Cincinnati Reds Dominate Detroit Tigers with 11-1 Victory

In a decisive matchup, the Cincinnati Reds overwhelmed the Detroit Tigers, clinching an 11-1 victory on Saturday. Tyler Stephenson's grand slam during a six-run fifth inning was pivotal in the Reds' offensive display.

Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Matt McLain also contributed to the scoreboard with home runs, marking a significant turnaround after the Reds had been outscored 22-7 in their previous two games.

Despite leading the American League, the Tigers have struggled defensively, allowing double-digit runs in each of their recent losses. They currently hold a 4-2 record over their last six games.

Brady Singer (7-4) earned the win, limiting the Tigers to just one run on four hits over six innings, while striking out four and walking three. In contrast, Jack Flaherty (5-7) faced challenges, surrendering seven runs on five hits—including three home runs—and issuing five walks in 4 2/3 innings.

De La Cruz ignited the scoring in the fourth inning with a powerful 110 mph line drive that cleared the right-field stands for his second homer in as many days. The Tigers briefly tied the game with Wenceel Pérez's RBI single, but the Reds quickly responded with a barrage of six runs in the fifth inning.

The fifth inning began with Jake Fraley's single, followed by a walk to TJ Friedl. Gavin Lux's single brought Fraley home, and after Flaherty walked De La Cruz to load the bases, Stephenson capitalized by hitting a grand slam on the very next pitch.

Flaherty managed to retire the next batter, but Steer ended his outing with another home run. McLain later added a three-run homer off John Brebbia in the eighth inning, and the Reds capped their scoring with an additional run in the ninth against Tigers catcher Jake Rogers.

Defensive highlights were evident from both teams in the third inning. Tigers first baseman Colt Keith executed a bare-handed stop on a hard grounder from Gavin Lux, securing the final out with runners on first and second. Meanwhile, De La Cruz showcased his arm strength by throwing out Javier Báez at home plate after receiving a relay from Jake Fraley.

Flaherty's struggles continued as he has now allowed a team-high 14 home runs across his 14 starts, averaging 1.7 homers per nine innings pitched.

The series concludes on Sunday, featuring Tigers right-hander Sawyer Gipson-Long (0-0, 4.32) against Reds left-hander Wade Miley (1-0, 9.00).