Apr 18, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario (3) hits a home run during the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Reds (10-10) beat the Baltimore Orioles (8-11) 8-3 on Friday night.

Here are our postgame takeaways:

Abbott Dominates Baltimore Offense

Andrew Abbott had the best start of his season on Friday night. After giving up a solo home run to Cedric Mullins in the second inning, Abbott settled down to pitch six strong innings.

The left-hander surrendered just one run on two hits and struck out 11 batters. He got whiffs of 46.3% of his pitches.

Three Home Runs Power Offense

While trailing 1-0 in the third inning, Elly De La Cruz hit a ball that appeared to bounce off the center field wall, but upon further review, it was ruled a three-run home run. It was his fourth home run of the season.

In the fourth, Jeimer Candelario hit his second home run of the season to give the Reds a 4-1 lead.

Matt McLain followed later in the inning with a three-run home run of his own to give Cincinnati a six-run advantage.

Austin Hays added an RBI single in the sixth. The Reds had 11 hits on the night and Jose Trevino, Austin Hays, and Santiago Espinal all had multi-hit games.

News and Notes

  • The Reds were 4-for-13 with runners in scoring position on Friday.
  • The Reds had five extra-base hits.
  • Spencer Steer went 0-4 and is hitting .111 this season.
  • Jose Trevino reached base four times.
  • Alexis Diaz pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning out of the bullpen.
  • The Reds are 8-4 in night games.
  • The Reds are 5-2 in series openers.

Up Next

The Reds play the Orioles in game two of the series on Saturday at 4:05 ET. Hunter Greene will take the mound for Cincinnati.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Canadiens goalie leaves North America to sign massive five-year deal
Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton matches rare playoff feat with epic first quarter
Steelers Hall of Famer rips team over Aaron Rodgers interest
WNBA releases findings of investigation of alleged racist comments directed at Angel Reese
Watch: Phillies' Bryce Harper leaves game after taking fastball to elbow
Raiders appear to have contract dispute with promising WR
Cubs star Kyle Tucker sends seven-word message after $600 million news
Bruins reportedly shopping top forward in potential offseason shake-up
Bears head coach Ben Johnson apparently lit up Caleb Williams at practice
Surprising name rips 49ers for 'overpay' of QB Brock Purdy
Steelers' Mason Rudolph addresses constant Aaron Rodgers chatter at start of OTAs
Kirby Smart reveals what he thinks is biggest issue in college football
Bills' high-profile offseason addition suffers calf injury
Packers' contract dispute believed to be holdup with promising rookie
Analyst makes prediction about Saints' alleged QB competition
Caitlin Clark injury news should give Fever's offseason additions an early test
Rich Eisen shares harsh truth for Steelers about possible pursuit of Kirk Cousins
Five takeaways from Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals
Stanley Cup playoffs takeaways: Hurricanes stave off elimination, Panthers miss star forward
Red Sox are wasting an outstanding season from Garrett Crochet