Reds homer four times to back Andrew Abbott, beat the Athletics 6-5 to complete sweep
Reds Homer Four Times to Back Abbott in 6-5 Victory
Bharatmorningnews.com – Cincinnati Reds secured a thrilling 6-5 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Thursday afternoon, completing a three-game sweep with an explosive offensive performance. The Reds homer four times to back Andrew Abbott, who delivered a crucial pitching effort to seal the series win. Elly De La Cruz led the charge with his fourth career leadoff home run, setting the tone for Cincinnati’s offensive explosion.
Building Momentum After Midsummer Break
The Reds have shown remarkable improvement since the midsummer break, posting an impressive 13-6 record during that span. This victory extends their winning streak and demonstrates their growing strength in the competitive National League. Meanwhile, Oakland continues to face challenges, having dropped eight consecutive games and twelve straight series, making this sweep particularly significant for Cincinnati.
The offensive firepower was on full display as Cincinnati’s batters connected for four home runs throughout the game. Reds homer four times to back their pitching staff, creating enough runs to overcome Oakland’s late-inning rally. The combination of power hitting and timely offense proved too much for the Athletics to handle.
Key Performances and Game-Changing Moments
Elly De La Cruz set the tone early, hitting his 19th home run of the campaign off A’s left-hander Mason Barnett. Barnett, making his second consecutive start following 14 relief appearances, gave up five earned runs across 4 1/3 innings while striking out seven and issuing three walks. His outing highlighted the offensive pressure Cincinnati applied throughout the game.
Andrew Abbott delivered a solid outing, retiring seven consecutive batters before singles from Henry Bolte and Tommy White, combined with a Jonah Heim walk, filled the bases in the fourth inning.
Reds left-hander Andrew Abbott delivered a solid outing, retiring seven consecutive batters before singles from Henry Bolte and Tommy White, combined with a Jonah Heim walk, filled the bases in the fourth inning. Tyler Soderstrom responded with a two-run single that gave Oakland a 2-1 advantage. Heim later crossed the plate on a double-play grounder.
Abbott finished with three earned runs allowed on seven hits, two walks, and four strikeouts, providing the foundation for Cincinnati’s victory. Reds homer four times to back Abbott’s pitching, ensuring he wouldn’t have to carry the team alone in this crucial series finale.
Rookie Milestone and Late Inning Drama
Sal Stewart made history in the fourth inning, leading off with his 25th home run. The blast moved him into second place on the franchise’s single-season rookie home run list, tying Joey Votto’s record of 24 set in 2008. Stewart’s power surge exemplified Cincinnati’s offensive depth during this winning streak.
A’s right-hander Elvis Alvarado faced trouble in the fifth, walking two consecutive batters with the bases loaded. This sequence gave Cincinnati a 5-3 lead. Alvarado had been dominant prior to this, allowing just one run in 13 of his 15 appearances. The walk-off opportunity slipped away as the Reds maintained their composure under pressure.
JJ Bleday extended the Reds’ advantage in the seventh with his 20th home run, coming off Seth Johnson, who was making his debut with Oakland. The homer pushed the score to 6-3, giving Cincinnati breathing room before Oakland’s late rally.
Despite the deficit, Brian Serven kept Oakland alive with a two-run homer in the ninth inning off Brock Burke. This marked Serven’s second home run of the game. Burke then retired the final two batters to secure his second save of the season, completing what could have been a dramatic comeback attempt.
What This Victory Means for Cincinnati
This series sweep represents an important milestone for the Reds as they continue to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The combination of power hitting, solid pitching, and timely offense has positioned Cincinnati as a team to watch in the National League standings.
For more information about Cincinnati Reds games and standings, visit [MLB.com Reds](https://www.mlb.com/reds).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many home runs did the Reds hit in this game?
The Reds hit four home runs in this game, with Elly De La Cruz, Sal Stewart, JJ Bleday, and Brian Serven all contributing to the offensive explosion. This power display was crucial in securing the 6-5 victory.
What record did Sal Stewart tie with his home run?
Sal Stewart tied Joey Votto’s franchise record of 24 rookie home runs set in 2008 with his 25th home run of the season, moving into second place on the single-season rookie home run list.
How did Andrew Abbott perform in this game?
Andrew Abbott pitched effectively, allowing three earned runs on seven hits with two walks and four strikeouts. He retired seven consecutive batters at one point and provided the foundation for Cincinnati’s victory.
What is Cincinnati’s record since the midsummer break?
The Reds have built strong momentum since the midsummer break, improving to 13-6 in that span, demonstrating their growth as a competitive team in the National League.
How many consecutive games has Oakland lost?
The Athletics have dropped eight consecutive games and twelve straight series, making this sweep particularly significant for Cincinnati as they continue to build their winning streak.