India Finds His Swing at the Right Time to Lead Reds to Victory
CINCINNATI — Cincinnati Reds second baseman Jonathan India had been struggling to find his swing all season long. But on Friday night, he finally found it when it mattered most, hitting a grand slam to lead the Reds to a 9-6 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
India had been working hard, watching videos of himself from his rookie year when he was turning on balls and doing damage. He had been searching for that same swing, and finally, on Friday, he saw something in the video that clicked. He noticed that his toe-tap and hand position were in a certain spot, allowing him to get to everything.
In his first year in the league, India felt like he had that swing for most of the season. He became the Reds’ leadoff man and brought energy to the team. But this season, his production had been lacking. His batting average was threatening to fall below .200, and he hadn’t hit an extra-base hit since May 7. Only six of his 32 hits were for extra bases, and his two home runs were to straight-away center and right field.
But on Friday, everything changed. The Reds were trailing by two runs entering the fifth inning when Stuart Fairchild led off with a hit and Spencer Steer worked a walk to end Dodgers’ starter James Paxton’s night. The Dodgers’ reliever Yohan Ramírez struggled to find the strike zone, hitting two Reds and walking another, forcing in the tying run.
That’s when Dodgers manager Dave Roberts brought in right-hander Alex Vesia to face India. India is known for his ability to take pitches and foul off pitches, with a chase rate in the 98th percentile in all of baseball. Vesia’s first three pitches were nowhere near the strike zone, and it looked like India would give the Reds the lead without swinging the bat. But on the fourth pitch, a called strike on the inside of the plate, India fouled off the fifth pitch, a fastball on the outside of the plate. Then, on the sixth pitch, he hammered a 92.8-mph fastball for a grand slam.
India was ecstatic. He had been searching for that swing all season, doubting himself at times. But he never gave up and always showed up to play. His teammates know how talented he is and consider him the heart and soul of the team.
The win against the Dodgers felt like a breakthrough for the struggling Reds. They had been 4-16 in May and hadn’t won a series all month. But this win meant more because of who stepped up when the team needed it most. Manager David Bell acknowledged that India is a great player and a well-liked leader on the team. Seeing his hard work pay off was a relief for everyone.
Although it’s just one game, it could be a turning point for the Reds. With a tough schedule ahead and lots of travel, this win could provide much-needed momentum.
Jonathan India’s grand slam was more than just a home run; it was a symbol of perseverance and determination. It showed that even in tough times, one swing of the bat can change everything.