The Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Guardians reignited their intense Ohio Cup rivalry on June 9, 2025, as the series shifted to Progressive Field in Cleveland. This highly anticipated matchup came on the heels of the Reds completing a three-game sweep of the Guardians at Great American Ball Park just last month, putting Cincinnati just one win away from claiming the coveted Ohio Cup this season.
First pitch was scheduled for 6:40 PM ET, with Wade Miley making his first start of the year for the Reds after re-signing with the club last week. Miley’s return to the mound was highly anticipated, especially after a shaky relief appearance that left fans hoping he had shaken off the rust. Opposing him was Cleveland’s Luis Ortiz, who has been a formidable force this season, boasting a stellar 2.28 ERA over his last five starts and allowing only two home runs during that stretch.
The stakes were high as the Reds, standing at an even 33-33 record, trailed their division leaders by 7.5 games and were eager to improve their playoff positioning. Meanwhile, the Guardians had a respectable 18-13 record at home but had stumbled with a 9-13 run since mid-May, including the sweep in Cincinnati. Cleveland found themselves 7.5 games behind the Detroit Tigers in the AL Central and just half a game out of the final American League Wild Card spot, intensifying the pressure on both teams.
Manager Terry Francona, now at the helm of the Reds, was looking to make a statement against his former club. A sweep of the Ohio Cup in his first year managing Cincinnati would be a remarkable feat. The pitching matchup was particularly intriguing, with Cincinnati opting to start left-handed pitchers for every game of the series, a strategic move given Cleveland’s .269 weighted on-base average (wOBA) against southpaws — tied for the fifth-lowest mark in Major League Baseball. This tactical choice could prove pivotal in the tightly contested series.
Wade Miley, 38, faced a tough challenge. Despite his experience, Miley had struggled this season, posting a 9.70 ERA across eight games. His return to the starting rotation was a critical moment for the Reds, who needed his veteran presence to stabilize their pitching staff. On the other side, Luis Ortiz’s recent dominance made him a formidable opponent, and his performance could heavily influence the series outcome.
Adding to the narrative was the presence of top prospect Chase Burns, who had recently been promoted to Triple-A after an outstanding season in Double-A. While Burns was not yet on the major league roster, his progress symbolized the Reds’ long-term hopes and potential future impact on the team’s fortunes.
Offensively, the Guardians were counting on players like Steven Kwan, who had been in excellent form. Kwan entered the game batting .314 with 14 doubles, five home runs, and 21 walks, showcasing his ability to get on base and produce runs. Despite being 0-for-3 lifetime against Miley, Kwan’s recent performances made him a player to watch. He had recorded a hit in 74.2% of his games this season and contributed significantly to Cleveland’s offense, with multiple games featuring multi-hit and multi-RBI performances.
The series was broadcast on the FanDuel Sports Network, with streaming options available through MLB.tv for fans outside the Reds’ TV market. This accessibility ensured that baseball enthusiasts across the country could tune in to witness the unfolding drama of this intense rivalry.
Looking ahead, the pitching matchups for the three-game set were set: Monday’s game featured left-hander Wade Miley against right-hander Luis Ortiz; Tuesday saw left-hander Andrew Abbott face right-hander Slade Cecconi; and Wednesday pitched left-hander Nick Lodolo against left-hander Logan Allen. Each game promised to be a tightly contested battle, with every pitch carrying playoff implications.
The Ohio Cup, a symbol of state bragging rights between the Reds and Guardians, was firmly on the line. A Cincinnati victory on June 9 would secure the Cup for the Reds for the season, adding extra motivation for Miley and his teammates. The Guardians, determined to defend their home turf and keep their postseason hopes alive, were equally motivated to spoil those plans.
As the series unfolded at Progressive Field, the baseball world watched closely. Both teams, solid but struggling to reach their full potential this season, were fighting for every run and every inning. The Reds’ strategy of deploying left-handed starters aimed to exploit Cleveland’s relative weakness against southpaws, while the Guardians relied on Ortiz’s recent excellence and key offensive contributors like Kwan to push back.
With the playoff picture still fluid, this series represented much more than just bragging rights. For the Reds, it was a chance to close the gap in the National League Wild Card race, sitting 4.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies and needing to leapfrog multiple teams. For the Guardians, the series was critical to maintaining proximity to the Minnesota Twins for the final American League Wild Card spot.
In the end, the June 9 matchup at Progressive Field was about momentum, pride, and positioning. Wade Miley’s return to the mound, Luis Ortiz’s dominant form, and Steven Kwan’s offensive prowess all combined to create a compelling narrative for fans and analysts alike. As the Ohio Cup hung in the balance, every pitch, hit, and defensive play carried the weight of a season’s worth of hopes and ambitions.
With the series still underway, the baseball community remains on edge, eager to see which team will seize the advantage and move closer to postseason contention. The Ohio Cup rivalry continues to deliver drama and excitement, reflecting the passion and intensity that define Major League Baseball’s finest moments.
