Bleday, Brito, Rodriguez lead Reds 7-run surge over Padres

Offensive Explosion Defines Victory

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the San Diego Padres 7-3 at Great American Ball Park on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, powered by a three-homer performance and a seven-run rally that shifted the momentum decisively. The Reds (67-73) capitalized on early mistakes by the Padres (73-67), turning a two-run deficit into a comfortable lead before the game concluded.

Game Progression

San Diego struck first in the top of the first inning. Juan Soto homered to left field, driving in Fernando Tatis Jr. for a 2-0 lead. The Padres added an insurance run in the second inning when Tatis Jr. singled to left, allowing Eric Lauer to score, making it 3-0.

Cincinnati answered immediately in the bottom of the second. Jhony Brito launched a three-run homer to right field, erasing the deficit and tying the game at 3-3. Moments later, Luis Rengifo hit a solo home run to right center, giving the Reds a 4-3 lead.

The hosts continued their assault in the sixth inning. Zac McKinstry sacrificed fly to right, scoring Nick Martinez and moving Alex Verdugo to third. The final blow came in the seventh when Martinez homered to right, driving in Nick Castellanos to extend the lead to 7-3.

Pitching Performance

Brandon Williamson earned the win, pitching 5.1 innings while allowing seven hits and three earned runs. He walked two batters and struck out five. The losing decision fell to Casey Mize, who lasted four innings, surrendering five hits and four earned runs with one walk and four strikeouts.

The Reds bullpen, led by Pierce Johnson, Tejay Antone, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagan, combined to pitch 3.2 scoreless innings, securing the victory. Attendance at the ballpark was 14,632.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816775