Will Benson dominates with four home runs against former team

In a remarkable display of power hitting, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson showcased his talents during a weekend series against his former team, the Cleveland Guardians. The series took place on May 16, 17, and 18, 2025, in Cincinnati, Ohio, marking a successful campaign for the Reds as they swept the Guardians, achieving their first three-game sweep of this rivalry since 2012. Benson's performance was highlighted by his first career two-homer game, contributing significantly to the Reds' 3-1 victory on May 18. Over the three-game series, Benson slugged four home runs, demonstrating his prowess at the plate, much to the chagrin of the Guardians who drafted him in 2016. Benson's contributions to the team's success came at a critical moment as the Reds sought to improve their standing and morale. His powerful batting came as the Reds secured their fourth consecutive win, leveling their season record at 24-24 after a tough start. In addition to Benson's standout performance, Andrew Abbott, making strides on the mound, pitched five shutout innings to earn his first win in five starts. The pitching from the Reds has been impressive, with Abbott having not allowed a hit in the first inning during his first nine starts, a feat last accomplished by Jim Maloney in 1969. The Reds' bullpen, led by Emilio Pagán, maintained the lead with effective late-game pitches, securing their victory and sweetening the series sweep. Benson's journey to this success has been multifaceted. After being drafted 14th overall out of Westminster High School, he put up solid numbers in the minor leagues but found his debut in the majors challenging. After a start to the season that did not see him assigned to the Reds' 26-man roster, Benson worked hard and demonstrated impressive skills at Triple-A Louisville, where he was hitting .289 before his call-up to the majors. His performance has drawn comparisons to Joey Votto’s notable home run streak in 2021, as Benson has now homered in four consecutive games. The combination of his powerful hitting, along with team efforts, points towards a possible turning point for both Benson and the Reds as they continue their campaign. The series against the Guardians took place in a larger context where Cleveland has now lost four consecutive games and finds itself struggling to keep pace on a 10-game road trip. As the Guardians prepare for their next series against the Twins, they will be looking for ways to bounce back. With key figures like José Ramírez continuing to hit well, the Guardians will aim to regain their footing, emphasizing their need to support their pitching and improve their overall gameplay. The Reds, meanwhile, look to build upon the momentum generated from the series sweep as they head into their next games, potentially setting the stage for a successful turnaround this season.