The Cincinnati Reds were handed a blowout loss by the New York Yankees on Thursday. After Cincinnati's walk-off win earlier this week, they left the series with a lot to prove after the loss on Thursday. On Friday, though, Terry Francona's team returned the favor against the San Diego Padres. Reds first baseman Spencer Steer led the way, hitting three home runs, two against Dylan Cease.

The fourth-year pro tagged Cease in the second and fourth innings. His third homer of the game was off Yuki Matsui in the fifth, a 364ft. moon shot.

Steer's three home-run game is the eighth of its kind this season. His performance puts him on a list featuring Aaron Judge, Jose Ramirez, and Kerry Carpenter. Steer does not have the same reputation as those All-Stars. However, he proved on Friday that he is a key piece of the Reds' offense.

Article Continues Below
More Cincinnati Reds News
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez (28) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field.
Reds’ Nick Martinez gets standing ovation after failed no-hitter bidAbdullah Imran ·
Reds news: Elly De La Cruz makes Home Run Derby decision
Reds’ Elly De La Cruz makes Home Run Derby decisionChris Spiering ·
Jun 23, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds outfielder Gavin Lux (2) stands in the dugout before the game against the New York Yankees at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
Gavin Lux gets 100% real on Dodgers-Reds moveMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Chase Burns (26) returns to the dugout after striking out the side in his MLB debut in the first inning of the MLB interleague game between the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Yankees at Great American Ball Park.
Terry Francona’s hilarious message to scout who evaluated Reds’ Chase BurnsBenedetto Vitale ·
Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Burns (26) pitches against the New York Yankees in the first inning at Great American Ball Park.
Reds’ Chase Burns on favorite strikeout from epic debut: ‘Gotta be Judge’Alex House ·
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) rounds third base before scoring in the seventh inning of the MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and Oakland Athletics at Great American Ball Park.
Reds’ Elly De La Cruz goes from zero to hero after walk-off win vs. YankeesJosh Davis ·

With Cincinnati's star, Elly De La Cruz, turning down the Home Run Derby, Steer can submit Friday's performance as his audition tap. His three home runs give him 11 on the season. The feat is more impressive considering who he did it against. Cease is one of the best pitchers in the National League, and Steer made quick work of him, twice.

Steer's performance comes at a great time for the Reds. Francona's team has been within arm's reach of their rivals in the NL Central all season. With the St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers making their push to catch the Chicago Cubs, the Reds must keep pace.

Winning their division is the cleanest path to the postseason for Cincinnati. The Reds have not been to the playoffs since the shortened season in 2020. With the emergence of Chase Burns, Francona might have a team capable of making it to the postseason and surprising people like the Detroit Tigers did in 2024.

Steer's dominance against the Padres is a great way to start the Reds' regular season series against San Diego. His team hopes that they can keep the momentum going and ride it all the way to the top of their division.