BANG 💥 BANG 💥!! Sal Stewart gives the Reds the lead!!! #reds

Sal Stewart's go-ahead homer versus the Padres delivered a thrilling moment in a tight extra-innings battle on June 9-10, 2026, at Petco Park. The Cincinnati Reds trailed or were tied late against the San Diego Padres in a game that stayed locked at 2-2 into the 10th. In the top of the 11th, with JJ Bleday on base, the 22-year-old rookie first baseman crushed a two-run home run off reliever Yuki Matsui. The 407-foot shot at 106.9 mph and 27° launch angle sailed into the stands, giving the Reds a 5-3 lead they would hold for the win.

Stewart, already enjoying a strong 2026 rookie campaign with double-digit home runs and consistent power (especially to the opposite field), stepped up in a high-leverage spot. The Padres had multiple chances to win earlier, going 3-for-20 with runners in scoring position and leaving the potential winning run on base in the 8th, 9th, and 10th. They couldn't capitalize, and Stewart's blast proved decisive.

This moment highlights Stewart's emergence as a key middle-of-the-order bat for the Reds. The right-handed hitter has shown maturity beyond his years, driving in runs in clutch situations and helping Cincinnati stay competitive in the NL Central. For Padres fans, it was another frustrating extra-inning loss in a season of missed opportunities. Stewart's homer not only secured the victory but added to his growing highlight reel in what could be a promising career.