Spencer Steer emphasized the Reds’ relentless mindset following their 9-6 comeback win over the Phillies, fueled by a surging offense.
On July 4 at Citizens Bank Park, Cincinnati erased an early deficit with a steady offensive push and dependable bullpen performance. After falling behind 3-0 in the first inning, the Reds answered with runs in four straight frames to seize control.
Starter Andrew Abbott, who had gone 14 consecutive starts without allowing a first-inning run, struggled in this outing, giving up nine hits and four earned runs in just 3.1 innings. A two-run homer from Nick Castellanos added to the early hole. But the Reds didn’t flinch, and Steer played a pivotal role in the rally.
Steer reached base four times, going 2-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs, and two runs scored. His two-run double in the third put the Reds ahead 5-3. Over his past 14 games, Steer is hitting .408 (22-for-52) with five homers and 15 RBIs, boosting his season line to a .256 average, 10 homers, 37 RBIs, and a .726 OPS in 319 plate appearances.
“When we fall behind early, we know there’s still a lot of game left,” Steer said. “Offensively, we’re clicking right now — we’re having quality at-bats, putting pressure on teams, and when we do that, we’re hard to beat.”
The Reds finished the night batting .314 (11-for-35) as a team, drew five walks, and went 6-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Elly De La Cruz had two hits and drove in two runs, Austin Hays and TJ Friedl each contributed a pair of hits, and Will Benson chipped in with a pinch-hit RBI single. Returning from injury, Noelvi Marte added a sacrifice fly and a key defensive play.
De La Cruz also shined in the field, helping turn a rare 1-6-2 double play in the fourth to halt a Phillies rally.
The bullpen carried the rest of the load, throwing 5.2 innings and giving up just two runs. Sam Moll earned the win with a quick six-pitch, four-out appearance. Taylor Rogers allowed a two-run double to Kyle Schwarber but rebounded to strike out Bryce Harper. Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagan closed out the final two innings scorelessly.
The win kept Cincinnati in the hunt for the final National League Wild Card spot, trailing the Padres, Giants, and Cardinals by just one game.
