April 19th, 2022 -- 

The game was a pitcher's duel and didn't seem like it was going to change until the fifth inning. 

The Reds would score three in that inning, just as they had done to take the lead in game one of the series. The Indians were still scratching their heads and figuring out how to circumvent their hitting slump and, come the seventh inning, they would find their stride and enjoy an eventful rally. 

It started with a dramatic leadoff triple by Marvin Fok, then Cha-Seung Acampora grounded to the second baseman for what was seemingly a sure out at first. Instead, Cincinnati decided to throw home for the out and almost accomplished this until the catcher confusingly decided to toss the ball back to third. Fok redirected himself and sprinted towards home plate, sliding in safely because Reds pitcher Rickey Capuano wasn't in proper position to apply the tag. 

The debacle for Cincinnati had only just begun. 

A single and sacrifice bunt later, Edgardo Boehringer approached the plate and sliced a game-tying, two-RBI single into right field. The game that had been in the Reds' favor all day was now tied up. Fortunately for Cincinnati, the threat quelled after two quiet outs, and the Reds went back to work on offense. 

It seemed that no matter how frequent or fierce the Indians' comebacks were, the Reds calmly sat back and waited for their opportunities. They always had an answer for Cleveland. In the top of the eighth, right after the Indians' three-run tally, the Reds scored another run of their own and regained the lead. The Indians needed a quick response.

The eighth inning ended silently, leading to a fifth Reds run in the top of the ninth. 

Down a pair of runs in the botton of the ninth, Cleveland would see Cincinnati's tremendous fielding on display. With an out and a runner at first, Herm Almanza hammered a ball to the first-base side, which was unbelievably caught on a dive by the first baseman. The game appeared to be all over, but the Indians maintained their fight and put runners at first and third. However, as had been the story all game, the Reds erased the Indians' hopes with a fly out to end the game. 

The series finale will be played tomorrow, with the Indians attempting to avoid a sweep at the hands of their intrastate rival.