The San Francisco Giants came into Friday's action with an impressive spring record, suffering only three losses in 19 games. However, the Cincinnati Reds had other plans, handing the Giants two more defeats in a doubleheader that showcased Cincinnati's dominant pitching, pushing their own record to 11-9.
Reds at Giants: Key Moments
Cincinnati wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. Matt McLain set the tone with a 1-out triple, followed by two consecutive walks to load the bases. JJ Bleday capitalized on this opportunity, singling in two runs to give the Reds an early advantage.
Chase Burns was a standout on the mound, delivering two shutout innings while allowing just one hit. He struck out two batters and threw 24 pitches, with 17 finding the strike zone. The Reds had a plan for Burns, limiting his outing due to his workload this spring.
The Reds extended their lead in the 5th inning. Will Benson drew a walk and scored two pitches later on a Nathaniel Lowe double. San Francisco's defense faltered, allowing Garrett Hampson to reach on an error, and Tyson Lewis capitalized with an opposite-field double, pushing the score to 4-0.
The Giants managed to get on the board in the 7th inning with a 2-out rally. Will Brennan singled and scored on Jerar Encarnacion's double.
However, Cincinnati responded swiftly. Carlos Sanchez led off the 8th with a single, and Rafhlmil Torres tripled to bring him home.
Hansel Jimenez added another run with a single, extending the lead to 6-1.
Cincinnati's bullpen was stellar, allowing just one run over six innings without issuing a walk. Brandon Leibrandt closed out the game, working around a leadoff single to secure the 6-1 victory.
Giants at Reds: Key Moments
The Reds gave fans a glimpse of their potential in the 1st inning. Elly De La Cruz walked, stole second, and scored on Sal Stewart's RBI single, putting the Reds up 1-0.
Brady Singer faced a challenge in the 2nd inning. After a double by Bryce Eldridge and a single from Casey Schmitt, Singer loaded the bases with a walk. He navigated the jam with a fly out, a strikeout, and a groundout, maintaining the Reds' slim lead.
Offense was scarce after that. The Reds' only hit was Stewart's 1st-inning single.
San Francisco managed just two singles after the 2nd inning. Cincinnati's bullpen, featuring Pierce Johnson, Graham Ashcraft, Connor Phillips, Zach Maxwell, and Hunter Parks, each delivered a scoreless inning to preserve a 1-0 win.
News and Notes
Elly De La Cruz was active on the bases, recording his first walk and stolen base of the spring in the 1st inning, followed by two more steals in the 6th.
Sal Stewart contributed significantly, going 1-for-1 with two walks, an RBI, and two stolen bases in the 1-0 victory.
In the 6-1 win, Tyson Lewis, ranked as the #4 prospect, shone with a 2-for-3 performance, including a double and an RBI. Will Benson also made his mark, walking twice and scoring two runs.
Relievers Lyon Richardson, Hagen Danner, Luis Mey, and Brandon Leibrandt all delivered scoreless outings in the 6-1 triumph over San Francisco.
Before Friday's games, the Reds made a roster move, sending Yunior Marte to minor league camp. Marte had allowed five runs on nine hits and two walks over six innings this spring, striking out 11 of the 29 batters he faced.
Looking ahead, the Reds return to a single game on Saturday, hosting the Texas Rangers in an afternoon matchup. Rhett Lowder is set to start for Cincinnati, with first pitch scheduled for 4:05 PM ET. The game will be available via radio broadcast, featuring relievers Emilio Pagan, Tony Santillan, Sam Moll, and Tejay Antone.