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Cincinnati edged Cleveland 7–6 at Progressive Field on May 15, capitalizing on superior contact and control despite both offenses struggling at the plate. The Reds collected 11 hits and 7 RBI while striking out just 4 times, compared to the Guardians' 8 hits and 6 strikeouts, giving Cincinnati a modest edge in offensive efficiency with a .703 OPS to Cleveland's .687. Cleveland's pitching staff allowed 11 hits and 7 earned runs with a 3.88 ERA, while Cincinnati's hurlers yielded 8 hits but walked 8 batters, posting a 4.64 ERA. Both teams managed only one home run each, underscoring a low-power affair that hinged on situational hitting and baserunning. The Reds' ability to strand runners despite issuing eight walks proved decisive in a game where neither bullpen dominated; Cleveland's pitchers struck out just 4 while Cincinnati's fanned 6. This narrow victory maintains Cincinnati's momentum in a division race where run differential and clutch execution increasingly separate contenders from the pack.