Cincinnati Reds LHP Wade Miley pitched five strong innings in the Reds' series-clinching win over the MLB-best Detroit Tigers Sunday.

With his tongue firmly in his cheek, Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona refers to the Ohio Cup as “America’s Cup,” to play up the meaninglessness of the trophy given to the annual series between the Reds and their in-state rival Cleveland Guardians.

When the Cincinnati Reds opened a three-game series with a loss to the Detroit Tigers, it was more than a forgone conclusion that the Tigers would win the at least one of the next two and take the series.

The Cincinnati Reds believe they are starting to play to their potential. Following a successful road trip through Cleveland and Detroit, the Reds return home Tuesday to host the Minnesota Twins in the opener of a three-game series.

Detroit has extended its lead in the American League Central standings to nine games over the second-place Minnesota Twins as it prepares for a midweek home series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It's the largest lead any first-place team has in any division in baseball, followed by the Chicago Cubs at 5½ games in the National League Central.

If the Cincinnati Reds ever figure out how to ... Judge and the rest of the $300 million Yankees gave the Reds another series win over a World Series contender and assured a winning road trip ...