The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Baltimore Orioles 8-3, starting their first nine-game road trip of the season on a high note. Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain each hit three-run homers, while Jeimer Candelario added another off Cade Povich, who struggled, giving up seven runs in 3 1/3 innings. Andrew Abbott impressed with 11 strikeouts over six innings, allowing only one run. Jose Trevino had three hits for the Orioles, who were also aided by Heston Kjerstad and Cedric Mullins’ homers. The Reds improved against left-handed pitchers, while the Orioles plan to debut RHP Bandon Young next.
BALTIMORE — Elly De La Cruz and Matt McLain each launched three-run home runs as the Cincinnati Reds kicked off their first nine-game road trip of the season with an 8-3 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.
Jeimer Candelario also went deep against Orioles lefty Cade Povich (0-2), who gave up seven runs and six hits along with five walks in 3 1/3 innings.
Andrew Abbott (2-0) struck out 11 over six innings while allowing just one run and two hits, marking his second start since returning from the injured list due to a rotator cuff strain.
Jose Trevino had three hits and a walk, while Austin Hays notched two hits in his first game back in Baltimore since the Orioles traded him to Philadelphia last July.
Heston Kjerstad homered for the second consecutive night, and Cedric Mullins added his team-leading fifth homer as the Orioles aimed for their first three-game winning streak but fell short.
Following De La Cruz’s home run in the third that gave Cincinnati the lead, the Reds chased Povich in the fourth. Candelario started the inning with a 415-foot homer into the Orioles bullpen. Four batters later, McLain crushed Povich’s 0-1 pitch about five rows deep into the right-center seats.
Reds batters went 6 for 16 against Povich, boosting their season batting average against left-handers by more than 20 points to .167. Before Friday, they had recorded only 16 RBI against lefties all season.
The Orioles are set to call up RHP Bandon Young to make his MLB debut against Reds RHP Hunter Greene (2-1, 0.98 ERA).
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