Mar 29, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez (28) reacts after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

Reds Get Late Heroics From Eugenio Suárez to Edge Red Sox

Originally posted on Cincinnati Reds on SI
By Kyle Clements | Last updated Mar 29, 2026 5:40 PM ET

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-2 on Sunday afternoon at Great American Ballpark. With the win, the Reds improved to 2-1 while winning the series over the Red Sox.

Rhett Lowder puts Together Productive Outing

Rhett Lowder’s return took the headlines from the game. His first start since 2024 was promising, as he was able to work through five innings while scattering three hits, allowing two earned runs, walking two, and striking out five. Reds fans will hope Lowder can find his 2024 form, when he finished his six starts with a 1.17 ERA.

Eugenio Suarez Hits Clutch Home Run

Newcomer Eugenio Suarez got Great American Ballpark on their feet as he drilled a three-run home run into the upper deck of left field on an 0-2 count to give the Reds a 3-2 lead. Suarez finished 1-3 in the game. Suarez started slow in his return to Cincinnati in their opening series, going 0-4 on opening day and 1-5 in game two against the Red Sox.

Suarez Praises Reds' Fans for Their Support

Suarez spoke with the media on the field after the game and praised Reds fans for their ovation for him on opening day.

“I mean, obviously, it's great to hit the first one coming back. I give a lot of credit to my coaches; they made me adjust, and I got out front and hit the homer and gave us the lead. It's big to win the first series; it means a lot. We play really good baseball here, and a win against one of the strongest teams is awesome. The fans supported me all three days and it was beautiful to see the ovation for me on opening day.”

Elly De La Cruz continued to struggle in the win, as he flied out to center field in his first AB, and followed it up with three consecutive strikeouts. Reds third baseman Sal Stewart had a nice outing, working two walks and collecting a single and a double.

The Reds' bullpen came up big for Cincinnati. Right-handed pitcher Tony Santillan was able to work effectively, striking out two while the Red Sox had runners on the corners, before Emilio Pagan came into the game in the ninth inning and was able to get Trevor Story to fly out to center field for the final out.

The Reds will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday.

This article first appeared on Cincinnati Reds on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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