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Eugenio Suarez delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the season Wednesday, launching a grand slam that helped the Cincinnati Reds complete a stunning 10-9 comeback against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park.
The Giants appeared to be cruising toward their first three-game sweep of the season. San Francisco carried a six-run advantage into the ninth inning, leading 9-3 after building momentum behind Logan Webb, Rafael Devers and Shay Whitcomb. Instead, the Reds erupted for seven runs in the final frame and handed the Giants the worst ninth-inning collapse in franchise history.
Eugenio Suarez Ignites a Historic Ninth-Inning Rally
Cincinnati began its furious comeback with Héctor Rodríguez, who opened the ninth by hitting a solo home run. Spencer Bivens had returned for a second inning of work after throwing a scoreless eighth, but the right-hander quickly ran into trouble.
Bivens surrendered a single and issued two walks after Rodríguez’s homer, loading the bases with no outs. With the Giants’ lead shrinking rapidly, bench coach Jayce Tingler, who was managing after Tony Vitello’s first-inning ejection, turned to right-hander Dylan Smith.
Smith faced Eugenio Suarez with the bases loaded. The pitcher fell behind in the count and delivered a 1-0 fastball that Suarez drove over the left-center-field wall. The grand slam cut Cincinnati’s deficit to 9-8 and completely changed the atmosphere inside the ballpark.
“I didn’t get ahead like I typically do,” Smith said. “Obviously, the home run pitch right there, he got it, man. He took advantage of that pitch. I wish I could have that one back.”
Explosive Finish Puts Reds Ahead
The Reds did not stop after Eugenio Suarez’s game-changing swing. Dane Myers followed with a bunt single and advanced to second when Giants third baseman Buddy Kennedy committed a throwing error. Matt McLain then beat out another bunt single, putting runners at the corners.
Jose Trevino tied the game with a sacrifice fly to right field. Moments later, Tyler Stephenson came off the bench and lined a go-ahead single to left, giving Cincinnati its first lead since the second inning.
The Giants managed to put the potential tying run on base in the bottom of the ninth when Turner Hill reached on a one-out single. Reds closer Emilio Pagán responded by striking out Drew Cavanaugh and Christian Koss to secure the remarkable victory.
- Cincinnati scored seven runs in the top of the ninth.
- Eugenio Suarez hit a grand slam that made the score 9-8.
- Jose Trevino tied the game with a sacrifice fly.
- Tyler Stephenson delivered the go-ahead single.
- Emilio Pagán recorded the final two outs for Cincinnati.
Giants Suffer Unprecedented Collapse
According to MLB.com, San Francisco entered the game with a 2,208-0 record in franchise history when leading by six or more runs entering the ninth inning. That remarkable streak ended in painful fashion as Cincinnati turned a seemingly insurmountable deficit into a 10-9 victory.
The loss was especially difficult because the Giants had controlled most of the game. Webb provided six innings of two-run baseball after struggling in his previous start against the Boston Red Sox. He had been moved up a day to give the club length and help protect a bullpen that covered 13 2/3 innings during the first two games of the series.
Rafael Devers hit his third home run in as many days, a tiebreaking splash hit in the fifth inning. Whitcomb added his first homer as a Giant in the sixth, while Drew Gilbert delivered a pinch-hit, bases-clearing double in the eighth. Those plays helped San Francisco establish a 9-3 lead before the dramatic collapse.
“It’s tough,” Smith said after the defeat. “You want to go out there and perform every time you get the opportunity. Today just wasn’t my day.”
Webb also acknowledged the disappointment of losing a potential sweep. The Giants dropped to 54-79, while their nine losses when leading entering the ninth are now the second-most in the Majors this season. Only the Los Angeles Angels, with 10 such defeats, have lost more games in that situation.
What the Comeback Means for Cincinnati
For the Reds, the victory showcased their resilience and late-inning aggression. The team combined power, speed and small-ball execution, with Rodríguez’s homer, Suarez’s grand slam and a series of bunt singles forcing San Francisco into uncomfortable defensive decisions.
Eugenio Suarez’s blast will stand as the defining moment, but Cincinnati’s complete ninth-inning performance made the comeback possible. The Reds pressured the Giants from the opening at-bat and never allowed San Francisco to regain control.
For the Giants, the challenge now is responding quickly. Webb said the club must show up the next day and try to win, even after one of the most painful defeats in team history. The collapse also puts additional pressure on a pitching staff dealing with injuries to Carson Whisenhunt and Adrian Houser.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Eugenio Suarez do against the Giants?
Eugenio Suarez hit a grand slam in the top of the ninth inning, cutting the Giants’ lead from 9-3 to 9-8 and sparking Cincinnati’s comeback.
What was the final score?
The Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Francisco Giants, 10-9, after scoring seven runs in the ninth inning.
How many runs did the Reds score in the ninth?
Cincinnati scored seven runs in the ninth, turning a six-run deficit into a one-run victory.
Who delivered the go-ahead hit?
Tyler Stephenson delivered a go-ahead single after Jose Trevino tied the game with a sacrifice fly.
