Jose Barrero's hit overshadowed the 2 most impressive performances in Wednesday's walk-off win

First of all, kudos to Cincinnati Reds shortstop Jose Barrero on his walk-off single into center field during Wednesday's 1-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Nobody on the club needed that more than Barrero who was hitless in the series until that final at-bat.

Barrero has been the most recent target of ire from the Cincinnati faithful. Barrero's free-swinging ABs have some fans questioning whether or not the 24-year-old has what it takes to make it in the big leagues. Hopefully Wednesday's heroics will ignite a fire and help propel Barrero for the remainder of the 2022 season.

But while the excitement surrounding Jose Barrero's walk-off hit was quickly dulled by the news that Joey Votto will miss the remainder of the season due to shoulder surgery, let's not allow two unsung heroes during Wednesday's game to go unnoticed.

Alexis Diaz and Alejo Lopez were key to the Reds walk-off victory.

While Jose Barrero was basking in the glory and bathed in Gatorade, a huge credit has to go to both Alexis Diaz and Alejo Lopez. Those two were the key to the Cincinnati Reds walk-off win on Wednesday afternoon at Great American Ball Park.

With Joey Votto out of the game, Matt Reynolds was called upon to play first base. Donovan Solano was on the paternity list and Jonathan India was acting as the team's designated hitter on Wednesday.

That forced Alejo Lopez into the lineup as the Reds second baseman. Lopez responded by going 3-for-4 with a double and two singles; one of which allowed Barrero to bat with two outs and the winning run on second base.

But let's not forget Alexis Diaz. After Nick Lodolo pitched a gem, David Bell called upon Diaz to go two innings of relief. The right-hander faced the teeth of the Phillies batting order in the eighth and ninth inning and recorded six consecutive outs, three of which came via the strikeout.

Again, all the credit in the world goes to Jose Barrero for his clutch hit in the ninth inning. But a tip of the cap to his two teammates that set the stage; Alejo Lopez and Alexis Diaz.