays ultimately emerging victorious in a nail-biting finish.
What we said beforehand
The Toronto Blue Jays will face off against the Cincinnati Reds at Rogers Centre on September 25, 2026. This matchup is particularly noteworthy given the teams' recent struggles, with both sides looking to turn their fortunes around. The Blue Jays enter this game with a record of 77-82, while the Reds sit at 74-85. The Blue Jays have lost their last five games, dropping three to the Baltimore Orioles and two to the Texas Rangers, with scores of 6-2, 7-2, 4-3, 4-2, and another 4-2. In contrast, the Reds have shown some resilience, winning two of their last five, including a recent victory over the Atlanta Braves with a score of 7-6, following a loss to the Braves in extra innings (3-2 F/10) and a previous win (4-0) against the same team.
At home, the Blue Jays have a recent record of 4-5-1 over their last ten games, averaging 3.9 runs scored and allowing 3.8 runs per game. Their last five games at home have been particularly challenging, with an average of just 2.6 runs scored and 3.4 runs allowed. The Reds, playing away, have a record of 4-6 in their last ten games, with an average of 3.1 runs scored and 4.5 runs allowed. Their recent form shows a slight improvement, having won their last game on the road.
Historically, the Blue Jays have a slight edge in their recent head-to-head meetings, with a record of 2-1 against the Reds in the 2025 season. They won both games on September 2 and 3, scoring 12-9 and 13-9, respectively, after losing the first encounter 4-5 on September 1.
In terms of injuries, the Blue Jays will be missing Shane Bieber (shoulder, 15-Day-IL), Rudy Martin Jr. (hamstring, 10-Day-IL), Jonatan Clase (foot, 60-Day-IL), and Luis Urias (quadriceps, 10-Day-IL). Brett Bateman is listed as day-to-day with a hip issue. The Reds will be without Tony Santillan (hip, 15-Day-IL), Spencer Steer (wrist, 60-Day-IL), Chase Burns (groin, 15-Day-IL), Julian Garcia (elbow, 15-Day-IL), and Michael Toglia (shoulder, 60-Day-IL).
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has the Blue Jays favored at -157 on the moneyline, with a spread of -1.5 and a total set at 7.5 runs. The over odds are -112.0, while the under odds are -107.0.
As for conditions, the game is set to take place at Rogers Centre, where the Blue Jays will look to leverage their home advantage despite their recent struggles. Fans should watch for the performance of key players, including Kazuma Okamoto for the Blue Jays, who leads the team with 33 home runs and 89 RBIs, and Elly De La Cruz for the Reds, who boasts a batting average of .285. With both teams eager for a win, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TOR -174 | 7.5 o -114 / u -105 | Cincinnati Reds +143 · Toronto Blue Jays -174 |
Injury report
- Shane Bieber15-Day-ILShoulderToronto Blue Jays
- Rudy Martin Jr.10-Day-ILHamstringToronto Blue Jays
- Jonatan Clase60-Day-ILFootToronto Blue Jays
- Luis Urias10-Day-ILQuadricepsToronto Blue Jays
- Brett BatemanDay-To-DayHipToronto Blue Jays
- Tony Santillan15-Day-ILHipCincinnati Reds
- Spencer Steer60-Day-ILWristCincinnati Reds
- Chase Burns15-Day-ILGroinCincinnati Reds
- Julian Garcia15-Day-ILElbowCincinnati Reds
- Michael Toglia60-Day-ILShoulderCincinnati Reds
Recent form
Toronto Blue Jays
Last 10: 4-5-1Streak L13.9 scored · 3.8 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L2-4at Baltimore OriolesSep 23
- D0-0at Baltimore OriolesSep 22
- L3-4at Baltimore OriolesSep 21
- W7-2at Texas RangersSep 20
- L1-7at Texas RangersSep 19
- W5-1vs Detroit TigersSep 16
- L1-10vs Detroit TigersSep 15
- L5-6vs Detroit TigersSep 14
- W8-1vs Baltimore OriolesSep 13
- W7-3vs Baltimore OriolesSep 12
Cincinnati Reds
Last 10: 4-6Streak W13.1 scored · 4.5 allowed per game2-1 away
- W7-6at Atlanta BravesSep 24
- L2-3at Atlanta BravesSep 23
- W4-0at Atlanta BravesSep 22
- L1-9vs Chicago CubsSep 20
- L2-5vs Chicago CubsSep 19
- W6-4vs Chicago CubsSep 18
- L2-8vs Los Angeles DodgersSep 17
- W6-2vs Los Angeles DodgersSep 16
- L0-4vs Los Angeles DodgersSep 15
- L1-4vs Los Angeles DodgersSep 14
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee | - | 59 | W2 | .629 | 100 |
| Chicago | 13 | 73 | L2 | .547 | 88 |
| Pittsburgh | 19 | 78 | W1 | .509 | 81 |
| St. Louis | 23 | 82 | L1 | .484 | 77 |
| Cincinnati | 26.5 | 86 | L1 | .463 | 74 |
| Tampa Bay | - | 63 | W1 | .606 | 97 |
| New York | 5 | 68 | L1 | .575 | 92 |
| Boston | 10.5 | 74 | W2 | .540 | 87 |
| Baltimore | 18 | 81 | W4 | .494 | 79 |
| Toronto | 19 | 82 | W1 | .488 | 78 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Inning0-1Kirk doubled to center, McAdoo scored.
- 1st Inning0-2Okamoto doubled to left, Kirk scored.
- 2nd Inning1-2Suárez homered to left (380 feet).
- 3rd Inning3-2De La Cruz doubled to left, Jorge scored and Cabrera scored.
- 3rd Inning4-2Stewart singled to right, De La Cruz scored.
- 3rd Inning5-2Rodríguez grounded into fielder's choice to pitcher, Stewart scored, Suárez out at second.
- 7th Inning5-3Guerrero Jr. singled to right, Giménez scored, Kirk to second.
- 7th Inning5-5Okamoto doubled to center, Kirk scored and Guerrero Jr. scored, Springer to third.
- 7th Inning5-6Lukes singled to left, Springer scored, Okamoto to third.
Win probability
Above the line favours Toronto Blue Jays, below favours Cincinnati Reds.
Venue
- Rogers CentreToronto, Ontario
- Attendance42535
- OfficialsAdrian Johnson, Paul Clemons, John Bacon, Quinn Wolcott
Elsewhere
- White Sox's Montgomery sets single-season strikeout record
- Pérez throws 1-hitter for just 11th MLB complete-game shutout this year as Marlins beat Braves 3-0
- Eury Perez throws seventh 1-hit shutout n Miami history for 3-0 win
- Rays' Freddy Peralta shuts down punchless Phillies, who lose 3rd straight potential playoff clincher
- De La Cruz becomes fourth Reds player to join 30-30 club
- Yankees to meet Red Sox in playoffs for seventh time
Picks for MLB
MLB rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Blue Jays Secure Series Win Over RedsSep 27, 2026
- Cincinnati Reds Defeat Toronto Blue Jays 5-1Sep 26, 2026
- Blue Jays Edge Reds in High-Scoring AffairSep 3, 2025
- Blue Jays Edge Reds in High-Scoring AffairSep 2, 2025
- Reds Edge Blue Jays in Thrilling FinaleSep 1, 2025