Elly De La Cruz hit his fourth home run in four games, a three-run shot, helping Andrew Abbott and the Cincinnati Reds secure an 11-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night.
Tyler Stephenson also hit a homer for Cincinnati, who had lost three of their last four games. Christian Encarnacion-Strand and Santiago Espinal both contributed with two hits and three RBIs each, while Jonathan India drew four walks, batting leadoff.
Abbott pitched seven strong innings, allowing only one run, leading the Reds to their longest start of the season. The left-handed pitcher struck out three batters and didn’t give up any walks.
Chicago struggled offensively, managing only four hits in their seventh loss in eight games. They’ve struggled to score runs during their 2-11 start to the season.
Robbie Grossman doubled to drive in Zach Remillard for the White Sox’s lone run in the third inning. Chris Flexen endured a tough outing, giving up six runs and seven hits in just 2 2/3 innings, marking his third consecutive loss.
De La Cruz continued his hot streak by hitting a deep home run in the third inning, bringing his total to four homers for the season. Stephenson followed with his first home run of the year, extending Cincinnati’s lead to 6-0.
Jake Fraley contributed with two hits for the Reds, including a run-scoring single, and made a spectacular leaping catch against the wall in right field to deny Paul DeJong of extra bases in the second inning.
