Jonathan India slammed a grand slam during Cincinnati’s big fifth inning, while Spencer Steer’s three-run homer also contributed to the Reds’ 9-6 victory over the Dodgers on Friday night.
Stuart Fairchild also hit a homer for the Reds and made a stunning catch in center field to deny a home run to Will Smith in the seventh inning. In the sixth inning, Fairchild made another impressive catch at the wall to prevent extra bases for Mookie Betts.
Reds manager David Bell praised Fairchild’s defensive prowess, describing his plays as almost effortless.
Despite being outhit by the Dodgers 11-6, the Reds capitalized on walks and hit-by-pitches to set up Steer’s three-run homer in the first inning and India’s grand slam in the fifth inning.
India, struggling with a 0-for-16 slump, broke out with three hits in the game, expressing relief and optimism for the future. Reds starter Graham Ashcraft pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing five runs and eight hits while striking out three batters.
The Dodgers got off to a strong start with RBI doubles from Chris Taylor and Betts in the second inning, scoring four runs. Will Smith added a solo home run in the fifth inning.
Dodgers starter James Paxton was charged with five earned runs and five hits in 4 2/3 innings. After giving up a home run to Fairchild and issuing a walk to Steer in the fifth inning, reliever Yohan Ramirez hit Tyler Stephenson and walked Santiago Espinal to load the bases, eventually leading to India’s grand slam off reliever Alex Vesia’s pitch.
