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I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Will Benson Takes A Lefty Deep Emilio Pagan Toughs Out A Save

 

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Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

Will Benson hit his ninth home run with a man on of the season off left handed pitcher Dylan Dodd to power the Reds to a 3-2 win over the Braves.

Left handed batters were hitting .292 against Dodd coming into the game with two outs in the seventh. Terry Francona elected to let Benson face him. He sent Austin Hays to hit for Gavin Lux against Dodd in the eighth.

"He hit that ball in traffic. I'm thrilled he did," Francona said.

Matt McLain singled to score Benson to break a scoreless tie in the sixth inning. Benson singled and stole second to set up the run.

Brady Singer (9-8) struck out a season-high 10 batters in six scoreless innings. He allowed four hits and a walk. It was his first career win over the Braves in four decisions.

"I told Chase Burns that I could do it too," Singer joked. Burns is on a current streak of three games with 10 strikeouts.

Bryce Elder (4-8) pitched 6 ⅔ innings, allowing one run on four hits and two walks.

Scott Barlow pitched a scoreless seventh. 

Tony Santillan appeared in his major league leading 55th appearance in a scoreless eighth.

Emilio Pagan entered seeking his 23rd save in 26 chances. The Braves put the tying run on base with no outs. Ozzie Albies singled a run home.  Eli White struck out but Luke Williams hit a sacrifice fly but Jurickson Profar grounded out to end the game

Pagan retired all three batters in the 10th inning but picked up the loss in the 12-11 Braves victory on Thursday.

Austin Riley struck out four times leaving three runners on base.

Key moment

Singer pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning.

Key stat

Benson has two hits, both home runs against left handed pitchers in 17 at bats.


Up next

Chase Burns (0-3, 6.26) will face Spencer Strider (5-8, 3.71) in the first ever game in the state of Tennessee in the first MLB Speedway Classic.