Reds crush Diamondbacks 13-1 on June 7, 2025, as Christian Encarnacion-Strand homers in his return and Gavin Lux hits a grand slam. Can they win the series?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it seemed the Reds' offense was stuck in a rut, the bats roared to life in a spectacular way. Cincinnati dismantled the Arizona Diamondbacks 13-1 on Saturday, powered by a Gavin Lux grand slam and an offensive onslaught that saw them hang a five-spot in the first and an incredible eight runs in the fourth. The question now is: can they keep that same energy for today's rubber match?
They posted a five-run first inning and an eight-run fourth inning.
A huge part of the newfound offensive swagger has been the return of Christian Encarnacion-Strand. Activated from the 10-day IL after dealing with lower back inflammation since April 17, CES didn't waste any time making his presence felt. He homered in yesterday's rout, providing the kind of middle-of-the-order thump the team has desperately missed. His return seems to have a ripple effect, lengthening the lineup and taking pressure off other key bats.
Yesterday's game was a clinic. Beyond the 13-run outburst, the Reds showed a relentless approach at the plate. Gavin Lux's grand slam was the exclamation point, but the entire lineup contributed. This performance is a welcome sight for a team that has struggled for consistency. While stalwarts like TJ Friedl (.297 AVG) and Elly De La Cruz (12 HR, 43 RBI) have been carrying the load, seeing the entire offense click is a sign that Cincinnati might be ready to turn a corner and start climbing from their 4th place spot in the NL Central.
The Reds (6-8) have a chance to secure a crucial series win today at Great American Ball Park. They'll send Brady Singer (6-4, 4.66 ERA) to the hill to face Arizona's Zac Gallen (4-7, 5.13 ERA). A victory today would not only win the series but also build valuable momentum as they try to close the 2-game gap with the division-leading Brewers. The bats will need to stay hot against a veteran pitcher in Gallen.
Today's series finale is more than just one game; it's a litmus test. Was Saturday's offensive explosion a flash in the pan, or is it the start of a sustained run that will propel the Reds back into the thick of the NL Central race? All eyes will be on the offense to see if they can build on yesterday's momentum and prove this team is ready to compete.
