Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson's Little League mistake leads to 7-run inning for Cubs
The Cincinnati catcher stood idly by as a run scored, leading to a breakout inning for Chicago.
When it rains, it pours. The Cincinnati Reds entered Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs riding a six-game losing streak, including back-to-back extra-inning, walk-off losses . Cincinnati catcher Tyler Stephenson made a highlight reel blunder that was a perfect encapsulation of the team’s recent struggles.
Stephenson thought there was a force play at home for an out, but there wasn’t. As a result, he stood by as Ian Happ crossed home plate, earning a run for Chicago, and not a much-needed out for Cincinnati. I don’t even know what to say.
This is inexcusable by Tyler Stephenson. This on top of all the baseball running mistakes these past couple days is taking years off my life. pic.
twitter. com/2rnz4GqVBy — CriticalReds (@CriticalReds) May 7, 2026 Chicago had the bases loaded with no outs. The Cubs had tallied one run at that point, and shortstop Dansby Swanson grounded to third base for a fielder’s choice.