CINCINNATI -- Will Benson was an unlikely hero Wednesday night at Great American Ball Park. After all, he wasn't initially in the starting lineup and he had never hit a big league home run. He also started the season in a 1-for-20 slump.

But he became the hero, hitting a two-run, walk-off homer to lift the Reds over the Dodgers, 8-6. The Reds have won two straight in walk-off fashion against the Dodgers after losing 10 of their previous 11 against them.

Benson was inserted into the lineup as the leadoff spot after Jake Fraley was a late scratch with a wrist contusion.

"It could not happen to a better guy," Reds manager David Bell said of Benson. "He's really starting to play with confidence. As he should. He's a good player. Sometimes, it takes a little time to settle in.

"We know what he's capable of. He's extremely well-liked and respected on this team. It's a great, much deserved reaction."

Benson, acquired in an offseason trade with the Guardians, was sent to Triple-A Louisville after his first eight games of the season. Now in his third stint with the Reds, he's hitting .346 in 10 games since returning to the big league roster on May 26.

The difference?

"Being comfortable and trusting what I have," Benson said. "Really being diligent with my work."

T.J. Hopkins led off the ninth vs. Dodgers righty Evan Phillips with an infield hit. After Fraley pinch-ran for Hopkins, Benson fell behind 0-2, took a ball and then launched one out to right field at 107.2 mph off the bat. It traveled a projected 420 feet.

"I knew right away with that trajectory that I got it clean," Benson said. "I knew."

Benson reacted strongly.

"That was pure," Benson said.

The Reds fell behind 2-0 in the top of the first, but Elly De La Cruz tied it with his first career home run.

The Dodgers retook the lead with one run in the second inning and three in the third. But the Reds scored four in the bottom of the third on triples from Matt McLain and De La Cruz and a two-run homer from Tyler Stephenson.

After three shaky innings -- six runs, eight hits --  left-hander Brandon Williamson held the Dodgers scoreless over his last 2 2/3 frames.

"That's very difficult to do," Bell said. "But it probably won the game for us."