Dodgers vs. Reds Recap: Santiago Espinal Goes Off in Wild Loss to Reds
Spring Training Game 13, 3/5/2026: Dodgers 13, Reds 14
GOODYEAR, AZ — Tommy Edman, better step up that rehab, dude. Santiago Espinal might just Wally Pipp you. Pipp famously went on the IL for the Yankees back in the day only to find Lou Gehrig move into his spot and not leave for the next 2,130 games. The way Espinal is playing, he might just do the same thing.
The injured Edman won’t be back in the Dodgers’ lineup for a bit, but Espinal is making a VERY strong play for a spot in his absence. Today against his former club, Espinal was unstoppable, hitting two home runs and driving in six runs in a day that announces his presence in Arizona in a way nobody can ignore.
There weren’t a lot of regulars in the starting lineup for the Dodgers today as they faced off against the Cincinnati Reds at Goodyear Ballpark. Max Muncy was the only starter that you’re likely to see in the Opening Day lineup (except maybe Espinal). However, that didn’t stop the Dodgers and Reds from treating fans to a highly entertaining and high-scoring game, with the Dodgers eventually falling by a score of 14-13. Here’s how it all went down:
A Crooked Number Early for the Reds
The Dodgers started this one in a very deep hole. After the Dodgers put a single run on the board in the top of the first, the Reds scored the next six runs. Dodgers starter Cole Irvin (vet of MLB time with the Phillies, Orioles and A’s) got rocked. In three innings on the mound, Irvin gave up six earned runs on six hits, three of which were home runs. Elly De La Cruz, Will Benson, and Matt McClean did the honors. In so doing, they pushed poor Irvin’s spring ERA to 10.50. Which is too bad, since he hasn’t been throwing that badly in camp so far. Until Thursday, he gave up only one run over three innings of work.
The Comeback
And then, the tide turned. It started with a four-spot in the top of the third, courtesy of three homers from the Dodgers. Max Muncy hit a solo shot to begin the scoring in the inning. Muncy’s blast was followed by dingers from a couple of guys who are angling for roster spots. First, Santiago Espinal hit a solo home run, and then a little later in the inning, Noah Miller connected for his first dinger of the spring. That made it 6-5, but Santiago Espinal was just getting started.
In the next inning, Espinal connected AGAIN. This time, he hit a three-run job off righty Tony Santillan. With that homer, the Dodgers had come ALL the way back and had an 8-6 lead.
Would you believe even more Muncy and Espinal?
The Dodgers expanded their lead in the top of the fifth, thanks to three guys who’ve already done a lot of heavy lifting in this one. First, Alex Call doubled in two runs. Then, Max Muncy hit an RBI fielder’s choice that scored catcher Eliezer Alfonso from third. Finally, Espinal (there goes that man again!) hit his second sacrifice fly of the afternoon to plate the Dodgers eleventh run.
The Reds came back with four runs of their own off Paul Gervase in the bottom of the fifth to make the game closer. But it seemed that the Dodgers would get away with a win when they tacked on two more runs and went into the bottom of the ninth leading 13-10. However, it was not to be on this day. Reliever Jordan Weems walked the leadoff man and then got absolutely lit up, surrendering a run scoring double, and then, ultimately, a walk-off three-run home run to outfielder Rece Hinds.
A bummer ending. But the fans at this one absolutely got their money’s worth.
Is Espinal inevitable?
Santiago Espinal (2-for-2 in four plate appearances, 2 HR, 6 RBI) is looking for and more like a guy whose ticket to the Show is on the verge of being punched. He leads the team in hits (10), is hitting .625 with an OPS of 1.761 with those two home runs and eight RBI. After today’s game, I don’t know how you don’t put the guy on the roster, at least until Tommy Edman returns. A very impressive spring from the former All-Star.
Next up: Kansas City
Dodgers fans get their first look at the Kansas City Royals on Friday. The team returns to Camelback Ranch for a rare evening game. Prospect Jackson Ferris will get the start with a 5:05 first pitch. Finally, if you’ve been at work during these Cactus League games, here’s a chance to see them when you get home. Of course, Team USA faces off against Brazil at exactly the same time, so I would advise a little hopping back in forth, so you can catch all the action in both contests. Or, you can wait until USA mercy-rules the Brazilians and you can join us for the rest of the evening. Either way, see you there!
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