During the Cincinnati Reds‘ commanding 14-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, outfielder Will Benson achieved a rare feat in Major League Baseball by hitting an inside-the-park home run. The unique play occurred when Benson pulled a ball down the first base line that rolled unpredictably along the right field corner, allowing him to sprint all the way around the bases.
This notable inside-the-park homer was Benson’s third home run of the spring training, marking an unusual and exciting moment for the outfielder and the team. Inside-the-park home runs are seldom seen in the sport, making Benson’s accomplishment stand out during this early part of the season.
Benson Reflects on His Excitement and Connection with Teammates
Asked about the thrill of the home run during the game, Benson shared,
“I tried to contain my joy as much as I could at home, but yeah, regardless whether it’s the regular season or Spring Training, it’s still pretty fun to do that,”
demonstrating his genuine enthusiasm for the achievement.
Meanwhile, his teammates teased fellow player Elly De La Cruz, joking that Benson came close to catching De La Cruz on the bases. De La Cruz responded with a confident retort,
“Yeah, I don’t believe that. But am fast too now.”
Benson’s Drive to Secure a Roster Spot Intensifies
As Benson competes for one of the last openings on the Reds’ roster, his strong performance in spring training appears to have improved his chances considerably. He recounted advice from veteran teammate Kevin Newman, saying,
“A veteran one told me man, don’t ever get comfortable. It was Kevin Newman…There is always work to be done. I come into camp ready to go.”
This mindset reflects Benson’s determination to maintain focus and effort, underlining the competitive atmosphere within the Reds’ camp as the regular season nears.
Impact and Future Prospects Following the Inside-the-Park Home Run
This exceptional inside-the-park home run highlights Will Benson’s combination of speed and situational awareness, attributes that could play a key role as the Reds finalize their roster for the upcoming season. The rare nature of such a home run tends to energize both players and fans, creating buzz around Benson’s potential contributions.
If Benson continues to build on this momentum during spring training and beyond, he may secure a more prominent role for Cincinnati this year. This play also invites attention to the team’s depth and emerging talent, especially as players like Elly De La Cruz and Benson show promising capabilities.
As the Reds approach the new season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Will Benson’s performance, particularly his standout inside-the-park homer, translates into consistent impact on the field.
WILL BENSON INSIDE THE PARK HOME RUN!!!! pic.twitter.com/Qhwq9Txngf
— Reds Daily (@RedsDaily4) March 8, 2026
