Rece Hinds hit a home run and a double in his first MLB game, Andrew Abbott pitched seven strong innings with only three hits allowed, and the Cincinnati Reds shut out the Colorado Rockies 6-0 on Monday night.
All-Star shortstop Elly De La Cruz contributed with an RBI double, scored two runs, and stole two bases in the first inning. His 45 stolen bases this season surpassed Billy Hamilton’s record for the most steals by a Reds player before the All-Star break.
“Elly had an incredible game,” said Cincinnati manager David Bell. “He’s been making big plays all season, but tonight was exceptional. His energy and effort really set the tone for us.”
Hinds was called up from Triple-A Louisville earlier in the day, where he had a .216 batting average with 13 home runs and 126 strikeouts in 77 games. After a tough first at-bat, he doubled in the fifth inning and then blasted a 449-foot home run off Tyler Kinley in the eighth inning.
“I still can’t believe it,” Hinds said. “On my way here from Louisville, I was a bundle of nerves. I got emotional a few times. I didn’t eat all day. Seeing familiar faces when I arrived made me feel more at ease, like I was home.”
Hinds also made a diving catch in right field, showcasing his defensive skills.
Abbott (9-6) started the game strongly by retiring the first nine batters, striking out five. He finished with eight strikeouts and two walks over his seven innings of work.
Two relievers combined to complete the four-hit shutout.
On the anniversary of De La Cruz’s memorable theft of second, third, and home in Milwaukee, he almost pulled off a similar feat against the Rockies. After stealing second and third bases in the first inning, he was caught trying to steal home by second baseman Brendan Rodgers.
“Elly is a game-changer,” Abbott said. “He brings so much to our team and really ignites us with his play.”
