Will Benson's walk-off single caps a wild 3-2 comeback win for the Reds over the Padres on June 29. Spencer Steer tied it in the ninth for a thrilling finish.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a stunning turn of events at Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds ripped victory from the jaws of defeat, rallying in the bottom of the ninth to beat the San Diego Padres 3-2. Trailing by a run, the Reds manufactured a classic comeback, culminating in a bases-loaded, walk-off single from Will Benson that sent the home crowd into a delirious frenzy and capped a truly memorable day in Reds Country.
The Reds will eat the remainder of Jeimer Candelario's three-year, $45 million contract, a clear signal that performance, not salary, will dictate playing time in Cincinnati.
Just when it looked like a solid start from Nick Lodolo would be wasted, the Reds' offense awakened in the bottom of the ninth. Elly De La Cruz started the rally with a single, and Spencer Steer followed with a clutch RBI single to tie the game at two. After an intentional walk loaded the bases, Will Benson stepped to the plate and laced a single into right field, scoring Gavin Lux and securing the series victory. The comeback was made possible by three scoreless innings from the Reds' bullpen, which slammed the door shut after Lodolo's six-inning, two-run effort.
The on-field drama coincided with a significant off-field move. The Reds officially released veteran infielder Jeimer Candelario after he cleared waivers, ending a brief and disappointing tenure. Signed to a three-year, $45 million deal, Candelario hit just .113 with two homers before an injury and an unsuccessful rehab stint. By eating the remainder of his substantial contract, the front office sent a powerful message: the team is committed to its youth movement and won't let a sunk cost stand in the way of giving opportunities to deserving players.
The decision to move on from Candelario is made easier by the impressive depth building in the minor leagues. On Saturday, the system was buzzing with standout performances. In Triple-A Louisville, Ivan Johnson smashed his seventh home run and Blake Dunn added his first. In High-A, infielder Carlos Jorge went 3-for-4 with his fifth homer for the Dayton Dragons. These power surges are a reminder that the next wave of talent is getting closer to Cincinnati, ready to contribute.
Looking even deeper, the future continues to shine. Shortstop Tyson Lewis, the team's 2024 second-round pick, is tearing up the Arizona Complex League with a .339 average, four homers, and 12 stolen bases. His development, along with a promising group of prospects at the Double-A level, gives the Reds incredible flexibility. This deep pool of talent could be crucial as the trade deadline approaches, allowing the front office to either supplement the current roster or stand pat, confident in the reinforcements on the way.
Sunday's dramatic win felt like more than just one game in a long season; it felt like a mission statement. As the organization officially turns the page on a costly free-agent miss, the young players on the field delivered a jolt of pure energy and excitement. With a farm system brimming with talent and the trade deadline looming, the Reds are proving they have the heart for a playoff push and the assets to potentially make a significant move. The next month is going to be fascinating.
