| Friday, March 30 |
| Former Red Hugh Poland dies in Guthrie, KY at the age of 72. |
| Monday, April 2 |
| » Defeated Mets (0-1), 8-1 | Riverfront Stadium (1-0) | 1-0 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (1-0) L: Mike Torrez (0-1) | First | -- |
| » Major-league debuts: Ross Jones (Mets) |
| Wednesday, April 4 |
| » Lost to Mets (1-1), 2-0 | Riverfront Stadium (1-1) | 1-1 | |
| » W: Ron Darling (1-0) L: Bruce Berenyi (0-1) S: Doug Sisk (1) | Second | ½ out |
| Friday, April 6 |
| » Lost to Phillies (2-1), 8-4 | Riverfront Stadium (1-2) | 1-2 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Charles Hudson (1-0) L: Joe Price (0-1) | Second | 2 out |
| » Major-league debuts: Mike Smith (Reds) |
| Saturday, April 7 |
| » Lost to Phillies (3-1), 9-1 | Riverfront Stadium (1-3) | 1-3 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Jerry Koosman (1-0) L: Frank Pastore (0-1) | Second | 3 out |
| Sunday, April 8 |
| » Defeated Phillies (3-2), 8-7 | Riverfront Stadium (2-3) | 2-3 | |
| » W: Mike Smith (1-0) L: Larry Andersen (0-1) | Second | 2 out |
| Monday, April 9 |
| » Defeated Expos (3-3), 9-6 | Riverfront Stadium (3-3) | 3-3 | Won 2 |
| » W: Jeff Russell (1-0) L: Bill Gullickson (0-2) S: Tom Hume (1) | Second | 1½ out |
| Tuesday, April 10 |
| » Defeated Expos (3-4), 8-6 | Riverfront Stadium (4-3) | 4-3 | Won 3 |
| » W: Joe Price (1-1) L: Bob James (0-1) S: Bill Scherrer (1) | Second | 1½ out |
| Wednesday, April 11 |
| » Lost to Expos (4-4), 9-3 | Riverfront Stadium (4-4) | 4-4 | |
| » W: Bryn Smith (2-0) L: Bruce Berenyi (0-2) S: Gary Lucas (1) | Second | 2½ out |
| Former Red Leo Dixon dies in Chicago, IL at the age of 90. |
| Friday, April 13 |
| » Lost to Astros (2-6), 1-0 | Astrodome (0-1) | 4-5 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Joe Niekro (1-2) L: Mario Soto (1-1) S: Frank DiPino (1) | Third | 4 out |
| Saturday, April 14 |
| » Lost to Astros (3-6), 9-1 | Astrodome (0-2) | 4-6 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Bob Knepper (1-1) L: Jeff Russell (1-1) | Third | 4 out |
| Sunday, April 15 |
| » Lost to Astros (4-6), 6-5 | Astrodome (0-3) | 4-7 | Lost 4 |
| » W: Frank DiPino (1-0) L: Tom Hume (0-1) | Fourth | 5 out |
| Wednesday, April 18 |
| » Lost to Braves (4-8), 5-4 | Riverfront Stadium (4-5) | 4-8 | Lost 5 |
| » W: Steve Bedrosian (1-0) L: Tom Hume (0-2) | Fifth | 6 out |
| Thursday, April 19 |
| » Lost to Giants (5-7), 3-1 | Candlestick Park (0-1) | 4-9 | Lost 6 |
| » W: Jeff Robinson (2-1) L: Bruce Berenyi (0-3) S: Gary Lavelle (1) | Sixth | 6 out |
| Friday, April 20 |
| » Lost to Giants (6-7), 6-4 | Candlestick Park (0-2) | 4-10 | Lost 7 |
| » W: Greg Minton (1-0) L: Jeff Russell (1-2) S: Gary Lavelle (2) | Sixth | 6 out |
| Saturday, April 21 |
| » Defeated Giants (6-8), 5-4 | Candlestick Park (1-2) | 5-10 | |
| » W: Ted Power (1-0) L: Greg Minton (1-1) S: Tom Hume (2) | Sixth | 6 out |
| Sunday, April 22 |
| » Lost to Giants (7-8), 9-5 | Candlestick Park (1-3) | 5-11 | |
| » W: Renie Martin (1-0) L: Frank Pastore (0-2) S: Gary Lavelle (3) | Sixth | 6 out |
| Tuesday, April 24 |
| » Lost to Braves (6-10), 4-2 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (0-1) | 5-12 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Len Barker (2-2) L: Tom Hume (0-3) S: Steve Bedrosian (3) | Sixth | 7½ out |
| » Major-league debuts: John Franco (Reds) |
| Wednesday, April 25 |
| » Defeated Braves (6-11), 4-3 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (1-1) | 6-12 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (2-1) L: Ken Dayley (0-3) S: Brad Lesley (1) | Sixth | 7½ out |
| Thursday, April 26 |
| » Lost to Braves (7-11), 2-1 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (1-2) | 6-13 | |
| » W: Craig McMurtry (2-2) L: Jeff Russell (1-3) S: Terry Forster (1) | Fifth | 7½ out |
| Friday, April 27 |
| » Defeated Giants (7-12), 9-3 | Riverfront Stadium (5-5) | 7-13 | |
