Emilio Pagán, the Cincinnati Reds closer, can’t help but be amazed by his teammate Will Benson’s recent performance. Benson smashed two homers, bringing in all three runs in the Reds’ 3-1 triumph over the Cleveland Guardians, his former team. Ever since his call-up from Triple-A Louisville on May 9, Benson has been on fire, going 11-for-26 with five home runs in just eight games, hitting homers in each of the last four games. While everyone, including Pagán and the rest of the team, is in awe of the 26-year-old’s accomplishments, Benson himself remains unfazed. He quickly acknowledges his successful moments but swiftly shifts his focus to the next play, next at-bat, always looking ahead and not dwelling on the past.
Not really sure why this matters, but in a series overshadowed by the struggling Reds and manager Terry Francona’s return to face his former team, it was Benson who stole the spotlight. Francona praised Benson’s hard work and noted his unwavering confidence at the plate. Benson’s impressive performance wasn’t just a fluke as he consistently capitalizes on off-speed pitches on the inside part of the plate. The game-changing moment came in the fourth inning when Benson faced off against Guardians’ starter Luis L. Ortiz. After a few pitches, Benson found his pitch and sent it flying over the right field fence, giving the Reds a 2-0 lead. Benson continued his dominance in the sixth inning, facing reliever Hunter Gaddis and adding another hit to his impressive streak.
In a week filled with ups and downs for the Reds, their first-year hitting coach Chris Valaika reminded the team of the importance of consistency at the plate. With the team struggling to score runs, Valaika emphasized the need to trust each other and focus on the task at hand. The message may not have been groundbreaking, but it served as a timely reminder for the Reds, reminiscent of a similar pep talk in 2023 that sparked a winning streak. As the Reds head into a new week, they look to carry the momentum from their recent victories into upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs.
As for Reds starter Andrew Abbott, he showcased his first-inning mastery by shutting down the Guardians despite early challenges. Abbott’s ability to escape sticky situations and keep his ERA low has been a key factor in the Reds’ success. His impressive streak of not allowing hits in the first inning matches a record set by Jim Maloney, highlighting Abbott’s consistency on the mound. With injuries plaguing some key players, including Hunter Greene and Jeimer Candelario, the Reds are relying on their depth to weather the storm. Minor league standouts like Jake Rogers and Sal Stewart are making their mark, showing promise for the Reds’ future.
Maybe it’s just me, but the Reds seem to be finding their stride at the right time, with players like Benson and Abbott stepping up when it matters most. As they face challenges on and off the field, the Reds are leaning on their resilience and teamwork to push through adversity. With a mix of experience and youthful energy, the Reds are poised for success in the weeks to come. So, as the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Cincinnati as they look to make a statement in the competitive NL Central division.
