Sal Stewart Powers Reds to Dominant 9-2 Win Over Tigers
CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Reds continued their red-hot start to the season with a commanding 9-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night, fueled by a standout performance from Sal Stewart.
The 23-year-old infielder crushed a three-run homer and drove in five runs, leading the Reds to their ninth win in their last 12 games. Cincinnati (18-9) is now nine games above .500 for the first time since August 2003.
Key Moments
- Stewart’s Big Night: His three-run blast in the first inning set the tone after Tigers starter Jack Flaherty walked two batters. Stewart later added a two-run single in the sixth.
- Home Run Barrage: Nathaniel Lowe, Elly De La Cruz, and TJ Friedl also homered, with De La Cruz’s two-run shot in the second extending the lead to 6-1.
- Historic Start: Stewart and De La Cruz became the first Reds duo since 2003 (Austin Kearns & Adam Dunn) to each hit nine homers before May.
Detroit’s rookie Kevin McGonigle opened the scoring with a solo homer—his second of the year—extending his on-base streak to 23 games, the longest by a Tigers rookie since 2010. But the Reds quickly responded, with Lowe’s two-run homer (his second in as many at-bats) making it 4-1.
Tigers starter Flaherty (0-2) struggled, surrendering six earned runs and three homers, both season worsts. Spencer Torkelson’s solo shot in the fourth briefly cut the deficit to 6-2, but Cincinnati pulled away late.
Pitching Notes
Reds right-hander Brady Singer (2-1) allowed eight hits over 5.1 innings but limited damage, giving up just two solo homers. The bullpen held firm, with Friedl capping the night with a solo homer in the eighth.
What’s Next
The series wraps Sunday with Reds rookie Rhett Lowder (3-1, 3.10 ERA) facing Tigers righty Keider Montero (1-2, 3.68 ERA). Cincinnati aims for its fifth series win in six tries.
— Reported by Nexio News