| » W: Joe Price (2-1) L: Mark Grant (0-1) S: Brad Lesley (2) | Fifth | 7 out |
| » Major-league debuts: Mark Grant (Giants) |
| Saturday, April 28 |
| » Defeated Giants (7-13), 7-6 | Riverfront Stadium (6-5) | 8-13 | Won 2 |
| » W: Tom Hume (1-3) L: Randy Lerch (1-1) | Fourth | 6½ out |
| Sunday, April 29 |
| » Defeated Giants (7-14), 8-1 | Riverfront Stadium (7-5) | 9-13 | Won 3 |
| » W: Bruce Berenyi (1-3) L: Jeff Robinson (2-3) S: John Franco (1) | Third | 5½ out |
| » Defeated Giants (7-15), 7-3 | Riverfront Stadium (8-5) | 10-13 | Won 4 |
| » W: Bob Owchinko (1-0) L: Mike Krukow (1-4) | Third | 5½ out |
| Tuesday, May 1 |
| » Defeated Astros (8-15), 2-1 | Riverfront Stadium (9-5) | 11-13 | Won 5 |
| » W: John Franco (1-0) L: Bill Dawley (1-2) | Third | 6 out |
| Wednesday, May 2 |
| » Defeated Astros (8-16), 3-2 | Riverfront Stadium (10-5) | 12-13 | Won 6 |
| » W: Mario Soto (3-1) L: Joe Niekro (2-5) | Third | 5 out |
| Friday, May 4 |
| » Defeated Phillies (12-11), 9-5 | Veteran's Stadium (1-0) | 13-13 | Won 7 |
| » W: Frank Pastore (1-2) L: Charles Hudson (3-1) | Third | 4½ out |
| Saturday, May 5 |
| » Lost to Phillies (13-11), 11-2 | Veteran's Stadium (1-1) | 13-14 | |
| » W: Jerry Koosman (2-4) L: Bruce Berenyi (1-4) | Third | 4½ out |
| Sunday, May 6 |
| » Defeated Phillies (13-12), 5-3 | Veteran's Stadium (2-1) | 14-14 | |
| » W: John Franco (2-0) L: Steve Carlton (1-2) S: Tom Hume (3) | Third | 4 out |
| Monday, May 7 |
| » Defeated Mets (15-11), 11-2 | Shea Stadium (1-0) | 15-14 | Won 2 |
| » W: Mario Soto (4-1) L: Tim Leary (1-2) | Third | 3 out |
| Wednesday, May 9 |
| » Defeated Expos (15-14), 6-4 | Stade Olympique (1-0) | 16-14 | Won 3 |
| » W: Tom Hume (2-3) L: Bill Gullickson (0-3) S: John Franco (2) | Third | 2½ out |
| Thursday, May 10 |
| » Defeated Expos (15-15), 2-1 | Stade Olympique (2-0) | 17-14 | Won 4 |
| » W: Frank Pastore (2-2) L: Bryn Smith (4-2) | Third | 2½ out |
| Friday, May 11 |
| » Defeated Cardinals (15-18), 4-3 | Riverfront Stadium (11-5) | 18-14 | Won 5 |
| » W: Jeff Russell (2-3) L: Dave LaPoint (4-4) S: John Franco (3) | Third | 1½ out |
| Saturday, May 12 |
| » Defeated Cardinals (15-19), 2-1 | Riverfront Stadium (12-5) | 19-14 | Won 6 |
| » W: Mario Soto (5-1) L: Bruce Sutter (1-2) | Second | 1½ out |
| Sunday, May 13 |
| » Lost to Cardinals (16-19), 6-2 | Riverfront Stadium (12-6) | 19-15 | |
| » W: John Stuper (1-2) L: Bob Owchinko (1-1) S: Bruce Sutter (8) | Second | 1½ out |
| Monday, May 14 |
| Former Red Elmer Riddle dies in Columbus, GA at the age of 70. |
| Tuesday, May 15 |
| » Lost to Cubs (19-14), 6-3 | Riverfront Stadium (12-7) | 19-16 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Dickie Noles (2-1) L: Frank Pastore (2-3) S: Tim Stoddard (2) | Second | 2 out |
| Wednesday, May 16 |
| » Lost to Cubs (20-14), 10-4 | Riverfront Stadium (12-8) | 19-17 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Steve Trout (4-2) L: Jeff Russell (2-4) | Second | 2 out |
| Thursday, May 17 |
| » Defeated Cubs (20-15), 5-3 | Riverfront Stadium (13-8) | 20-17 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (6-1) L: Dick Ruthven (2-5) | Second | 1½ out |
| Friday, May 18 |
| » Lost to Cardinals (19-20), 5-3 | Busch Stadium II (0-1) | 20-18 | |
| » W: John Stuper (2-2) L: Joe Price (2-2) S: Neil Allen (2) | Second | 1½ out |
| Saturday, May 19 |
| » Lost to Cardinals (20-20), 9-1 | Busch Stadium II (0-2) | 20-19 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Joaquin Andujar (7-3) L: Bruce Berenyi (1-5) | Fourth | 1½ out |
| » Major-league debuts: Eric Davis (Reds) |
| Sunday, May 20 |
| » Lost to Cardinals (21-20), 3-2 | Busch Stadium II (0-3) | 20-20 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Neil Allen (2-0) L: Tom Hume (2-4) | Fourth | 2½ out |
| Tuesday, May 22 |
