CINCINNATI -- From the Reds’ perspective, the long-awaited return of Hunter Greene to the mound on Wednesday night vs. the Phillies could not have gone better.

Back from a two-plus month absence with a right groin strain, Greene was impressive throughout his six scoreless innings. The offense did its part to support the effort during an 8-0 Reds win that gave them two of three games in the series at Great American Ball Park.

The Reds (64-58) have won four of their last five games and moved to 1 1/2 games behind the Mets (64-55), pending the outcome of their rain-delayed game vs. the Braves, for the third National League Wild Card spot.

Greene gave up three hits with no walks and six strikeouts, while throwing 85 pitches (58 strikes). He went to a three-ball count only four times -

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