CINCINNATI — Gavin Sheets delivered a crucial three-run home run in the seventh inning, leading the San Diego Padres to a 6-4 comeback win against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday. This Gavin Sheets game-winning homer came the day after the Padres were held hitless for eight innings in a heavy defeat.

Padres Offense Revives with Key Hits from Sheets and Cronenworth

The Padres offense, struggling the previous night, reawakened against Cincinnati’s bullpen. Jake Cronenworth ignited the rally with a two-run homer off Scott Barlow in the sixth inning, cutting the Reds’ lead to 4-3. Sheets followed in the seventh, blasting a 422-foot home run to right-center field off Lyon Richardson to extend the Padres’ lead to 6-4.

Sheets contributed throughout the game, finishing 3-for-5 with two doubles and showing his defensive skill with a diving catch to prevent a run in the fifth inning against a liner from Rece Hinds.

Pitching Performances Highlight Both Teams’ Efforts

Padres reliever Bryan Hoeing earned the win by pitching five effective innings after starter Randy Vasquez’s outing. Robert Suarez closed the game in the ninth, striking out Spencer Steer—with three homers in the prior game—while protecting his 23rd save of the season.

For the Reds, Andrew Abbott pitched well over five innings, leaving the game with a 4-1 lead before giving up a homer to Luis Arraez in the fifth. Abbott threw 102 pitches and lowered his earned run average to 1.79, potentially the lowest in the National League if qualifying innings are met, as he has logged 80⅓ innings in 14 starts.

Moment of Silence Honors Late Hall of Famer Dave Parker

Before the game, the Reds held a moment of silence to remember Hall of Famer Dave Parker, who died at age 74. A Cincinnati native and former Reds player for four seasons, Parker’s passing was acknowledged by the team and fans alike.

Series Finale Scheduled with Kolek and Lodolo on the Mound

As the two teams prepare to conclude the series on Sunday, Padres right-hander Stephen Kolek (3-3, 3.95 ERA) will face off against Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (5-5, 3.63 ERA). This matchup will be another chance to see if the Padres can maintain momentum following their comeback victory fueled by the Gavin Sheets game-winning homer.

Impact and Outlook for Padres and Reds

The Padres’ resurgence, highlighted by Sheets and Cronenworth’s timely power hits, ended their recent offensive drought and renewed hope for the team’s run production. Meanwhile, Abbott’s strong pitching underscores the Reds’ competitive potential despite the loss. The series finale presents an opportunity to assess which team will carry forward this momentum in the National League standings.