| » Defeated Pirates (13-23), 5-3 | Three Rivers Stadium (1-0) | 21-20 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (7-1) L: Rod Scurry (0-2) | Third | 1½ out |
| Wednesday, May 23 |
| » Lost to Pirates (14-23), 7-2 | Three Rivers Stadium (1-1) | 21-21 | |
| » W: John Candelaria (4-4) L: Jeff Russell (2-5) | Fourth | 2½ out |
| Thursday, May 24 |
| » Lost to Pirates (15-23), 5-1 | Three Rivers Stadium (1-2) | 21-22 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Larry McWilliams (2-3) L: Joe Price (2-3) | Fourth | 2½ out |
| Friday, May 25 |
| » Defeated Cubs (26-16), 3-0 | Wrigley Field (1-0) | 22-22 | |
| » W: Tom Hume (3-4) L: Dickie Noles (2-2) S: Ted Power (1) | Fourth | 1½ out |
| Saturday, May 26 |
| » Defeated Cubs (26-17), 7-6 | Wrigley Field (2-0) | 23-22 | Won 2 |
| » W: Bill Scherrer (1-0) L: Steve Trout (5-3) S: Ted Power (2) | Third | ½ out |
| Sunday, May 27 |
| » Defeated Cubs (26-18), 4-3 | Wrigley Field (3-0) | 24-22 | Won 3 |
| » W: Bruce Berenyi (2-5) L: Dennis Eckersley (4-5) | Third | ½ out |
| Tuesday, May 29 |
| » Defeated Pirates (18-25), 5-4 | Riverfront Stadium (14-8) | 25-22 | Won 4 |
| » W: Ted Power (2-0) L: Kent Tekulve (1-5) | Third | ½ out |
| Wednesday, May 30 |
| » Defeated Pirates (18-26), 6-4 | Riverfront Stadium (15-8) | 26-22 | Won 5 |
| » W: Bob Owchinko (2-1) L: Don Robinson (0-1) | Third | 1½ out |
| Thursday, May 31 |
| » Lost to Braves (26-23), 7-1 | Riverfront Stadium (15-9) | 26-23 | |
| » W: Rick Mahler (3-1) L: Frank Pastore (2-4) | Third | 1 out |
| Friday, June 1 |
| » Lost to Braves (27-23), 4-2 | Riverfront Stadium (15-10) | 26-24 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Craig McMurtry (4-6) L: Bruce Berenyi (2-6) S: Steve Bedrosian (6) | Fourth | 2½ out |
| » Lost to Braves (28-23), 7-3 | Riverfront Stadium (15-11) | 26-25 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Pete Falcone (4-5) L: Ted Power (2-1) S: Steve Bedrosian (7) | Fourth | 2½ out |
| Saturday, June 2 |
| » Lost to Braves (29-23), 9-3 | Riverfront Stadium (15-12) | 26-26 | Lost 4 |
| » W: Pascual Perez (5-1) L: Bob Owchinko (2-2) S: Terry Forster (4) | Fourth | 3 out |
| Sunday, June 3 |
| » Lost to Braves (30-23), 4-0 | Riverfront Stadium (15-13) | 26-27 | Lost 5 |
| » W: Terry Forster (2-0) L: Ted Power (2-2) | Fourth | 4 out |
| Monday, June 4 |
| » Defeated Dodgers (29-26), 3-1 | Dodger Stadium (1-0) | 27-27 | |
| » W: Frank Pastore (3-4) L: Fernando Valenzuela (5-6) S: Bob Owchinko (1) | Fourth | 4 out |
| Tuesday, June 5 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (30-26), 2-1 | Dodger Stadium (1-1) | 27-28 | |
| » W: Alejandro Pena (6-2) L: Jeff Russell (2-6) | Fourth | 5 out |
| Wednesday, June 6 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (31-26), 3-2 | Dodger Stadium (1-2) | 27-29 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Pat Zachry (3-1) L: Tom Hume (3-5) | Fourth | 6 out |
| Thursday, June 7 |
| » Defeated Padres (31-23), 12-1 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (1-0) | 28-29 | |
| » W: Bruce Berenyi (3-6) L: Eric Show (7-4) S: Keefe Cato (1) | Fourth | 6 out |
| Friday, June 8 |
| » Lost to Padres (32-23), 6-0 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (1-1) | 28-30 | |
| » W: Tim Lollar (5-4) L: Joe Price (2-4) | Fourth | 6 out |
| Saturday, June 9 |
| » Lost to Padres (33-23), 12-2 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (1-2) | 28-31 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Ed Whitson (6-3) L: Jeff Russell (2-7) S: Craig Lefferts (3) | Fourth | 6½ out |
| Sunday, June 10 |
| » Lost to Padres (34-23), 7-5 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (1-3) | 28-32 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Floyd Chiffer (1-0) L: Tom Hume (3-6) S: Dave Dravecky (6) | Fourth | 7½ out |
| Monday, June 11 |
| » Lost to Astros (25-34), 3-2 | Astrodome (0-4) | 28-33 | Lost 4 |
| » W: Mike LaCoss (1-0) L: Ted Power (2-3) | Fourth | 8½ out |
