For the most part, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled to score runs this season and have been unable to take advantage of solid pitching.
In Wednesday’s 8-3 win over the San Francisco Giants (6-12) — their second straight victory in the series — there was plenty offense from the opening pitch.
The Reds (11-7) scored seven of their eight runs in the first two innings and outhit the Giants, 10-9, one night after only recording three total hits in a 2-1 win on Tuesday.
Sal Stewart leads Reds’ offensive outburst
Stewart continued his hot start to the season in Tuesday’s win with his fifth home run of the season, which is the most among National League rookies.
On Wednesday, he added two more home runs and six RBI, all of which were in the first two innings of the game. Stewart got the scoring started with this three-run shot in the first off a 94-mph four-seam fastball from starter Tyler Mahle — who began his career with the Reds.