Cincinnati turned Tropicana Field into a launching pad, scoring 12 runs on the strength of five home runs in a commanding 12-6 victory over Tampa Bay. The Reds never trailed after the first inning, building a nine-run lead before the Rays mounted a late rally that fell well short.
Elly De La Cruz carried the Cincinnati offense with two home runs and five RBIs, going 3-for-6 in the leadoff spot. His two-run homer in the first inning gave the Reds an early 2-0 lead, and his solo shot in the ninth capped the scoring at 12-2. De La Cruz is batting .276 with eight home runs and 18 RBIs this season.
The Reds broke the game open with a five-run sixth inning that stretched their lead to 9-0. McLain doubled to bring Hayes home, then Myers scored on De La Cruz's fielder's choice. Stewart delivered the decisive blow with a two-run single that scored both McLain and De La Cruz.
Chase Burns earned the victory for Cincinnati, allowing just two runs over 5.2 innings while striking out eight. The right-hander scattered four hits and walked two, carrying a 2.57 ERA into his next start. Tampa Bay managed just six runs despite a late surge that included Jonathan Aranda's two-run homer and four ninth-inning runs.
Cincinnati extended its winning streak to four games and improved to 15-8, maintaining first place in their division. Tampa Bay fell to 12-10 and has now lost two straight.