| Tuesday, June 12 |
| » Lost to Astros (26-34), 7-0 | Astrodome (0-5) | 28-34 | Lost 5 |
| » W: Joe Niekro (5-7) L: Bruce Berenyi (3-7) | Fourth | 9½ out |
| Wednesday, June 13 |
| » Defeated Astros (26-35), 5-4 | Astrodome (1-5) | 29-34 | |
| » W: Bob Owchinko (3-2) L: Frank DiPino (1-5) | Fourth | 9 out |
| Thursday, June 14 |
| » Lost to Braves (35-28), 3-0 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (1-3) | 29-35 | |
| » W: Len Barker (5-6) L: Jeff Russell (2-8) S: Donnie Moore (3) | Fourth | 9 out |
| Friday, June 15 |
| » Lost to Braves (36-28), 6-1 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (1-4) | 29-36 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Rick Mahler (5-1) L: Frank Pastore (3-5) | Fourth | 10 out |
| Saturday, June 16 |
| » Defeated Braves (36-29), 2-1 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (2-4) | 30-36 | |
| » W: Ted Power (3-3) L: Steve Bedrosian (4-5) | Fourth | 9 out |
| Sunday, June 17 |
| » Lost to Braves (37-29), 6-5 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (2-5) | 30-37 | |
| » W: Pascual Perez (7-1) L: Bob Owchinko (3-3) S: Donnie Moore (4) | Fifth | 9 out |
| Tuesday, June 19 |
| » Defeated Dodgers (35-34), 10-4 | Riverfront Stadium (16-13) | 31-37 | |
| » W: Joe Price (3-4) L: Fernando Valenzuela (6-8) S: Ted Power (3) | Fourth | 9 out |
| Wednesday, June 20 |
| » Defeated Dodgers (35-35), 4-2 | Riverfront Stadium (17-13) | 32-37 | Won 2 |
| » W: Jeff Russell (3-8) L: Alejandro Pena (7-3) | Fourth | 9 out |
| Thursday, June 21 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (36-35), 9-7 | Riverfront Stadium (17-14) | 32-38 | |
| » W: Burt Hooton (1-3) L: Ted Power (3-4) S: Orel Hershiser (1) | Fourth | 9 out |
| Friday, June 22 |
| » Defeated Padres (39-28), 8-7 | Riverfront Stadium (18-14) | 33-38 | |
| » W: John Franco (3-0) L: Rich Gossage (3-2) | Fourth | 8 out |
| Saturday, June 23 |
| » Lost to Padres (40-28), 5-2 | Riverfront Stadium (18-15) | 33-39 | |
| » W: Mark Thurmond (4-3) L: Charlie Puleo (0-1) | Fourth | 9 out |
| Sunday, June 24 |
| » Lost to Padres (41-28), 8-3 | Riverfront Stadium (18-16) | 33-40 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Dave Dravecky (4-3) L: Tom Hume (3-7) | Fifth | 10 out |
| Monday, June 25 |
| » Defeated Giants (26-44), 2-1 | Candlestick Park (2-3) | 34-40 | |
| » W: Ted Power (4-4) L: Bill Laskey (4-7) | Fifth | 10 out |
| Tuesday, June 26 |
| » Defeated Giants (26-45), 4-2 | Candlestick Park (3-3) | 35-40 | Won 2 |
| » W: Mario Soto (8-1) L: Frank Williams (5-1) | Fifth | 10 out |
| Wednesday, June 27 |
| » Lost to Giants (27-45), 14-9 | Candlestick Park (3-4) | 35-41 | |
| » W: Randy Lerch (3-1) L: Bob Owchinko (3-4) | Fifth | 10 out |
| Friday, June 29 |
| » Lost to Expos (37-37), 7-3 | Riverfront Stadium (18-17) | 35-42 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Charlie Lea (12-4) L: Bill Scherrer (1-1) | Fifth | 10½ out |
| Saturday, June 30 |
| » Defeated Expos (37-38), 4-1 | Riverfront Stadium (19-17) | 36-42 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (9-1) L: Bryn Smith (6-6) | Fifth | 9½ out |
| Sunday, July 1 |
| » Defeated Expos (37-39), 4-1 | Riverfront Stadium (20-17) | 37-42 | Won 2 |
| » W: Jeff Russell (4-8) L: Steve Rogers (3-7) | Fifth | 9½ out |
| Monday, July 2 |
| » Lost to Phillies (43-35), 4-0 | Veteran's Stadium (2-2) | 37-43 | |
| » W: Shane Rawley (3-3) L: Tom Hume (3-8) | Fifth | 10½ out |
| Tuesday, July 3 |
| » Defeated Phillies (43-36), 6-5 | Veteran's Stadium (3-2) | 38-43 | |
| » W: Charlie Puleo (1-1) L: Jerry Koosman (8-7) | Fourth | 9½ out |
| Wednesday, July 4 |
| » Defeated Phillies (43-37), 5-4 | Veteran's Stadium (4-2) | 39-43 | Won 2 |
| » W: Ted Power (5-4) L: Al Holland (4-5) | Fourth | 8½ out |
| Thursday, July 5 |
| » Lost to Mets (43-34), 4-3 | Shea Stadium (1-1) | 39-44 | |
