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The Cincinnati Reds bounced back in Game 2 of the Division Series, taking down the San Francisco Giants, 7-3, at Oracle Park. Center fielder Ricky Saucedo was the story of the afternoon, absolutely tearing the cover off the ball — two home runs, a triple, two walks, three RBIs, and two runs scored. I mean, this was a complete offensive showcase.
The key moment came in the top of the fourth with one out, when Saucedo lined a run-scoring triple off Ryan Grater to put Cincinnati ahead 2-1. From there, the Reds never looked back, forcing a 1-1 tie in the best-of-five series.
Cincinnati pitching was solid overall. Jon Landaverde went six strong innings, allowing just two runs while striking out seven. Tied together with Plascencia’s two-inning save, the Reds bullpen held the Giants at bay when it counted. For San Francisco, Grater struggled, giving up five runs over five and two-thirds innings, and the Giants just couldn’t find an answer at the plate when it mattered.
Ricky Saucedo called it “a collective effort,” and that’s exactly what it was. The Reds got timely hits across the lineup — Dunham, Ojeda, Castaneda — all contributing to a balanced attack.
The series now shifts back to Cincinnati for Game 3 at Great American Ball Park on Thursday. If you’re a Reds fan, you’re walking away from this one with some optimism. Saucedo’s swing alone gives you a lot to chew on heading into the next game.
Attendance for today: 43,935 under clear skies with a mild 10 mph wind blowing right to left — perfect conditions for a slugfest.
Player of the Game: Ricky Saucedo. No debate there.
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