Reds Rally for Walk-Off Win to Clinch Padres Series

The Cincinnati Reds secured a thrilling 3-2 walk-off victory against the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park, clinching the series 2-1. Will Benson was the hero with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the ninth, completing a comeback against Padres closer Robert Suarez, who had led MLB in saves. Elly De La Cruz sparked the rally by reaching on a third baseman's error and scoring the tying run, while Spencer Steer extended his hitting streak with a key RBI single. Reds starter Nick Lodolo battled through early trouble to keep the game close, striking out five despite control struggles. The win marked Cincinnati's sixth series victory in their last seven, pushing their record to 44-40 and demonstrating a return to the resilient, late-inning rally style seen in 2023. Benson's standout performance, including his first three-hit game since May 18, may signal an upswing after a recent slump.