| » W: Walt Terrell (6-7) L: Joe Price (3-5) S: Doug Sisk (12) | Fifth | 9½ out |
| Friday, July 6 |
| » Lost to Mets (44-34), 1-0 | Shea Stadium (1-2) | 39-45 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Ron Darling (10-3) L: Jeff Russell (4-9) | Fifth | 11 out |
| » Lost to Mets (45-34), 6-5 | Shea Stadium (1-3) | 39-46 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Jesse Orosco (6-2) L: Ted Power (5-5) | Fifth | 11 out |
| Saturday, July 7 |
| » Lost to Mets (46-34), 14-4 | Shea Stadium (1-4) | 39-47 | Lost 4 |
| » W: Dwight Gooden (8-5) L: Mario Soto (9-2) S: Ed Lynch (1) | Fifth | 12 out |
| Sunday, July 8 |
| » Lost to Mets (47-34), 7-3 | Shea Stadium (1-5) | 39-48 | Lost 5 |
| » W: Bruce Berenyi (6-9) L: Charlie Puleo (1-2) S: Jesse Orosco (17) | Fifth | 12 out |
| Thursday, July 12 |
| » Lost to Expos (42-43), 3-1 | Stade Olympique (2-1) | 39-49 | Lost 6 |
| » W: Bryn Smith (7-7) L: Joe Price (3-6) S: Jeff Reardon (13) | Fifth | 13 out |
| Friday, July 13 |
| » Lost to Expos (43-43), 7-2 | Stade Olympique (2-2) | 39-50 | Lost 7 |
| » W: Bill Gullickson (6-6) L: Jeff Russell (4-10) S: Bob James (4) | Fifth | 13 out |
| Saturday, July 14 |
| » Lost to Expos (44-43), 6-2 | Stade Olympique (2-3) | 39-51 | Lost 8 |
| » W: Charlie Lea (14-4) L: Mario Soto (9-3) | Fifth | 13 out |
| Sunday, July 15 |
| » Defeated Expos (44-44), 3-2 | Stade Olympique (3-3) | 40-51 | |
| » W: Jay Tibbs (1-0) L: Steve Rogers (3-9) S: Ted Power (4) | Fifth | 13 out |
| » Major-league debuts: Jay Tibbs (Reds) |
| Monday, July 16 |
| » Lost to Phillies (49-40), 7-2 | Riverfront Stadium (20-18) | 40-52 | |
| » W: Kevin Gross (5-4) L: Tom Hume (3-9) | Fifth | 14 out |
| Tuesday, July 17 |
| » Lost to Phillies (50-40), 4-3 | Riverfront Stadium (20-19) | 40-53 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Steve Carlton (8-4) L: Joe Price (3-7) S: Al Holland (20) | Fifth | 15 out |
| Wednesday, July 18 |
| » Lost to Phillies (51-40), 7-5 | Riverfront Stadium (20-20) | 40-54 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Shane Rawley (5-4) L: Jeff Russell (4-11) S: Al Holland (21) | Fifth | 15 out |
| Thursday, July 19 |
| » Defeated Mets (52-37), 9-6 | Riverfront Stadium (21-20) | 41-54 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (10-3) L: Bruce Berenyi (7-10) S: John Franco (4) | Fifth | 14 out |
| Friday, July 20 |
| » Lost to Mets (53-37), 3-2 | Riverfront Stadium (21-21) | 41-55 | |
| » W: Jesse Orosco (8-2) L: Brad Lesley (0-1) | Fifth | 14½ out |
| Saturday, July 21 |
| » Lost to Mets (54-37), 2-1 | Riverfront Stadium (21-22) | 41-56 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Sid Fernandez (2-0) L: Tom Hume (3-10) S: Doug Sisk (14) | Fifth | 15½ out |
| Sunday, July 22 |
| » Lost to Mets (55-37), 7-6 | Riverfront Stadium (21-23) | 41-57 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Tom Gorman (2-0) L: Keefe Cato (0-1) S: Jesse Orosco (20) | Fifth | 16 out |
| Tuesday, July 24 |
| » Defeated Padres (56-41), 4-2 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (2-3) | 42-57 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (11-3) L: Tim Lollar (7-9) | Fifth | 15 out |
| Wednesday, July 25 |
| » Lost to Padres (57-41), 6-5 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (2-4) | 42-58 | |
| » W: Rich Gossage (5-3) L: Bob Owchinko (3-5) | Fifth | 16 out |
| Thursday, July 26 |
| » Lost to Padres (58-41), 8-2 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (2-5) | 42-59 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Mark Thurmond (8-5) L: Jeff Russell (4-12) | Fifth | 17 out |
| Friday, July 27 |
| » Defeated Dodgers (50-53), 4-0 | Dodger Stadium (2-2) | 43-59 | |
| » W: Joe Price (4-7) L: Alejandro Pena (11-5) | Fifth | 17 out |
| Saturday, July 28 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (51-53), 1-0 | Dodger Stadium (2-3) | 43-60 | |
| » W: Bob Welch (7-11) L: Tom Hume (3-11) | Fifth | 17½ out |
