HOUSTON – When the good times are as good as they were with the Reds, nobody wants to jump off the train. At least, second soldier Jonathan India.
It was India’s two-run home run in the top of the first half that set the tone towards the dethronement of the World Series champions. The Reds’ 10-3 victory over the Astros extended their winning streak to seven games and 10 of their last 12. National League Central.
India said, “I saw that early on in spring training. I knew something special was going to happen this year.” “Now we’re just really pushing and adapting. We’re a very good team. People are starting to realize that, I think. We’ve got a lot to show though.”
Cincinnati lost 100 games in 2022 and should have been mired in a rebuilding year in 2023. But the thrilling rush coupled with a weaker division made the playoffs bid more than realistic. Weeks ago, there seemed to be at least one chance of India missing out.
Prior to Elly De La Cruz’s big-league promotion on June 6, speculation was that India might have to switch to third base, first base, or left field—or perhaps even be traded—to make room for De La Cruz immediately. and Matt McClain’s subsequent move to second base.
India hasn’t moved anywhere while being a productive lineup and passionate team captain. De la Cruz has mostly played third base since being called up, and McClain often stayed at shortstop. If India was not at second base in the game, he was the designated batsman.
India said, “They trusted me where I am.” “I’ve been playing good defense. I’ve worked hard to stay at second base. I think they see that. I appreciate that they see that in me, that I can still be their second man and do everything I can. I’m open to changing to A few other positions too but at the moment I’m second in the Reds and it feels really good.”
Against the Astros’ rookie slider Brandon Belak, India quickly made it a 2–0 game in the first inning with a high left push that tied him for the team high on nine.
“We’re playing really well. I think they see that and don’t want to take it apart,” India said of his staying on. “It’s just a special team, all the way through, and we miss the guys. It will be really special when everyone comes back.”
With several players on the injured list about to return – including outfielders Jake Fraley and Will Myers – Will Benson is doing everything he can to keep their roster.
Benson has hit it safe five times on Saturday, including three hits. In his last 17 games since his May 26 call-up from Triple-A Louisville, when Myers went to IL, the left-handed batter has been batting . 383 with each of his last eight games in right field.
Over Benson’s first two major league stints this season, he was 1-for-25 in 10 games.
“I just get chances, and luckily I help the team get the money,” Benson said.
In the top of the fourth inning, Benson drove to left center field. Jake Meyers couldn’t catch a dive on the caution run, enabling Benson to drive to third base with a triple. He scored on Kurt Casale’s solo safety.
Benson added a two-run two-run single in the top of the fifth inning against Phil Mattoon to make it 5–1.
“He’s playing with a lot of faith and confidence for sure, and that goes a long way,” said Reds coach David Bell. “And he should. He’s worked really hard at it. He’s got a great idea at the plate as far as the strike zone. As his confidence grows, he’s more aggressive at the plate. He’s got confidence. He’s got great ability with that. Get on base, use his speed.”
“The hit he had to drive in two runs, I thought was the biggest hit of the day.”
Reds quarterback Hunter Green gave his team a good start with two earned runs and five hits allowed in over six innings with four walks and three strikeouts. Green is 2-0 with a 2.31 ERA over his last four starts.
“We are now showing the world who we are, how we play and what brand we play,” India said. “All I can say is we will keep working. I know we will.”
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