CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati’s Will Benson hit a bases-loaded single off San Diego closer Robert Suarez in the bottom of the ninth inning Sunday to lift the Reds to a 3-2 victory.
Cincinnati’s Elly De La Cruz led off the ninth with an infield single that originally was scored an error by Padres third baseman Tyler Wade.
De La Cruz scored the tying run on a one-out RBI single by Spencer Steer, and after Jose Trevino singled to load the bases, Benson ripped a single down the right-field line for his third hit of the game to score Gavin Lux and lift the Reds to the victory in the rubber match of the three-game series.
It was the third walk-off win of the year for the Reds and the second of their six-game homestand.
It was just the third blown save of the season for Suarez (2-4), who entered the game as MLB’s save leader with 23.
De La Cruz tied the game in the sixth inning with an RBI single, but San Diego reclaimed the lead in the seventh on Jose Iglesias’ RBI fielder’s choice with the bases loaded.
It was a rare late-inning comeback for the Reds, who came into the game with a 1-34 record when trailing after seven innings.
Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagan (1-2) earned the win after working the ninth inning.
San Diego had been 37-2 when leading after eight.
Xander Bogaerts had a homer and two doubles for the Padres.
Key moment
Trailing 1-0 in the sixth inning, Reds reliever Scott Barlow got Manny Machado to foul out with the bases loaded.
Key stat
The Padres stranded 13 runners and went 0 for 13 with runners in scoring position.
Up next
Reds RHP Chase Burns (0-0, 5.40 ERA) opposes Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet (7-4, 2.06). Padres RHP Matt Waldron (0-0, 0.00) will face Phillies RHP Zack Wheeler (7-3, 2.45) in Philadelphia.
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