| Sunday, July 29 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (52-53), 1-0 | Dodger Stadium (2-4) | 43-61 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Orel Hershiser (7-4) L: Mario Soto (11-4) | Fifth | 18½ out |
| Tuesday, July 31 |
| » Defeated Giants (40-62), 3-0 | Riverfront Stadium (22-23) | 44-61 | |
| » W: Jay Tibbs (2-0) L: Jeff Robinson (6-12) | Fifth | 19 out |
| Wednesday, August 1 |
| » Defeated Giants (40-63), 6-3 | Riverfront Stadium (23-23) | 45-61 | Won 2 |
| » W: Joe Price (5-7) L: Gary Lavelle (3-4) | Fifth | 19 out |
| Thursday, August 2 |
| » Lost to Giants (41-63), 5-2 | Riverfront Stadium (23-24) | 45-62 | |
| » W: Mike Krukow (9-8) L: Frank Pastore (3-6) S: Greg Minton (11) | Fifth | 19½ out |
| Friday, August 3 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (53-56), 5-2 | Riverfront Stadium (23-25) | 45-63 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Bob Welch (8-11) L: Mario Soto (11-5) S: Ken Howell (1) | Fifth | 19½ out |
| Saturday, August 4 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (54-56), 5-3 | Riverfront Stadium (23-26) | 45-64 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Pat Zachry (5-3) L: Tom Hume (3-12) | Fifth | 20½ out |
| Sunday, August 5 |
| » Defeated Dodgers (54-57), 2-1 | Riverfront Stadium (24-26) | 46-64 | |
| » W: Ted Power (6-5) L: Jerry Reuss (2-5) | Fifth | 20½ out |
| Monday, August 6 |
| » Lost to Padres (67-43), 1-0 | Riverfront Stadium (24-27) | 46-65 | |
| » W: Rich Gossage (6-3) L: Joe Price (5-8) | Fifth | 21½ out |
| Tuesday, August 7 |
| » Defeated Padres (67-44), 8-7 | Riverfront Stadium (25-27) | 47-65 | |
| » W: Ted Power (7-5) L: Greg Harris (0-2) | Fifth | 20½ out |
| Wednesday, August 8 |
| » Defeated Padres (67-45), 4-2 | Riverfront Stadium (26-27) | 48-65 | Won 2 |
| » W: Mario Soto (12-5) L: Rich Gossage (6-4) | Fifth | 19½ out |
| Thursday, August 9 |
| » Defeated Padres (67-46), 8-0 | Riverfront Stadium (27-27) | 49-65 | Won 3 |
| » W: Jeff Russell (5-12) L: Tim Lollar (9-10) | Fifth | 18½ out |
| Friday, August 10 |
| » Defeated Astros (54-62), 5-4 | Riverfront Stadium (28-27) | 50-65 | Won 4 |
| » W: John Franco (4-0) L: Julio Solano (0-2) | Fifth | 18½ out |
| » Lost to Astros (55-62), 11-7 | Riverfront Stadium (28-28) | 50-66 | |
| » W: Bob Knepper (11-8) L: Frank Pastore (3-7) S: Frank DiPino (9) | Fifth | 18½ out |
| Saturday, August 11 |
| » Lost to Astros (56-62), 8-2 | Riverfront Stadium (28-29) | 50-67 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Mike Scott (5-10) L: Joe Price (5-9) | Fifth | 19½ out |
| Sunday, August 12 |
| » Lost to Astros (57-62), 6-1 | Riverfront Stadium (28-30) | 50-68 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Nolan Ryan (10-7) L: Andy McGaffigan (3-5) | Fifth | 19½ out |
| Monday, August 13 |
| » Lost to Cardinals (58-59), 5-3 | Busch Stadium II (0-4) | 50-69 | Lost 4 |
| » W: Ricky Horton (7-2) L: Mario Soto (12-6) S: Bruce Sutter (31) | Fifth | 20 out |
| Tuesday, August 14 |
| » Lost to Cardinals (59-59), 8-2 | Busch Stadium II (0-5) | 50-70 | Lost 5 |
| » W: Dave LaPoint (9-9) L: Jeff Russell (5-13) | Fifth | 21 out |
| » Major-league debuts: Ron Robinson (Reds) |
| Former Red Spud Davis dies in Birmingham, AL at the age of 80. |
| Wednesday, August 15 |
| » Defeated Cardinals (59-60), 3-2 | Busch Stadium II (1-5) | 51-70 | |
| » W: Tom Hume (4-12) L: Bruce Sutter (4-4) | Fifth | 21 out |
| Friday, August 17 |
| » Defeated Cubs (70-51), 6-4 | Riverfront Stadium (29-30) | 52-70 | Won 2 |
| » Manager: Pete Rose |
| » W: Mario Soto (13-6) L: Dick Ruthven (3-8) | Fifth | 19½ out |
| Saturday, August 18 |
| » Lost to Cubs (71-51), 13-11 | Riverfront Stadium (29-31) | 52-71 | |
| » W: Rick Sutcliffe (15-6) L: Ron Robinson (0-1) S: Lee Smith (26) | Fifth | 20 out |
| Sunday, August 19 |
| » Lost to Cubs (72-51), 9-6 | Riverfront Stadium (29-32) | 52-72 | Lost 2 |
