CINCINNATI (AP) — In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday night, Jose Trevino emerged as the hero for the Cincinnati Reds, driving in the decisive run with a bases-loaded single in the eighth inning, leading the team to a 4-3 victory over the San Diego Padres.
The win is particularly significant for the Reds as they continue to vie for a spot in the postseason. San Diego entered the game with a narrow half-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for the third and final wild-card position in the National League. The Diamondbacks were set to face the Philadelphia Phillies later that evening, adding extra pressure to the Padres' performance.
With the score tied at 2 in the eighth inning, the Reds capitalized on a critical moment. After loading the bases with only one out against Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon (9-3), Trevino delivered a sharp single to center field, allowing Elly De La Cruz to score and giving Cincinnati the lead. Following Trevino's clutch hit, Juan Brito added to the Reds' advantage with a sacrifice fly, extending the lead to 4-2.
Despite a late surge from the Padres, who saw Fernando Tatis Jr. hit his second home run of the night in the ninth inning, Reds closer Emilio Pagán managed to secure his 20th save of the season. Pagán allowed a solo shot to Tatis but held firm to preserve the victory.
Brock Burke (6-5) was credited with the win for Cincinnati, showcasing a solid performance out of the bullpen. The Reds' starting pitcher, Nick Lodolo, also had a commendable outing, allowing two earned runs and five hits over six innings, striking out five while tying his season high with 100 pitches.
For the Padres, the game began on a promising note as Samad Taylor tripled and later scored on Manny Machado's sacrifice fly, giving San Diego an early 1-0 lead in the first inning. However, the Reds quickly responded, tying the game when Hector Rodriguez doubled and scored on a single by JJ Bleday.
Tatis put the Padres back in front with his 18th home run in the fifth inning, but the Reds fought back, with Edwin Arroyo doubling and scoring on Rodriguez's single to level the game at 2.
San Diego had multiple opportunities to regain the lead late in the game but failed to capitalize. In the seventh inning, the Padres had runners on first and second with no outs, but Reds pitcher Luis Mey successfully navigated the situation without allowing a run. Later, in the eighth, Jackson Merrill's double with two outs put pressure on the Reds, but Burke struck out Luis Campusano to end the threat.
As the series continues, the Padres will look to bounce back in the finale on Wednesday, with right-hander Casey Mize (5-8, 3.45 ERA) set to face off against Reds left-hander Brandon Williamson (2-3, 6.11 ERA). This matchup will be crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their positions in the playoff race.
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