Cincinnati Reds Heating Up? Won the series vs Giants. Are Will Benson and Noelvi Marte enough help?

Off The Bench by Chatterbox Sports

The Cincinnati Reds have been on fire lately, showcasing their potential with a thrilling series win against the San Francisco Giants in April 2025. This recent success has fans buzzing and highlights the team’s growing strength under new manager Terry Francona. The Reds’ pitching staff, led by standout performances from Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, has been the backbone of their resurgence. Greene delivered a near-complete game shutout, striking out seven and allowing just four hits, while Lodolo followed with six scoreless innings, stifling the Giants’ offense. These dominant outings snapped San Francisco’s seven-game winning streak and secured Cincinnati’s first series victory of the season. Offensively, the Reds have shown flashes of brilliance, with key contributions from players like Blake Dunn, whose two-run double broke a scoreless tie, and Elly De La Cruz, whose speed and bat continue to electrify. Despite some inconsistency at the plate, the team’s ability to capitalize on critical moments has been a game-changer. The Reds’ young core, blending athleticism and power, is starting to gel, and their aggressive base running has kept opponents on edge. Defensively, Cincinnati has tightened up, with slick plays from Matt McLain and De La Cruz turning heads. This series win at Oracle Park wasn’t just a statement—it was a glimpse of what this Reds squad can achieve when clicking on all cylinders. While the Giants took two of three in their earlier meeting at Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati flipped the script on the road, proving they can hang with top competition. With Francona’s leadership and a talented roster coming into its own, the Reds are building momentum. If they maintain this pitching dominance and find more offensive consistency, they could be a force in the NL Central all season long.