The Chicago Cubs and Cincinnati Reds faced off in the middle game of their three-game series Saturday at Great American Ball Park. After a high-scoring win on Friday, the Cubs aimed to secure their second straight victory.
The Reds had other plans. Cincinnati jumped ahead with two runs in the first inning and never relinquished the lead, ultimately winning 6-4.
Still, the Cubs found a bright spot in the loss. Veteran slugger Justin Turner, now 40 years old, belted his first home run of the 2025 season. The solo shot came in the third inning and cut the Reds’ lead to 2-1.
That homer was more than just a stat line.
"Prior to Justin Turner on Saturday, the last player age 40+ to hit a homer was Miguel Cabrera," Major League Baseball highlighted on Instagram.
When Cabrera hit his final homerun of his career, it was September 28, 2023.
Turner's journey through MLB has been remarkable. Drafted by the Reds in 2006, he never made the big league roster in Cincinnati. He made his MLB debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2009 after being traded there in December 2008.
Turner later spent time with the Mets from 2010 to 2013, followed by a standout run with the Dodgers from 2014 to 2022. In recent years, he’s suited up for the Red Sox, Blue Jays and Mariners.
A two-time National League All-Star, Turner was a key contributor on the Dodgers' 2020 World Series-winning team. He also earned NLCS MVP honors in 2017. With Saturday’s home run, Turner is now just one homer shy of 200 for his career.
The Reds' win pushed them to 26-27 on the season, while the Cubs dropped to 31-21. Chicago still holds a two-game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.
The series wraps up Sunday with Ben Brown scheduled to start for the Cubs and Nick Lodolo taking the mound for the Reds.
More must-reads: