Joc Pederson's 10th-Inning Double Helps San Francisco Giants Prevail over Cincinnati Reds 4-2 in Rain-Delayed Game

In a thrilling game that had been suspended by rain, Joc Pederson's decisive double in the 10th inning led the San Francisco Giants to a 4-2 victory over the struggling Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.

The Reds suffered their fifth consecutive defeat and are now 2 1/2 games behind the NL Central leaders, the Milwaukee Brewers. Their offense has been in a slump during this skid, managing to score only five runs on 18 hits.

San Francisco's Wilmer Flores had an impressive performance, showcasing his power with two doubles and a home run. The Giants have been dominant against NL Central teams, boasting a remarkable 17-7 record.

The game was initially tied at 2-2 when it was suspended on Monday night, after an hour and 55-minute rain delay with one out in the top of the eighth inning.

As the game resumed on Tuesday, with the automatic runner Brett Wisely placed on second base, Joc Pederson stepped up to the plate and smashed a drive off Ian Gibaut (8-2). The ball hit the left-field wall and allowed Pederson to advance to third base. He then crossed the plate when Michael Conforto hit a sharp grounder to a diving Jonathan India. Despite an off-line throw from the second baseman, Pederson scored comfortably, giving the Giants a crucial 4-2 lead.

The Reds' rookie Elly De La Cruz ended his 1-for-19 slump with a walk in the ninth inning against Giants pitcher Tyler Rogers (3-4). De La Cruz, known for his speed, swiftly stole his 17th base. Initially called out, the decision was overturned after a video review. However, before the next pitch, Rogers executed a pickoff move and caught De La Cruz trying to steal third base, resulting in his third caught stealing of the season.

Camilo Doval entered the game in the 10th inning for the Giants and exhibited his prowess, striking out two Reds batters in a 1-2-3 inning. His performance secured the Giants' victory and earned him his 29th save in 31 opportunities, capping off a stellar four-hitter performance.

During the game, several players made significant contributions, with Austin Slater and Wilmer Flores homering for the Giants against Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson. On the other side, Matt McLain and Jonathan India homered against Giants pitcher Logan Webb.

A notable highlight of the game was the major league debut of Reds prospect Christian Encarnacion-Strand, a 23-year-old designated hitter. His name set a new record as the longest in MLB history, with 27 characters, including the hyphen, surpassing Minnesota pitcher Simeon Woods Richardson's previous record.

In terms of injuries, Giants manager Gabe Kapler revealed that RHP Luke Jackson, who had been dealing with a low back strain, is expected to join the team on the current road trip after completing his rehab assignment in Arizona.

Meanwhile, for the Reds, the return dates for RHP Hunter Greene (right hip) and LHP Nick Lodolo (left calf tendinosis), both former No. 1 draft picks for Cincinnati, remain uncertain. Lodolo, the top choice in 2019, is undergoing rehab in Cincinnati, while Greene, the 2017 pick, is working on his recovery in Goodyear, Arizona.