Abreu's Hot Bat Not Enough as Red Sox Lose to Reds

Wilyer Abreu's two-run homer and double not enough to overcome Eugenio Suárez's three-run blast

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:49pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant shades of red, white, and navy blue, capturing the intensity of the game.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic late-inning showdown between the Red Sox and Reds, with Wilyer Abreu's power and Eugenio Suárez's game-winning blast rendered in a fractured, geometric style.Cincinnati Today

Despite a strong performance from Wilyer Abreu, who hit a two-run homer and added a double, the Boston Red Sox fell to the Cincinnati Reds 3-2 in the rubber match of their three-game series. Reds third baseman Eugenio Suárez hit a decisive three-run homer off reliever Greg Weissert in the sixth inning, which proved to be the difference.

Why it matters

The loss is a setback for the Red Sox, who were hoping to build momentum after Abreu's heroics the previous day. While Abreu continues to swing a hot bat, the team's overall offensive struggles remain a concern as they look to compete in the AL East.

The details

Rookie left-hander Connelly Early, Boston's No. 3 prospect, pitched 5 1/3 strong innings, allowing just one run. However, after Early departed, Weissert surrendered the three-run homer to Suárez that gave the Reds the lead. Abreu's two-run shot in the fourth and double in the sixth weren't enough to overcome the Reds' late-inning rally.

  • Abreu hit a game-tying homer in the ninth inning on Saturday, leading to an 11-inning loss.
  • On Sunday, Abreu staked the Red Sox to a 2-0 lead with his two-run homer in the fourth inning.
  • Suárez's three-run blast off Weissert in the sixth inning proved to be the decisive blow.

The players

Wilyer Abreu

The Red Sox right fielder, who has been a bright spot in the lineup with his recent power surge.

Eugenio Suárez

The Reds' third baseman, who hit the game-winning three-run homer in the sixth inning.

Connelly Early

Boston's No. 3 prospect and No. 54 overall per MLB Pipeline, who made a strong start for the Red Sox.

Greg Weissert

The Red Sox reliever who surrendered the decisive three-run homer to Suárez.

Alex Cora

The Red Sox manager, who made the decision to bring in Weissert after Early's strong outing.

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What they’re saying

“Wilyer Abreu continues to swing a hot bat, but we just couldn't overcome that big blow from Suárez in the sixth. We'll need to regroup and find a way to get the offense going as a team.”

— Alex Cora, Red Sox Manager

What’s next

The Red Sox will look to bounce back in their upcoming series against the division-rival New York Yankees, hoping to get their offense on track and build some momentum.

The takeaway

While Wilyer Abreu has been a bright spot for the Red Sox, the team's overall offensive struggles remain a concern. The loss to the Reds highlights the need for the Red Sox to find more consistent production throughout the lineup if they hope to compete in the tough AL East.