| » W: George Frazier (6-4) L: Jeff Russell (5-14) | Fifth | 20 out |
| Monday, August 20 |
| » Lost to Cardinals (62-61), 9-7 | Riverfront Stadium (29-33) | 52-73 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Jeff Lahti (4-2) L: Jay Tibbs (2-1) | Fifth | 21 out |
| Tuesday, August 21 |
| » Defeated Cardinals (62-62), 4-1 | Riverfront Stadium (30-33) | 53-73 | |
| » W: Joe Price (6-9) L: Kurt Kepshire (3-3) S: Ted Power (5) | Fifth | 21 out |
| Wednesday, August 22 |
| » Lost to Cardinals (63-62), 6-3 | Riverfront Stadium (30-34) | 53-74 | |
| » W: Joaquin Andujar (17-11) L: Mario Soto (13-7) S: Bruce Sutter (34) | Fifth | 21 out |
| Friday, August 24 |
| » Defeated Pirates (54-74), 2-0 | Three Rivers Stadium (2-2) | 54-74 | |
| » W: Jeff Russell (6-14) L: Jose DeLeon (6-11) | Fifth | 20½ out |
| Saturday, August 25 |
| » Lost to Pirates (55-74), 5-3 | Three Rivers Stadium (2-3) | 54-75 | |
| » W: John Candelaria (11-10) L: Jay Tibbs (2-2) S: Larry McWilliams (1) | Fifth | 21½ out |
| Sunday, August 26 |
| » Lost to Pirates (56-74), 7-1 | Three Rivers Stadium (2-4) | 54-76 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Rick Rhoden (11-9) L: Joe Price (6-10) | Fifth | 22½ out |
| Tuesday, August 28 |
| » Lost to Cubs (77-53), 5-2 | Wrigley Field (3-1) | 54-77 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Dennis Eckersley (12-11) L: Andy McGaffigan (3-6) S: George Frazier (4) | Fifth | 22½ out |
| » Lost to Cubs (78-53), 5-2 | Wrigley Field (3-2) | 54-78 | Lost 4 |
| » W: Dick Ruthven (4-9) L: Frank Pastore (3-8) S: Rich Bordi (4) | Fifth | 22½ out |
| Wednesday, August 29 |
| » Lost to Cubs (79-53), 7-2 | Wrigley Field (3-3) | 54-79 | Lost 5 |
| » W: Rick Sutcliffe (17-6) L: Jeff Russell (6-15) | Sixth | 23½ out |
| Thursday, August 30 |
| » Defeated Pirates (57-76), 4-1 | Riverfront Stadium (31-34) | 55-79 | |
| » W: Jay Tibbs (3-2) L: Jose DeLeon (6-12) | Sixth | 23 out |
| Friday, August 31 |
| » Lost to Pirates (58-76), 6-2 | Riverfront Stadium (31-35) | 55-80 | |
| » W: John Candelaria (12-10) L: Joe Price (6-11) S: Don Robinson (8) | Sixth | 23½ out |
| Saturday, September 1 |
| » Defeated Pirates (58-77), 7-5 | Riverfront Stadium (32-35) | 56-80 | |
| » W: Ted Power (8-5) L: Don Robinson (3-6) | Sixth | 22 out |
| Sunday, September 2 |
| » Defeated Pirates (58-78), 7-1 | Riverfront Stadium (33-35) | 57-80 | Won 2 |
| » W: Ron Robinson (1-1) L: John Tudor (8-10) | Sixth | 21 out |
| Monday, September 3 |
| » Lost to Giants (58-79), 4-3 | Candlestick Park (3-5) | 57-81 | |
| » W: Greg Minton (3-8) L: Jeff Russell (6-16) | Sixth | 22 out |
| » Major-league debuts: Chris Brown (Giants) |
| Tuesday, September 4 |
| » Defeated Giants (58-80), 8-3 | Candlestick Park (4-5) | 58-81 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (14-7) L: Greg Minton (3-9) | Sixth | 21 out |
| » Major-league debuts: Rob Deer (Giants) |
| Wednesday, September 5 |
| » Lost to Padres (80-60), 15-11 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (2-6) | 58-82 | |
| » W: Craig Lefferts (3-3) L: Tom Hume (4-13) | Sixth | 22 out |
| Thursday, September 6 |
| » Defeated Padres (80-61), 10-3 | San Diego/Jack Murphy Stadium (3-6) | 59-82 | |
| » W: Joe Price (7-11) L: Eric Show (14-9) S: Bob Owchinko (2) | Fifth | 21 out |
| Friday, September 7 |
| » Defeated Dodgers (66-76), 1-0 | Dodger Stadium (3-4) | 60-82 | Won 2 |
| » W: John Franco (5-0) L: Ken Howell (3-5) S: Ted Power (6) | Fifth | 20 out |
| Saturday, September 8 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (67-76), 6-3 | Dodger Stadium (3-5) | 60-83 | |
| » W: Jerry Reuss (3-7) L: Jeff Russell (6-17) | Sixth | 20½ out |
| » Major-league debuts: Wade Rowdon (Reds) |
| Sunday, September 9 |
| » Defeated Dodgers (67-77), 5-1 | Dodger Stadium (4-5) | 61-83 | |
| » W: Tom Browning (1-0) L: Orel Hershiser (8-8) S: Ted Power (7) | Sixth | 20½ out |
