Reds Walk Off Dodgers in Wild Spring Slugfest

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds turned a spring training matchup into something closer to a home run derby, combining for 27 runs and 26 hits before Cincinnati finally walked it off for a 14–13 victory.

The Reds struck early in the first inning, launching a pair of home runs to jump out to a quick 4–1 lead. One of the biggest blasts of the afternoon came off the bat of Elly De La Cruz, who crushed a Cole Irvin changeup 438 feet over the center-field wall.

The Dodgers answered right back. In the third inning, Max Muncy delivered a towering 440-foot shot to center field, highlighting a three-homer inning that pulled Los Angeles right back into the game.

The power surge continued in the fourth when Santiago Espinal launched a three-run homer to give the Dodgers an 8–6 lead.

Los Angeles battled through the back-and-forth slugfest and carried a 12–10 advantage into the ninth inning. A solo homer by Nick Senzel in the top half gave the Dodgers a little breathing room — but it wouldn’t be enough.

In the bottom of the ninth, Dodgers reliever Jordan Weems ran into trouble, walking the first two hitters before allowing an RBI double to Hector Rodriguez. With two runners still aboard, Rece Hinds drove an 85-mph slider 358 feet over the left-field wall, sealing the Reds’ dramatic walk-off win.

Today’s Notes

Before the game, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said it was becoming hard to envision a scenario where Santiago Espinal wouldn’t make the Opening Day roster. Espinal responded with a statement performance — 2-for-2 with two home runs, two sacrifice flies, six RBIs, and two runs scored — a day that certainly strengthened his case.

Meanwhile, Noah Miller had a quiet but productive day, driving in two runs while going 1-for-4 at the plate.

It was also encouraging to see Max Muncy connect for his towering homer. A healthy Muncy can change the dynamic of the Dodgers lineup.

Alex Call also turned in a strong showing, finishing 2-for-2 with three runs scored and an RBI — the kind of depth performance that can prove valuable over the course of a championship season.