Cincinnati Reds Overcome Detroit Tigers 8-4 in Series Finale
The Cincinnati Reds rallied to defeat the Detroit Tigers 8-4 on Sunday, capitalizing on a late-game surge that turned the tide in their favor.
Elly De La Cruz was the standout performer, contributing significantly with a home run, three runs scored, and three RBIs. His impressive performance included a two-run homer in the ninth inning, marking his fourth consecutive game with a home run.
In the fourth inning, De La Cruz initiated a scoring sequence with a single, later crossing home plate after Tyler Stephenson's hit. The Reds took advantage of defensive lapses from the Tigers, who committed three errors leading to five unearned runs throughout the game.
With the Tigers ahead 4-2 in the eighth, a ground ball from TJ Friedl turned into a two-base error by Brant Hurter, igniting the Reds' comeback. Will Vest entered as the closer but faced immediate pressure as Matt McLain's single put runners on the corners. De La Cruz's subsequent RBI single tied the game.
A failed double-play attempt left the bases loaded, allowing Will Benson to bring in the go-ahead run with a sacrifice fly. Gavin Lux then added an RBI single, and a wild pitch allowed another run to score before Vest exited the game due to a potential injury.
The Tigers initially took the lead in the third inning with Jahmai Jones' home run. However, the Reds quickly responded, scoring twice in the fourth. An error by Javier Báez contributed to Connor Joe's sacrifice fly that brought in another run.
Despite having opportunities to extend their lead, the Reds faced challenges in the fifth and seventh innings, where they hit into double plays that ended their scoring threats.
De La Cruz concluded the road trip with an impressive .462 batting average, four home runs, six RBIs, and eight runs scored over four games.
Looking ahead, both teams will begin new three-game series on Tuesday. The Tigers will host the Pittsburgh Pirates, with RHP Casey Mize (6-2, 2.95) set to pitch against Pirates LHP Bailey Falter (5-3, 3.36). Meanwhile, the Reds will return home to face the Minnesota Twins, with LHP Andrew Abbott (6-1, 1.87) taking the mound against RHP David Festa (1-1, 4.76).