| » Major-league debuts: Tom Browning (Reds) |
| Tuesday, September 11 |
| » Defeated Giants (61-83), 7-3 | Riverfront Stadium (34-35) | 62-83 | Won 2 |
| » W: Mario Soto (15-7) L: Randy Lerch (5-3) | Fifth | 19½ out |
| Wednesday, September 12 |
| » Defeated Giants (61-84), 7-4 | Riverfront Stadium (35-35) | 63-83 | Won 3 |
| » W: Jay Tibbs (4-2) L: Mark Grant (1-3) S: Ted Power (8) | Fourth | 18½ out |
| Friday, September 14 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (70-77), 6-5 | Riverfront Stadium (35-36) | 63-84 | |
| » W: Ken Howell (4-5) L: John Franco (5-1) | Fourth | 19½ out |
| Saturday, September 15 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (71-77), 5-2 | Riverfront Stadium (35-37) | 63-85 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Orel Hershiser (9-8) L: Ron Robinson (1-2) | Fourth | 19½ out |
| » Major-league debuts: Fred Toliver (Reds) |
| Sunday, September 16 |
| » Lost to Dodgers (72-77), 7-5 | Riverfront Stadium (35-38) | 63-86 | Lost 3 |
| » W: Ken Howell (5-5) L: John Franco (5-2) S: Burt Hooton (4) | Fourth | 19½ out |
| Monday, September 17 |
| » Lost to Padres (83-66), 3-2 | Riverfront Stadium (35-39) | 63-87 | Lost 4 |
| » W: Rich Gossage (10-6) L: Ted Power (8-6) | Fifth | 20½ out |
| Tuesday, September 18 |
| » Lost to Padres (84-66), 2-0 | Riverfront Stadium (35-40) | 63-88 | Lost 5 |
| » W: Dave Dravecky (9-8) L: Joe Price (7-12) | Fifth | 21½ out |
| Wednesday, September 19 |
| » Defeated Braves (75-77), 4-2 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (3-5) | 64-88 | |
| » W: Jay Tibbs (5-2) L: Craig McMurtry (9-16) S: Ted Power (9) | Fifth | 21½ out |
| Thursday, September 20 |
| » Lost to Braves (76-77), 9-3 | Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (3-6) | 64-89 | |
| » W: Rick Camp (8-6) L: Jeff Russell (6-18) | Fourth | 22½ out |
| Friday, September 21 |
| » Defeated Astros (76-78), 5-2 | Astrodome (2-5) | 65-89 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (16-7) L: Joe Niekro (15-11) S: Ted Power (10) | Fifth | 21½ out |
| Saturday, September 22 |
| » Defeated Astros (76-79), 2-1 | Astrodome (3-5) | 66-89 | Won 2 |
| » W: Ted Power (9-6) L: Dave Smith (5-4) S: Carl Willis (1) | Fifth | 20½ out |
| Sunday, September 23 |
| » Lost to Astros (77-79), 2-1 | Astrodome (3-6) | 66-90 | |
| » W: Bob Knepper (15-10) L: Joe Price (7-13) | Fifth | 21½ out |
| Tuesday, September 25 |
| » Lost to Braves (79-78), 4-2 | Riverfront Stadium (35-41) | 66-91 | Lost 2 |
| » W: Rick Mahler (13-9) L: Carl Willis (0-3) | Fifth | 22½ out |
| Wednesday, September 26 |
| » Defeated Braves (79-79), 6-3 | Riverfront Stadium (36-41) | 67-91 | |
| » W: Mario Soto (17-7) L: Pascual Perez (13-8) S: Ted Power (11) | Fifth | 22½ out |
| Thursday, September 27 |
| » Defeated Braves (79-80), 2-1 | Riverfront Stadium (37-41) | 68-91 | Won 2 |
| » W: John Franco (6-2) L: Gene Garber (3-6) | Fourth | 22 out |
| Friday, September 28 |
| » Lost to Astros (80-80), 6-3 | Riverfront Stadium (37-42) | 68-92 | |
| » W: Bill Dawley (11-4) L: Ted Power (9-7) S: Frank DiPino (14) | Fifth | 23 out |
| Saturday, September 29 |
| » Defeated Astros (80-81), 4-1 | Riverfront Stadium (38-42) | 69-92 | |
| » W: Jay Tibbs (6-2) L: Joe Niekro (16-12) | Fifth | 23 out |
| Sunday, September 30 |
| » Defeated Astros (80-82), 7-6 | Riverfront Stadium (39-42) | 70-92 | Won 2 |
| » W: Mario Soto (18-7) L: Jeff Calhoun (0-1) | Fourth | 22 out |
| Saturday, October 13 |
| Former Red George Kelly dies in Burlingame, CA at the age of 90. |
| Monday, October 22 |
| Former Red Babe Pinelli dies in Daly City, CA at the age of 90. |
| Sunday, November 25 |
| Former Red Ival Goodman dies in Cincinnati, OH at the age of 77. |
| Thursday, December 20 |
| Former Red Cuckoo Christensen dies in Menlo Park, CA at the age of 86. |
Game information provided by Retrosheet (www.retrosheet.org) |