Reds remain hot on the road with balanced effort against Rays

The 23-year-old Stewart is now tied with Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox for the most home runs (eight) among MLB rookies and Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals for the National League lead. He even caught a bases-loaded line drive to end the game.

The Reds (15-8) had nine hits in the game, but it was not just the offense that was clicking in the win. Elly De La Cruz only had one hit and one RBI in four at-bats, but this sensational diving grab in the third robbed the Rays (12-10) third baseman Junior Caminero of a hit and showcased the defensive potential that this team has as well.

With at least five runs in four of their last six games, including a four-homer night against the San Francisco Giants on April 15, the Reds offense has been on fire lately. One constant for the Reds this season, though, has been solid pitching.

While it took Rhett Lowder 33 pitches to get out of the first inning, he only allowed five hits and two walks in six innings of one-run ball. Aside from the starting rotation, the Reds have the best bullpen ERA (2.23), and that was clear once again with three relievers, Brock Burke, Pierce Johnson and Connor Phillips, allowing zero runs and just one hit in the final three innings.

The Reds are still dealing with key injuries to pitchers Nick Lodolo (blister) and Hunter Greene (right elbow), as well as catcher Jose Trevino (back). If they can get their starting rotation fully healthy and continue to offer some run support, this Cincinnati team has a lot of potential.

At least for now, its depth is on display with efficient bullpen play and an improving offense. Monday's win over the Rays was just the latest example.