Will Benson hit a tie-breaking, two-run homer in the seventh inning, powering the Cincinnati Reds to a 3-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Friday.
The game was a scoreless duel until the sixth inning, when Cincinnati broke through. Benson initiated the rally with a single and promptly stole second base, setting the stage for Matt McLain, who delivered an RBI single.
In the seventh, Benson came to the plate with two outs and hit a 356-foot shot to left field off lefty Dylan Dodd for a 3-0 lead. It was Benson’s ninth multi-run home run of the year.
Reds starter Brady Singer (9-8) delivered a dominant performance to earn his first career victory against the Braves. Over six scoreless innings, Singer recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts while allowing just four hits and a walk. He navigated his most significant threat in the second inning, escaping a bases-loaded jam unscathed. The Reds bullpen added scoreless frames from Scott Barlow and Tony Santillan, who made his major league-leading 55th appearance.
For the Braves, starter Bryce Elder (4-8) pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run on four hits in a strong but losing effort. Atlanta’s offense struggled to capitalize on opportunities, with Austin Riley striking out four times and leaving three runners on base.
The Braves mounted a late rally in the ninth inning. An RBI single from Ozzie Albies and a sacrifice fly by Luke Williams cut the deficit to one run, but Emilio Pagan closed out the game to secure his 23rd save.
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