Matt McLain Impresses in Reds' Wild Card Loss
Despite a 10-5 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in their Wild Card opener, Cincinnati Reds infielder Matt McLain provided a spark of optimism for the team's future. McLain, making his postseason debut, was a standout performer, showcasing the potential the Reds have seen in him throughout the 2025 season.
McLain was the only Reds player to record multiple hits against the Dodgers on September 30th. He doubled, singled, and scored a run, demonstrating his ability to contribute both offensively and on the basepaths. His performance was particularly noteworthy considering his struggles during the regular season.
Francona Praises McLain's Resilience
Reds manager Terry Francona expressed his pride in McLain's performance. "I was kind of proud of him last night. He jumped on a first-pitch fastball, pulled it for the double," Francona said. He further emphasized McLain's resilience and positive attitude, highlighting his defensive contributions and base running skills. Francona believes that McLain is a better player than his end-of-year numbers suggest, attributing this to the team's patience and McLain's work ethic.
McLain, 26, played in 147 games in 2025 after recovering from a shoulder injury that sidelined him in 2024. His regular season performance, with a .220 average and a .643 OPS, was a step down from his impressive showing in 2023. However, Francona remains confident in McLain's potential, hinting at a possible turnaround fueled by his postseason performance.
First Hit of the Postseason
McLain also had the distinct honor of recording the Reds' first hit of the MLB postseason against the Dodgers. Batting in the No. 9 spot, McLain doubled off Dodgers starter Blake Snell in the third inning. This hit ended Snell's streak of 11 2/3 hitless innings against the Reds, dating back to his no-hitter against them as a member of the San Francisco Giants in 2024.
"Sometimes the power of being in the nine-hole is the power of observation," ESPN analyst Doug Glanville said, highlighting the strategic advantage McLain may have had in that position.
While the Reds ultimately fell short against the Dodgers, McLain's performance offers a glimmer of hope for the future. With Francona's continued support and McLain's dedication, he has the potential to become a key contributor to the Reds' success in the years to come.