Reds Score Early And Hang On For The Ohio Cup Lead

 

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Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

The Reds jumped on the Cleveland Guardians starter, Tanner Bibee in the second inning.

Gavin Lux singled and went to third on a double by Spencer Steer. Tyler Stephenson struck out. Will Benson hit his second home run of the season and the second in two days. The Reds continued. Matt McLain singled and moved to second on a groundout. Santiago hit an infield single to second baseman Garbriel Arias. Arias made a desperate throw over the head of Carlos Santana at first base. McLain trotted home.

Benson was sent to the minor leagues in spring training and again after a two game stint in April.

"He was dying for an opportunity. I lot of times when a guy goes down, I don't want to say pouts, it's human nature it's like a kick in the stomach. He probably did the opposite of that. He went and played., Francona said. "He shows up every day ready to play. You're not going to get a hit every night. He is trying to make the most of the opportunity."

Benson broke in with Cleveland in 2022 and was signed by the Reds.

"I looked at it as an opportunity to lock in my routine," said Benson, who has also played good defense. "I'm thankful for the opportunity to play everyday. No, it was any more special about beating them. I've kind of gotten past that revenge. I was joking about that today. I'm having breakfast with Kwan in the morning. We'll have a good laugh."

Austin Hays hit his sixth home run to open the third.

The Guardians fought back against Brady Singer, the Reds starter. Singer faced the minimum of nine batters through the third.

Steven  Kwan walked. With two outs Kyle Manzardo doubled down the right field line. Elly De La Cruz could not hold onto the throw to get Manardo. Santana singled to score two runs. Bo Nay lor hit his sixth home run in the fifth to make it a two-run game. 

Taylor Rogers relieved Singer, who pitched five innings, allwing three runs on three hits and three walks. Singer struck out four.

"I thought he (Singer) had to battle his rear end off," Francona said. "You look historically at their (Guardians) lineup there were a lot of hits against him and a lot of damage. He did a pretty damn good job.

The Reds missed a scoring chance in the sixth. Stephenson missed a home run by a few inches. Kwan played it off the wall and held Stephenson to a single. Benson singled but the Reds failed to add to the lead.

Rogers and Graham Ashcraft pitched scoreless innings. Tony Santillan got the first two outs in the eighth but Jose Ramirez hit his ninth home run to pull Cleveland within a run.

Emilio Pagan earned his 10th save with a perfect ninth inning.