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Reds 10 Cards 3
The Reds offense went to work early and often Wednesday night, plating four runs in the first inning, and then just kept hitting and scoring as the Reds battered the Cardinals 10-3 at GABP. Seven different Reds had multiple hits on an 18 hit night, with Spencer Steer leading the way with four.
That was more than enough for starter Ben Lively and two relievers. The Red will go for a series win Thursday afternoon.
Offense: Spencer Steer 4 H, 2 R, 2 RBI....Kevin Newman 2 H, 3 RBI....McLain 2 H, HR, 2B, 2 R....Nick Senzel 2 H, BB, 2 R, RBI....Fairchild 3 H, RBI.....
Jonathan India 2 H, 2 R, BB...Stephenson 2 H, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI....
Lively: 6 IN, 5 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 8 K (T-career high), 2 HR, 103 pitches/ 65 strikes.
He rallied after needing 64 pitches to navigate the first three innings. He retired the final six batters faced.
The outing follows 5.2 IN, 2 R vs Yankees on Friday. Season 18 IN, 5 R in four appearances (2.50).
Reds 1st quality start since May 2.
McBang! McLain homered for the second consecutive night, this time a blast that bounced off the mitt of right fielder Oscar Mercado and over the wall.
Making it happen/making 'em pay: India (BB) went 1st to 3rd on Steer's opposite field 1st inning single. The ball was bobbled in right field and the runners advanced to 2nd and 3rd. Stephenson then slapped a two-run single.
2-out action: Newman delivered two run scoring singles that produced three runs. He had a 2 hit night Tuesday.
Quote of note: "The Reds may very well have found their 1B" -The Cowboy after Steer's 4th hit of the night.
How the Reds scored
1st: Stephenson 2-run 1B, 2-0 Reds
1st: Newman 2-out, 2-run 1B, 4-0 Reds
3rd: Newman 2-out RB 1B, 5-0 Reds
4th: McLain HR, 6-1 Reds
6th: Senzel sacrifice fly, 7-2 Reds
6th: Fairchild RBI 2B, 8-2 Reds
7th: Steer 2 RB 2B, 10-2 Reds
Double it up: Fairchild and Newman teamed on a 3rd inning double-steal of 2nd and 3rd.
Streakers: Luke Maile extended his hit streak to four games with a single. India has scored in seven straight games, Steer has hit in seven straight games.
More glove! Newman made a nice diving backhand smother/throw at 3B and played the dugout railing well on a pop foul. Steer made a heck of a stab and lead toss to the covering Lively at 1B.
Bullpen: Kevin Herget 2.0 IN, 0 R..... Eduardo Salazar made his ML debut, 1.0 IN, 1 R. Good spot to ease him in up 10-2 in 9th.
Caution: TJ Friedl had a planned day off as the Reds are being careful with his oblique after not going out on a rehab assignment.
In the field: Senzel LF, Fairchild RF, Newman 3B, Maile DH, Barrero CF.
What about me? Jose Barrero was the only starter that didn't collect a hit (0-4).
Next: Thursday, 12:35 with Luke Weaver on the mound