Great American Ballpark- Cincinnati, Ohio

The San Diego Padres only hit .123 (7-for-57) as a team over their last two games coming into Saturday’s game against the Reds.

It took a few innings, but the Padres’ offense came alive in a 6-4 win over Cincinnati, their 20th comeback victory.

The Reds celebrated the 1975-76 Big Red Machine teams before the game on Saturday.

A thoughtful ceremony took place prior to the first pitch on the field. As the ceremony closed, there was a sad announcement made over the loudspeaker and video board that Cincinnati native Dave Parker had passed away. Per his wife’s request, the announcement was made public to the crowd that filled the stadium. It was a sad moment. Parker will be inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame next month.

In a genuine baseball moment, a lot of San Diego Padres players trickled onto the field before the game to talk to some of the baseball greats who were on hand as their ceremony closed. Manny Machado and Luis Arraez, among others, were observed talking baseball with several players on the 1975-76 Reds team. Showing great respect for the game benefited the Padres on Saturday, as the baseball gods looked favorable on them.

Early in the game, the strike zone seemed to be on the Padres’ side. However, Miguel Diaz still gave up four runs in 4 1/3 innings of work. It took Vazquez 94 pitches to get one out in the fifth inning as he left with the Padres down 3-0.

Saturday’s contest saw the same issues early on with the bats, but once the Reds’ starter, Andrew Abbot, was removed, the bats came alive. Abbott clearly did not have his best stuff in the game as he worked in and out of trouble, inflating his pitch count. The Padres could just not get the timely hit off him.

The lefty was removed after 102 pitches. Luis Arraez homered for the fourth time on the year, giving Abbott his one earned run in the game. He left the game after five innings with the lead, but his bullpen imploded. “We took good at-bats and made him work,” Mike Shildt said after the game.

Scott Barlow and Lyon Richardson coughed up five earned runs in 1 2/3 innings pitched, and the previously celebratory Reds’ crowd was left quiet. Jake Cronenworth and Gavin Sheets homered to give the Padres the lead late in the game. “It is not a bad place to hit,” Sheets said with a smile after the game.

Gavin Sheets, for the lead! pic.twitter.com/RldhltMk1h

— MLB (@MLB) June 28, 2025

Several players from the 1975-76 Championship teams were in attendance, including Johnny Bench, to see the bullpen blow a game for Cincinnati.

Gavin Sheets slugged the go-ahead homer and also made a diving catch in left to save the Padres. The team would be in a world of hurt if it weren’t for this big left-handed hitter and the contributions he has made in 2025. “That was a fun one. A huge game for us after last night,” Sheets said after the game.

Robert Suarez came on and recorded his 23rd save of the season. He made it exciting, striking out Spencer Steer, who represented the winning run to end the game.

The Padres will look to gain the series win on Sunday.

Stephen Kolek (3-3, 3.95 ERA) will battle Nick Lodolo (5-5, 3.63 ERA) and the Reds in the final game of the series.

The first pitch is scheduled for 10:40 a.m. Pacific time.

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. James has written about the Padres and their prospects for over a decade. He also writes about San Diego State as well as other local sports. James is the Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.