The Reds left Minnesota after sweeping the Twins, stealing the last two games. In game two they scored a run in each of the last three innings to come back and win 5-4. On Sunday they scored three in the 9th to send it to extras where they scored three in the top of the 10th to sweep the Twins. The Reds flew down to Tampa and picked up right where they left off. They won game one of three 6-1.
Sal has shown no signs of slowing down. Over the last four games he has four hits, three RBIs, four runs scored, one HR, one 2B, and two stolen bases. He still leads the team in essentially every statistical category. He leads the team in:
Hits - 24
2B - 5
HR - 8
RBI - 21
Stolen Bases - 5
Avg - .289
SLG - .639
OBP - .388
Simply put, unbelievable. His start through the first twenty-three games plays a huge part in the early season success. At this point last season the Reds were 11-12. What does this team have that last years team didn't have? Offense. The new bats on the team this year have all came through in a way they desperately needed. Sal Stewart being the biggest opening day addition. Eugenio Suarez is another welcome addition to the team. He has had some clutch hits and home runs already this season. He is third on the team in hits and RBIs. If both of those guys can keep their production numbers where they are the Reds will be a real threat come August to run away from the rest of the division.
Tonight Chase Burns toes the rubber against Steven Matz. Coming off six scoreless against the Giants, I would love to see much of the same tonight against the Rays. This will be Burns first start of his career against the Rays. It will not be a breeze for Burns like the Giants game. Tampa Bay has the 4th best offense based on average in the MLB currently. They also strike out the 2nd least in the league. There will never be a game that I don't trust Burns to go out and give the Reds a good outing. Tonight will be a big test for him and I am very excited to see the results.
Prediction:
Reds: 8
Rays: 2
Add comment
Comments