Stephenson triggered a late Reds rally, belting a go-ahead home run in the ninth to lift Cincinnati past San Diego 4-2 and yank the Reds within three games of the Mets in the wild-card chase with 17 to play. The game featured Rob Suárez’s near-miss on a Stephenson line drive and a tense bullpen duel, capped by two Reds solo shots from Sal Stewart and Will Benson. The Padres leaned on their bullpen, but Stephenson’s 2-1 fastball-turned-missile closed the door in the final frame.

Two nights removed from a blown 3-0 lead in extras, Cincinnati rode Littell’s steady work and timely hitting to another‘ W’ as the Mets slipped and Giants kept pace, intensifying a crowded NL battle for the final playoff spot. The Reds’ offense found life with Stewart and Benson providing early spark, while Padres’ defense and surefire bullpen depth kept the game within reach until Stephenson’s dramatic finish changed the trajectory of the race.