In a thrilling comeback, the Cincinnati Reds surged past the Boston Red Sox with an 8-4 victory on Wednesday evening, thanks largely to Christian Encarnacion-Strand’s impactful performance. Encarnacion-Strand electrified the game by hitting his inaugural grand slam during a pivotal five-run seventh inning, helping the Reds overturn their fortunes. Elly De La Cruz, TJ Friedl, and Santiago Espinal further contributed with key RBIs, ensuring Cincinnati’s win.
Nick Martinez played a significant role for the Reds, delivering 6 2/3 innings on the mound. Although he allowed four runs from nine hits, his efforts were instrumental in preventing a series sweep by the Red Sox. For Boston, Wilyer Abreu showcased his power with a two-run homer, while Romy Gonzalez drove in two additional runs, including a crucial double in the seventh inning that narrowed Boston’s deficit to 5-4.
Boston’s pitching strategy initially seemed solid; Brennan Bernardino started with 1 1/3 innings before handing over to Jorge Alcala and Chris Murphy. This trio effectively stifled Cincinnati for 5 2/3 innings, allowing just three hits. However, the game took a dramatic turn with Greg Weissert on the mound, particularly in the seventh inning.
Weissert, who had successfully concluded the sixth inning, struggled when Stephenson sparked the Reds with a single. This was quickly followed by Rece Hinds reaching base on a fielder’s choice and Gavin Lux walking, setting the stage for Encarnacion-Strand’s grand slam. The inning unraveled for Weissert as he ended up conceding five runs off four hits.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Red Sox had clinched a 5-3 victory in a game continued from Tuesday, suspended due to rain. Abreu’s tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth was pivotal to that win. A standout moment from Wednesday featured Abreu capitalizing on a changeup from Martinez in the sixth inning, propelling the ball over the right-field wall, an act that avenged Hinds’ stunning catch from the fifth inning that denied Jarren Duran an extra-base hit.
Statistically notable was Encarnacion-Strand’s grand slam, marking the sixth for Cincinnati this season, a figure that demonstrates their deep batting prowess.
Looking ahead, the Reds are set to start LHP Andrew Abbott, who boasts a 7-1 record with a 1.79 ERA, as they begin a three-game face-off against Philadelphia on Friday. On the Red Sox side, RHP Lucas Giolito, with a 4-1 record and a 3.99 ERA, will take the mound against Washington, signaling another exciting chapter in the MLB season.