In Cincinnati, on July 8, 2026, the Philadelphia Phillies faced off against the Cincinnati Reds, resulting in an 11-5 loss for the Phillies. The game was marked by a significant performance from Reds player Sal Stewart, who hit two home runs, contributing to a total of five home runs by the Reds during the match. The fourth inning was particularly disastrous for the Phillies, as Tanner Banks, a left-handed reliever, allowed three consecutive home runs, leading to a total of five runs scored by the Reds in that inning. This performance highlighted ongoing issues within the Phillies' bullpen, which had been struggling throughout the season, particularly with left-handed relief pitching. Manager Don Mattingly expressed concern over the bullpen's performance, noting that from June 8 to July 7, the bullpen had a 5.40 ERA and ranked 25th in Major League Baseball. The struggles of José Alvarado and Tanner Banks were particularly emphasized, as they combined to give up eight runs in the game. The Reds' victory was also marked by Noelvi Marte's impressive performance, driving in four runs, including a three-run double in the sixth inning. The game showcased the Reds' offensive power, as they became the first team in the majors to hit four home runs in a single inning this season. The loss for the Phillies was compounded by the fact that Kyle Schwarber hit his major league-leading 32nd home run, surpassing Mike Schmidt's franchise record for home runs before the All-Star break. The game served as a reminder of the challenges the Phillies face as they look to improve their bullpen and overall performance as the season progresses.