Lux Powers Reds with 2-Run Blast, Singer Leads 4-1 Win Over Angels

Gavin Lux launched a two-run homer in the first inning, and Brady Singer pitched six strong innings as the Cincinnati Reds topped the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 on Monday night.

TJ Friedl opened the game with a single off Angels rookie Victor Mederos, making his second career start. Lux followed with his fifth home run of the season to give Cincinnati a quick 2-0 lead.

The Reds showcased speed on the bases, racking up three leadoff triples. Austin Hays tripled in the third but was stranded, while Elly De Los Angeles Cruz legged out his fourth triple in the fifth and later scored on Hays’ sacrifice fly for a 3-1 advantage. In the eighth, Ke’Bryan Hayes ripped another triple over center fielder Luis Rengifo’s head, setting up Matt McLain’s sac fly to push the lead to 4-1. It marked the Reds’ most triples in a game since recording five at Coors Field in 2019.

Singer (11-9) limited Los Angeles to just an RBI double by Taylor Ward in the first. The right-hander improved to 3-1 in four August starts, allowing only five runs over 21 2/3 innings.

Scott Barlow came on with two runners aboard in the eighth and struck out Jo Adell to preserve the three-run lead. He struck out the side in the ninth, finishing with four strikeouts for his first save of the season.

Mederos (0-1) took the loss, giving up three runs on nine hits and three walks in five innings.

Key Moment:

With the Angels threatening in the sixth after back-to-back singles by Nolan Schanuel and Mike Trout, Singer calmly retired Taylor Ward on a shallow fly before striking out Yoán Moncada looking to escape the jam.

Key Stat:

The Reds (66-60) notched their ninth straight victory over the Angels (60-65), pulling within one game of the Mets for the final National League wild card spot.

Up Next:

Hunter Greene (5-3, 2.47 ERA) gets the ball for Cincinnati on Tuesday against Angels right-hander Kyle Hendricks (6-8, 4.88 ERA).