🧢 Reds 3 – Guardians 1 (May 18, 2025 • Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH)
🔥 Key Performers
- Will Benson: Solo homer in the first—one of two solo shots that did the damage. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Rece Hinds: Another solo blast in the 5th to extend the lead. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Slade Cecconi: Allowed three runs over five innings with eight strikeouts in debut. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Brent Suter: Cubs? No, Reds opener – three shutout innings that set the tone. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
📝 Game Summary
Cincinnati struck first with Will Benson’s first-inning solo homer. Rece Hinds doubled up the lead in the 5th with his own solo shot. Cleveland’s offense struggled against bullpen arms–Cecconi gave them a solid five innings, but the two-run deficit was too much to overcome. Guardians threatened at times but ultimately couldn’t push a go-ahead run across. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
📊 Notable Stats
- Reds combined for two solo home runs and nothing more—efficient but effective. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Slade Cecconi struck out 8 with zero walks—impressive electric debut despite loss. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Cleveland went 1-for-9 with RISP—left too many opportunities on the basepaths. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
🎬 Watch the Highlights
📅 Next Game
The Guardians head back home for a weekend series against Detroit:
Saturday, May 18 at 1:10 PM ET
Probable Pitchers: Gavin Williams (CLE) vs. Tarik Skubal (DET)