Christian Encarnacion-Strand's 3 HRs in 3 games led the Reds to a sweep of the Diamondbacks in June 2025, capped by a Matt McLain homer. Read how CES revived Cincy.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a weekend makes. After weeks of treading water, the Cincinnati Reds (33-33) are officially back to .500 and brimming with confidence. The source of this sudden surge? Look no further than Christian Encarnacion-Strand, who returned from the injured list with a statement-making power display that has completely re-energized the Queen City.
Three games back, three home runs. Christian Encarnacion-Strand didn't just return from the injured list, he erupted.
It's hard to overstate the impact Christian Encarnacion-Strand has had since being activated on Friday. Sidelined since April 17 with a frustrating lower back strain, CES didn't just ease his way back into the lineup; he blew the door off its hinges. By homering in all three games against the Diamondbacks, he provided the middle-of-the-order thump the Reds have desperately missed. His presence lengthens the lineup, protects other hitters, and changes the entire dynamic of the offense.
While CES stole the headlines, the sweep of the Diamondbacks was a total team effort. The pitching staff held Arizona in check, and timely hitting came from up and down the order. The exclamation point came Sunday, when Matt McLain launched a go-ahead, two-run homer in the seventh inning to secure the 4-2 victory and the sweep. It was the kind of clutch, resilient performance that signals a team turning a corner, and it brings their record to .500 for the first time since May 30.
There's no time to rest on their laurels. The Reds now travel north to face the Cleveland Guardians in a crucial three-game series. Tonight's opener features a challenging matchup for veteran Wade Miley (0-0, 18.00 ERA), who is still looking to find his form, against the Guardians' Luis Ortiz (3-6, 4.02 ERA). This series isn't just about state bragging rights; it's a chance for the Reds to prove this weekend's success is the new standard and not just a flash in the pan.
The vibe around this team has completely shifted. With their slugger back in the fold and a critical sweep under their belts, the Reds head into the Ohio Cup with a swagger we haven't seen in weeks. Can they keep the momentum rolling against a tough Guardians team? This week will tell us a lot about what the 2025 Reds are truly made of.
