Matt McLain hit a grand slam home run off Justin Martinez to cap a five-run fifth against the Arizona Diamondbacks that carried the Reds to a 9-6 win.
The rookie shortstop sent a 101 mph pitch out of the park for the big blow in the game with two strikes on him.
"He blew two past me," McLain explained. "I made a little adjustment after the first one. It wasn't enough so I had to start earlier. He throws gas. I consider myself a hitter who hits line drives and if I get under them hopefully, they go. Power comes with knowing the pitches that I can hit best and look for that pitch."
The Reds survived two home runs by Ketel Marte, playing their mirror image Arizona Diamondbacks hooked up for the first time this season.
Both teams are young, fast and aggressive on the base paths. Their season numbers are eerily close, the difference being Arizona players have been at this level all season. The younger Reds arrived after the first two months of the season. Both teams have spent time in first place. Both are in second place as they meet. The Dbacks trail the Los Angeles Dodgers by two games. The Reds trail the Milwaukee Brewers by 2 1/2 games.
Ben Lively, making a comeback at the age of 31 almost a decade after being a top pitching prospect for the Reds, praises the Reds rookies
"It is awesome," Lively said. "Literally, they are so energetic and alive every day. It is so cool. Even doing their drills they're full on and going at it. It's really fun. I just close my eyes and think no I'm not 31, I'm 21. I might do that again. It keeps me going for sure."
The Reds got the run back in the bottom of the inning with an unearned run. Nick Senzel reached first on an error by shortstop, Geraldo Perdormo. Matt McLain and Jonathan India singled to produce the run. India got the RBI.
The Reds used wildness by Arizona starter, Tommy Henry in the second inning. He walked Tyler Stephenson and Will Benson. He hit Elly De la Cruz with a pitch, loading the bases. Senzel beat a double play relay to drive in the Reds' second run.
Arizona evened the game on a double by Alek Thomas and single by Perdomo.
The Reds turned two more walks by Henry into a pair of runs. With two outs, Senzel and McLain walked. Spencer Steer increased his RBI total to 53 with a double to put the Reds up 4-2.
The Dbacks chased Lively in the fifth. Lively walked Perdomo with two outs. Marte triple off the top of Benson's glove in right field.
The competitor, who had to fight to get back to the Big Leagues did not want to leave the game.
"I felt good I was executing early in the game," Lively said. "Of course, always (surprised when they come and get you), in that situation but I get it.e Me against lefties has been up and down the last couple outings. We play the matchups too. As long as we win. If we don't win, I'm more pissed."
The Reds broke the game open in the bottom of the inning. Henry got Joey Votto to ground out. Arizona manager Tory Lovello brought in young hard throwing right hander, Justin Martinez. Christian Encarnacion-Strand singled. Stephenson hit a ball up the middle fielded by Marte at second. He flipped to Perdomo, who missed second base before throwing to first. Stephenson beat the throw and both runners were safe. Benson hit a ground rule double to left to score Encarnacion-Strand. Lovello walked De la Cruz intentionally to load the bases. TJ Friedl struck out batting for Senzel. McLain scorched an 0-2 pitch into the Arizona bullpen in right for his ninth home run of the year and first career grand slam.
"It was a huge hit in the game," David Bell said. "We all know that. The most impressive thing to be able to hit a fastball like that, when you're down in the count, I can't stress enough how important that is to be successful at this level. To hit a fastball period. But to hit a special fastball like that and have that kind of power to be able to drive the ball like that to the opposite field says a lot right there. It sets Matt up to be able to do both those things at this level."
"A lot of good at bats led to the big hits tonight."
Thomas hit his sixth home run with two outs and bases empty in the seventh off Fernando Cruz. Perdomo beat out a slow roller down the third base line, beating Cruz' throw by a step. Marte hit his 17th home run to bring the Diamondbacks within three.
Lucas Sims walked two in a scoreless eighth.
Alexis Diaz came in for his 28th save with a scoreless ninth.
McLain raised his batting average above .300 with two hits and a walk.
"I love McLain," Lively said. "He's awesome. Matt's one of a kind. That guy will go balls to the wall 24/7 and its awesome. It gets me fired up it really does."
The Reds gained a game on Milwaukee (54-44), who lost to the Atlanta Braves, 6-4. They are 1 1/2 game behind at (53-46).
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