CINCINNATI — The Chicago Cubs missed several key opportunities in a 6-4 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Friday night at Great American Ball Park, a setback in their pursuit of the National League’s top wild-card position.

The Cubs were unable to convert multiple scoring chances, leaving nine runners on base and going 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. The game’s decisive moment came in the top of the ninth inning. After Michael Busch drew a one-out walk to set the tying run on base, Alex Bregman struck out on a long fly to deep right field. Ian Happ, who had homered earlier, then almost extended the rally with a powerful foul ball off Reds closer Emilio Pagán’s first pitch.

Busch attempted to steal second base on Pagán’s next delivery without being held on by the Reds. On the following pitch, Reds catcher José Trevino called for a pitchout and then threw to second base, where Busch was initially called safe. However, a replay review overturned the call, recording the final out and ending the game. Reds manager Craig Counsell openly criticized Busch’s baserunning error.

“That was bad, that was a dumb play,” Counsell said. “It was stupid. I’ll take responsibility for it. It was a dumb play.”

Busch also acknowledged his mistake. “Just pretty inexcusable on my part,” he said. “Got to make sure if I’m taking that base that I make it 100%.”

Offensively, the Cubs’ lower lineup contributed most of the production. Batting fifth through ninth, Happ, Nico Hoerner, Michael Conforto, Carson Kelly and Dansby Swanson combined for eight of the team's nine hits, alongside two walks and a hit-by-pitch. Swanson, returning from an oblique strain that sidelined him for a month, went 1-for-3 with a walk and scored a run. Meanwhile, Pete Crow-Armstrong struggled, going hitless in five at-bats with three strikeouts. Bregman also failed to reach base in five at-bats.

Seiya Suzuki continued to face offensive challenges this month, entering the game with a .157 batting average and a .563 OPS in September. He did deliver a crucial two-run single in the fourth inning but struck out three times, including with the bases loaded against Reds starter Chase Burns.

“We had really good opportunities,” Cubs manager David Ross said. “We had the right guys up. We just didn’t get the hits tonight.”

The Cubs’ pitching showed signs of difficulty as well. Right-hander Clay Holmes allowed six runs on three hits over 5 1/3 innings, also issuing five walks and committing a throwing error on a pickoff attempt in the sixth inning. This inning proved costly as the Reds scored three runs to take a lead they would not relinquish.

“I just couldn’t finish the outing,” Holmes said. “The walks hurt us. I haven’t been able to finish in my past few outings, and it’s something I need to improve on. Bearing down and making good pitches at the end is what we’ll work on.”

With the defeat, the Cubs fell to 85-69 as they continue their push for a playoff spot late in the season.