Will Benson's walk-off single caps a 9th-inning rally as the Reds stun the Padres 3-2 on June 30. See how Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer fueled the comeback.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the weekend would end on a sour note, the Cincinnati Reds reminded everyone why you can never count them out. Down to their final three outs, the team mounted a thrilling ninth-inning comeback, capped by a Will Benson bases-loaded single to secure a 3-2 walk-off victory over the San Diego Padres and send Great American Ball Park into a frenzy.
The Reds have now won six of their last seven series and own a 14-7 record since June 6.
The rally started, as so many do, with the electricity of Elly De La Cruz legging out a leadoff infield single. After a walk and a fly out, Spencer Steer delivered a clutch RBI single to tie the game, scoring Elly. A savvy walk by Jose Trevino loaded the bases, setting the stage for Will Benson. Facing the Padres' lights-out closer Robert Suarez, Benson lined a single into the outfield, scoring Gavin Lux and sealing the improbable win. The 3-for-5 day from Benson was the perfect exclamation point on a hard-fought series.
Before the late-game heroics, starter Nick Lodolo put together a crucial performance. While he wasn't at his sharpest, allowing seven hits over 5.1 innings, he masterfully limited the damage to just one run—a solo shot by Xander Bogaerts. After a difficult month of June, seeing Lodolo battle and keep the Reds in the game was a massive positive. His gritty outing, which ended in a no-decision, lowered his season ERA to 3.52 and provided a bridge to a bullpen that ultimately locked it down, with Emilio Pagan earning the win.
Speaking of the bullpen, it appears some much-needed depth is on the way. According to reports circulating on social media, the Reds are reuniting with right-handed reliever Buck Farmer. After being released by the Braves organization in April, Farmer's return would provide a veteran arm for a relief corps that has been heavily taxed during this recent hot streak. Farmer posted a solid 3.68 ERA in 176 appearances for the Reds from 2022-2024 and would be a welcome addition.
The celebration can't last long, as the Reds immediately hit the road to face the Boston Red Sox. The series opener presents a monumental challenge, with rookie Chase Burns making his next start against one of the best pitchers in baseball this year, Garrett Crochet. This series kicks off a critical road trip that will test the team's mettle and could inform their strategy at the upcoming trade deadline. With a farm system rich in pitching but lacking in 'punchless' outfield prospects, the front office faces a big decision: are they buyers or sellers?
The Reds are riding high, playing their best baseball of the season with a clear identity built on resilience and timely hitting. This upcoming road trip, starting with a daunting matchup in Boston, will be a true test of their contender status. With the trade deadline looming and key needs to address, the next few weeks will define the direction of the 2025 Cincinnati Reds.
