When a team's been struggling, sometimes you need a little... unconventional motivation. The Cincinnati Reds found theirs this week in the form of bench coach Mike Napoli and a very revealing piece of apparel.

The Reds entered their series finale against the Washington Nationals mired in a brutal stretch, sporting the worst record in baseball for the month of May at 2-10. Their hitting woes had been on full display night after night. Then came Wednesday afternoon, and everything changed in the most unexpected way.

Final score: Reds 15, Nationals 1. A season-high 15 runs on 14 hits, including four home runs and three doubles. Every Reds player who stepped to the plate reached base safely. Five players had multi-hit games. It was the kind of offensive explosion that can turn a season around.

So what sparked this sudden breakout? Manager Terry Francona paused, searching for the right words.

"We had good vibes going in today," Francona said. "Nap broke out the Tito Speedo."

Enter Mike Napoli, the 44-year-old former catcher turned bench coach. The "Tito Speedo" in question is a gag gift that catcher Tyler Stephenson presented to Francona during spring training. The custom-made undergarment is covered from front to back with images of Francona from his playing days in the 1980s with the Reds.

Napoli didn't just make a quick appearance to lighten the mood before the game. According to Francona, the Speedo was on display for the entire game.

"It was the whole game," Francona said. "Poor guy."

The Speedo had been collecting dust since Stephenson's spring training reveal. But after this kind of performance, expect it to become a regular fixture in the clubhouse. The Reds are now headed to Cleveland, and you can bet Napoli's lucky (and cringe-worthy) attire will be making the trip.

JJ Bleday, who crushed two home runs in the victory, summed up the team's sentiment perfectly: "I didn't hear about it. But thankfully he wore it."

Backup catcher Jose Trevino also got in on the action with a clutch two-out, two-run hit in the fourth inning. When asked about Napoli's wardrobe choice, Trevino just laughed.

"First I've heard about that."

Sometimes in baseball, a little bit of ridiculousness is exactly what a slumping team needs. The Reds found their spark in a Speedo. And if they keep hitting like this, fans might want to brace themselves for more Tito sightings in the days ahead.