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I am a freelance writer. I've covered the Cincinnati Reds, Bengals and others since 1992. I have a background in sales as well. I've sold consumer electronics, advertising and consumer package goods for companies ranging from the now defunct Circuit City to Procter&Gamble. I have worked as a stats operator for Xavier University, the University of Cincinnati, the College of Mount St. Joe and Colerain High School.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Jonathan India Breaks Slump To Slap The Cardinals Beak With Two Home Runs TJ Friedl Hits Two Home Runs

 


 

Jonathan India and TJ Friedl hit four of the Reds' four home runs as they swept the Cardinals with a 9-2 win.

It forged a tie with the Cardinals for second place in the National League Central with 60-61 records.

It was the first time since June 2017 the Reds swept the Cardinals in Great American Ball Park. The Reds swept a four-game series in 2021 at Busch Stadium.

On the 51st anniversary of Bob Gibson's only career no-hitter another Gibson starts for the Cardinals. Kyle Gibson beat the Reds on May 28, a 7-1 decison.

Emilio Pagan made his first start for the Reds and second of his Major League career. He last started on September 23 last year for Minnesota against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.

Gibson (7-5) retired the first seven Reds' batters. Will Benson walked. Noelvi Marte singled. India broke an 0-for-23 slump with his 10th home run of the season, putting the Reds up 3-0. Tyler Stephenson added his 15th home run, reaching the seats in right.

Sam Moll (3-1) struck out two in his scoreless inning and turned the ball over to Carson Spiers.

India led off the bottom of the fifth with his 11th home run to straight away center. It was the fourth two-home run game of his career. 

TJ Friedl hit his eighth home run to put the Reds up 6-0. "I didn't try to do it. I don't remember what I did on my other birthdays but I will remember this one<" Friedl said. "I had my family with me today and coming out to the field. It is stuff you dream of as a kid. It's awesome."

"We're clicking at the right time and it's one through nine," Friedl said. "The pitching is doing well like it's done all season."

Steer singled with two outs and went to second when left fielder Tommy Pham kicked the ball. Jeimer Candelario reached on an error by Brendan Donovan. Steer went to third. He scored on an infield single by Jake Fraley.

The first four Cardinals batters reached in the sixth inning. Masyn Winn doubled, Alec Burleson, Willson Contreras and Nolan Arenado singled to plate two runs. Spiers struck out Donovan and Paul Goldschmidt. Justin Wilson was brought in to face Lars Nootbar but Jordan Walker pinch hit and stranded two runners with a pop up to Steer at first.

The Cardinals scored four runs in the series. The Reds hit 10 home runs the Cardinals hit one.

"They took some really good swings and hit the ball hard<" Cardinal manager Oliver Marmol said. "We didn't. What it comes down to is they hit the ball hard, 10 home runs to one in the series. They out slugged us. It was more than enough." 

Friedl's ninth home run led off the seventh. It was at the expense of Kyle Leahy. Friedl hit two home runs on his 29th birthday. Barry Larkin did in 1994. Elly De La Cruz doubled home Noelvi Marte, who had two hits in the game.

Justin Wilson, Buck Farmer and Fernando Cruz pitched scoreless innings. 

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