CINCINNATI — In a thrilling final game of their series, Matt McLain’s two-run homer in the seventh inning secured a victory for the Cincinnati Reds, as they defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-2 on Sunday, completing a sweep of the three-game matchup.
Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Jose Trevino also added to the Reds’ (33-33) firepower with home runs, helping the team reach a .500 record for the first time since May 30.
For the Diamondbacks (31-34), Eugenio Suárez hit a home run to center field against his former team in the second inning, while Corbin Carroll contributed an RBI single in the third.
Brady Singer started on the mound for the Reds, pitching five innings. He conceded two runs on five hits, while striking out three and walking another three, leaving the game tied at 2-2.
Taylor Rogers (2-2) secured the win for Cincinnati by delivering two hitless innings, while Tony Santillan closed the game with a scoreless ninth, achieving his second save.
Zac Gallen (4-8), pitching for Arizona, allowed four runs on six hits over 6 2/3 innings. He struck out five and walked three.
The turning point in the game came after Jake Fraley hit a two-out single in the seventh. McLain responded with his seventh home run of the season, driving the ball over the left-field seats, effectively ending Gallen’s time on the mound.
Throughout the series, Encarnacion-Strand’s performance was notable, as he homered in each of the three games since returning from the injured list after being sidelined since April 17 with a lower back strain.
Looking ahead, the Diamondbacks are set to host the Seattle Mariners in a three-game series, starting Monday night, with Merrill Kelly (6-2, 3.43 ERA) facing Mariners’ Emerson Hancock (2-2, 5.19 ERA). Meanwhile, the Reds are traveling to Cleveland to face the Guardians. Left-handed pitcher Wade Miley (0-0, 18.00 ERA) will oppose right-hander Luis Ortiz (3-6, 4.02 ERA) in the opening game of their series on Monday night.