Offensive Explosion Driving the Reds Four-Game Win Streak

At the start of the month, things were looking bleak for the Cincinnati Reds offense, being shut out for three straight games against the Texas Rangers and Milwaukee Brewers. It marked the first time such a feat was accomplished since 1960, making for 72 hours, fans quickly wanted to forget.

Fast forward two weeks, and the Reds are now the owners of the longest winning streak in baseball at four straight games. The team swept the Pittsburgh Pirates, outscoring them 14-5, before beating the Seattle Mariners 8-4 in last night's series opener. During the winning streak, Cincinnati's offense has had three home runs, 23 hits, and 19 walks.

The streak got started behind five solid innings from starting pitcher Brady Singer before the bullpen pitched a shutout. However, the 5-3 victory was fueled by a two-run homer by Jeimer Candelario, and he had up scoring plays from T.J. Friedl, Spencer Steer, and Elly De La Cruz. 

Then, the following night, who else but De La Cruz to hit a grand slam to back nine innings of two-run ball from the pitching staff. The Pirates series concluded with a Hunter Greene gem on the mound, and RBIs from Friedl, Espinal, and De La Cruz. Instead of it being an offensive explosion, the Reds saw the lineup begin to play off of one another and score when opportunities arose.

For the Reds, the long-awaited explosion came last night against Seattle. Cincinnati went into the Mariners series to make a statement, scoring eight runs on nine hits and seven walks. 

The most notable part of the offensive performance was the fact that it came from multiple players and not just the stars. Gavin Lux had his best game of the year, finishing with four hits, two runs batted in, and one run scored in four at-bats. Thus, boosting his batting average this season from .216 to .273 in one night.