![Reds Claim Victory Over Nationals With Dramatic 9th-Inning Homers From Benson and Encarnacion-Strand 2 urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F9d2Fdd2F9818fff33f8779e1b51bdc92b5f32F3bf5bda53f894e7d95668bbd8ad40439](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/urlhttps3A2F2Fassets.apnews.com2F9d2Fdd2F9818fff33f8779e1b51bdc92b5f32F3bf5bda53f894e7d95668bbd8ad40439.jpeg?w=1170)
In an electrifying Sunday baseball game, the Cincinnati Reds capped off their series with the Washington Nationals with a stunning 6-5 finish, thanks to back-to-back homers from Will Benson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand in the ninth inning.
The tension was palpable as the Reds were lagging at 5-3. With hope waning, Jonathan India hit an almost-salvaging double against Kyle Finnegan (0-1), setting the stage for Benson who then delivered a game-tying homer. Not to be outshone, Encarnacion-Strand followed with a 387-foot drive into the left-field seats, marking his first season hit and granting the Reds a jubilant victory.
Both players reflected on their mindset going into their at-bats. Encarnacion-Strand acknowledged his earlier performance was not up to par but he managed to focus when it mattered most. Meanwhile, Benson was able to size up Finnegan’s delivery thanks to India’s at-bat.
Despite earlier setbacks including two strikeouts and double plays, Encarnacion-Strand’s winning hit was celebrated by manager David Bell for its timeliness and impact under pressure.
Pitcher Lucas Sims (1-0) ensured the Nationals did not add to their score before the Reds’ final offensive push. Nick Martinez also had a noteworthy debut for the Reds, despite allowing some runs.
Notable performances for the Nationals included Trey Lipscomb’s major league premiere homer and CJ Abrams’ consistent showing; however, they weren’t enough to secure a win.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Updates from the Reds’ infirmary included LHP Nick Lodolo’s rehab performance at Triple-A Louisville.
UP NEXT
The Nationals and Reds eye their next matchups with the Pirates and Phillies, respectively, as LHP MacKenzie Gore and LHP Andrew Abbott take the mound for their teams.
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FAQ Section
- Who were the key players in the Reds’ victory?
- Will Benson and Christian Encarnacion-Strand with their consecutive homers, along with pitcher Lucas Sims who kept the Nationals from scoring in the ninth inning.
- What was the significance of Encarnacion-Strand’s home run?
- It marked his first hit of the season and the decisive moment that clinched the game for the Reds.
- How did Nationals’ manager Dave Martinez react to the loss?
- Martinez acknowledged the game’s tough ending despite being happy with the Nationals’ overall performance.
- What’s next for the Cincinnati Reds?
- The Reds are set to face the Philadelphia Phillies with LHP Andrew Abbott starting the opener of the three-game set.
Conclusion
In a display of resilience and grit, the Cincinnati Reds showed that a baseball game is never over until the final out. The back-to-back home runs by Benson and Encarnacion-Strand in the last moments of the game underscore the unpredictable thrill of baseball and highlight the importance of perseverance. Moving forward, both the Reds and the Nationals turn their focus to their upcoming series, ready to build on this experience.