In a déjà vu moment under Great American Ball Park’s scorching 90-degree heat, Reds pitcher Hunter Greene hurled more than just baseballs during his second straight start against the Pirates on Tuesday.

Despite the impressive pitching stats that Hunter Greene carried into Tuesday’s game, the day quickly went south as he vomited on the mound in the top of the first inning—a startling repeat of his last start. Attempting to counter the sweltering conditions with copious amounts of water, Greene managed to pitch four innings but surrendered six runs, including a two-run homer. The Pirates capitalized on his misfortune, securing a win that nudged them ahead of the Reds in the tight NL wild-card race.

As spectators gathered at Great American Ball Park, they were not expecting the unique twist that the top of the first inning had in store. Despite his impressive stats going into the day—with a 5-2 record, a 3.35 ERA, and a 3.0 WAR—Hunter Greene found himself in an all-too-familiar situation. Standing on the mound, sweat glistening under the punishing sun, he delivered a pitch and promptly vomited. The temperature hovered near 90 degrees, and Greene, striving to stay hydrated, had perhaps overdone it with the water intake.

The game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Pittsburgh Pirates had more significance than just a win or loss. Both teams were neck-and-neck in the NL wild-card race, adding an extra layer of pressure on Greene. The top of the first inning proved to be particularly disastrous as the Pirates jumped at the opportunity, scoring three runs, one of which included a two-run homer by Bryan Reynolds. Trainers rushed out to check on Greene, but the damage was already starting to pile up. It didn't help that Greene's strategy of drinking too much water to stay cool had him regretting it in more ways than one.

Interestingly, this was not Greene's first time upchucking on the job. It marked his second consecutive start marred by mid-game vomiting. His explanation to puzzled onlookers and concerned trainers was simple: the liquid buildup in his system had to come out somehow. While such events are relatively rare, they’re not unheard of. Dylan Bundy famously had a similar episode in 2021 at Yankee Stadium due to the heat.

Greene soldiered through a rough game, ultimately finishing four innings and allowing six runs. The pattern was clear enough to even an untrained observer: three runs in the first inning, followed by three more in the third. Despite exceeding 100 pitches in seven consecutive starts before this game, the consistency just wasn't there for Greene this time around. Looks like Greene's pitching rhythm decided to take an unscheduled vacation, leaving him to clean up the mess.

The crowd’s initial confusion quickly turned to anxious murmurs, but the game went on. Despite Greene's stomach staging a brief revolt, the Pirates found their rhythm while the Reds' defense decided to take a nap. The Pirates scored three runs in the top of the first inning.

As the innings progressed, the Reds' chances seemed to dwindle under the relentless assault of the Pirates' batters. The home team's loss was eventually sealed, and with it came a significant shift in the standings. The win allowed the Pirates to inch ahead in the NL wild-card race, adding a bitter twist to an already sour day for Cincinnati's fans and players alike. It was as if the baseball gods decided to add insult to injury, leaving Reds' supporters wondering if they'd accidentally upset some cosmic umpire.

The fallout wasn't just about standings; Greene's performance opened up discussions about player well-being under extreme conditions. While staying hydrated is crucial, it’s clear that balancing intake is equally important. As the dog days of summer roll on, teams and their medical staff are likely to take Greene’s experience into account, employing strategies to keep their pitchers in peak condition without tipping into overhydration. After all, it's not every day you see a pitcher attempt the 'waterfall' routine on the mound.

In the end, baseball, like life, is full of unexpected twists and turns. One moment you're a premier pitcher handling the heat and pressure, the next you're making an unplanned contribution to the groundskeeper's job. Hunter Greene’s tale of strikes and vomit serves as an unusual yet compelling narrative within the grand tapestry of the season. As fans left the ballpark, they did so with memories of a game that was far from ordinary.