Cincinnati Edges Atlanta 3-2 Behind Will Benson’s Late Homer and Singer’s Gem
In a tightly contested baseball showdown at Great American Ball Park on Friday evening, the Cincinnati Reds edged the Atlanta Braves 3-2 in a game that saw its most pivotal moments unfold in the later innings. The hero of the day for Cincinnati was none other than outfielder Will Benson, who launched a go-ahead home run deep into the left-field stands in the seventh inning. That blast was his ninth multi-run homer of the season and came at a decisive moment that shifted the momentum irreversibly in the Reds’ favor.
Brady Singer delivered one of his best performances of the year, matching his electric fastball with precise off-speed pitches to keep Atlanta’s potent lineup in check through six scoreless innings. He fanned a season-high 10 batters and worked his way out of a couple of tense situations to secure the win. This was especially significant as it marked his first career victory over the Braves after three previous unsuccessful attempts.
The loss went to Braves starter Bryce Elder, who despite putting together a solid outing—going 6 2/3 innings with only one run allowed on four hits—couldn’t prevent the Reds from breaking through in the middle innings. His command was solid, issuing just two walks, but it wasn’t enough to outduel Singer or contain Benson’s timely power.
How the Game Unfolded: A Pitcher’s Duel Gives Way to Late Drama
The game began as a classic pitching duel, with both teams held scoreless through the early innings. Brady Singer showcased his full repertoire of pitches from the start, working effectively in and out of the strike zone to keep Braves hitters off balance. Singer’s fastball command was sharp, and he mixed in his slider and changeup efficiently to avoid predictability. His ability to navigate the Braves lineup—a unit known for its explosive offense—was on full display, especially when he maneuvered out of a bases-loaded situation in the second inning that could’ve easily unraveled into a multi-run frame for Atlanta.
That second-inning jam proved to be a turning point early in the game. The Braves loaded the bases with one out, applying serious pressure on the right-handed starter. But Singer didn’t flinch. He induced a key strikeout followed by a weak groundout to keep the game tied at zero, a moment that foreshadowed his dominance for the rest of the night.
For his part, Bryce Elder did his job as well. He wasn’t overpowering but was efficient. He painted the corners and utilized his sinker and cutter to generate soft contact. He kept Cincinnati off the scoreboard through the first five innings, even though the Reds had some traffic on the basepaths. It was in the sixth that the Reds finally broke through.
Breaking the Tie: McLain and Benson Ignite the Reds’ Offense
The sixth inning was where the game finally saw its first scoring action. Will Benson ignited the Reds’ offense with a well-placed single. Displaying the kind of aggressiveness and hustle that has made him a spark plug in the Reds lineup, Benson swiped second base, showcasing not only his speed but also his awareness on the basepaths. That stolen base would prove to be crucial just moments later.
With Benson in scoring position, Matt McLain came through with a clutch single that sent Benson racing home, finally breaking the scoreless deadlock. McLain’s RBI gave the Reds a 1-0 lead and the fans a reason to come alive. It was a reward for persistence and smart baserunning, and a sign that the Reds were starting to seize the momentum.
Elder, who had pitched admirably until that point, was showing signs of fatigue as the Reds lineup adjusted to his rhythm. The seventh inning would be his final frame, and that’s when things unraveled further for Atlanta.
Benson’s Big Blast Shifts Momentum
In the seventh, Reds manager Terry Francona made a strategic decision that would prove to be game-defining. With two outs and a left-handed pitcher, Dylan Dodd, on the mound, he opted not to pinch-hit for the left-handed batting Benson. It was a calculated risk—after all, lefty hitters had enjoyed decent success against Dodd this season, coming into the game batting .292 against him. Francona’s trust in Benson paid immediate dividends.
With the count in his favor and two outs on the board, Benson unleashed a powerful swing that sent the ball soaring 356 feet into the left-field stands. It was not only a no-doubt home run, but it was also his ninth homer of the season with at least one runner on base. The two-run blast put the Reds up 3-0, a lead that looked comfortable considering how dominant their pitching had been.
Cincinnati’s Bullpen Holds Until the Ninth
With the lead in hand, the Reds handed the ball to their bullpen to shut the door on the Braves. Scott Barlow came in and delivered a clean seventh inning, picking up where Singer left off. In the eighth, Tony Santillan took over and maintained the pressure. His outing was notable for being his 55th appearance of the season—more than any other pitcher in Major League Baseball thus far in 2025. His consistency and durability have become a key asset for Cincinnati this season, and Friday night was no different. He kept the Braves at bay and handed the ball to Emilio Pagan for the ninth.
Pagan, looking to close things out and notch his 23rd save in 26 opportunities, faced a Braves team that was desperate to rally. The Braves didn’t go quietly. Ozzie Albies drove in a run with a base hit, making it a 3-1 game and giving Atlanta a glimmer of hope. Luke Williams followed that up with a sacrifice fly to bring in another run, trimming the Reds’ lead to just one.
But Pagan remained composed and got the final outs he needed, sealing the 3-2 victory for Cincinnati. It was a dramatic finish, but one that ultimately landed in the Reds’ favor.
Notable Performances and Key Stats
Will Benson – The offensive star of the night, Benson not only provided the game-winning home run but also contributed in the sixth with a single and stolen base that set up the Reds’ first run. His power against left-handed pitchers remains notable: in just 17 at-bats against southpaws this year, he has two home runs. His production in key moments is making him one of the more dangerous utility bats in Cincinnati’s arsenal.
Brady Singer – With a stat line that included six innings of shutout baseball, just four hits allowed, one walk, and a career-high 10 strikeouts, Singer turned in a masterclass against a Braves lineup that rarely gets shut down. He escaped early trouble in the second inning and got stronger as the game went on. This was his ninth win of the year, moving his season record to 9-8.
Emilio Pagan – Despite giving up two runs in the ninth, Pagan managed to collect his 23rd save of the season. His ability to refocus and get the final outs under pressure proved vital, especially after the Braves narrowed the gap to one run late.
Bryce Elder – The losing pitcher on record, Elder gave the Braves a solid chance to win, tossing 6 2/3 innings with just one earned run allowed. However, the lack of run support and a well-timed home run by Benson proved to be the difference.
Austin Riley – One of the more disappointing outings for the Braves came from Riley, who struck out four times and left three runners on base. In a close game, those missed opportunities loomed large.
Looking Ahead: MLB’s Speedway Classic Debut
Up next, both teams are set to take part in a historic event—the first-ever Major League Baseball game held in Tennessee as part of the MLB Speedway Classic. Chase Burns, still searching for his first major league win with a record of 0-3 and an ERA of 6.26, will take the mound for Cincinnati. He’ll be opposed by Atlanta’s Spencer Strider, who brings a more respectable 5-8 record and 3.71 ERA into the game.
The Speedway Classic is expected to be a marquee event for MLB as the league continues its efforts to expand the game to new audiences and venues. The outdoor venue, situated inside a repurposed motor racing complex, will offer a unique experience for fans and players alike.
Final Thoughts: Reds Continue to Push Forward
With the victory, the Reds showed once again that they are not to be taken lightly, even against one of the more established powerhouses in the National League. Their pitching staff delivered when it mattered most, and players like Will Benson stepped up in key moments. This was a game defined by execution, timely hitting, and clutch pitching—qualities that playoff-bound teams often embody.
As the Reds continue their push toward October, wins like Friday night’s gritty 3-2 affair will be remembered as foundational pieces of a season filled with both development and competitive fire.
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