Spencer Steer's 3-run homer and a gem from Brady Singer led the Reds to a 5-1 win over the Pirates on Aug. 7. See how the victory keeps Cincy in the hunt.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For six innings, it was a classic, nail-biting pitcher's duel in Pittsburgh. But with one swing of the bat in the top of the seventh, Spencer Steer turned a tense 1-1 tie into a commanding Reds lead. Steer's three-run blast was the decisive blow in a 5-1 victory over the Pirates, giving Cincinnati a critical win to kick off the four-game series.
Spencer Steer hit a decisive home run, driving in three runs in the top of the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie.
While Steer's homer will grab the headlines, Brady Singer's performance on the mound set the stage for the late-game heroics. The Reds starter was magnificent, carving through the Pirates' lineup for 6.2 innings while allowing just a single run on four hits. He fanned seven batters, providing the kind of quality start this team needs to make a playoff push. Jonathan India chipped in with two hits and an RBI, and Alexis Diaz slammed the door for his 27th save. The win pushes the Reds to 61-55, keeping them squarely in the hunt in a tight NL Central race.
The excitement wasn't limited to the big league club. The Reds made waves in the farm system by promoting two of their top 2025 draft picks, outfielder Mason Neville and infielder Kien Vu, to the Low-A Daytona Tortugas. Both have been tearing it up in rookie ball, with Neville hitting .312 and Vu flashing the leather at shortstop. This is an aggressive but exciting move, showing the front office is committed to fast-tracking high-ceiling talent through the system. It's a clear signal that the next wave of Reds stars is already on the way.
Elsewhere on the farm, it was a mixed bag. Christian Encarnacion-Strand continued to rake for Triple-A Louisville, going 2-for-3 with a double and an RBI. Sal Stewart also had a solid night, collecting two hits and two RBIs. However, it was a night to forget for top pitching prospect Chase Petty, who had a rare disastrous outing, getting tagged for nine runs in just 2.2 innings. These nights happen in development, but it's a reminder that the path to the majors has its bumps. On the bright side, Hector Rodriguez and Rece Hinds also contributed with the bat, and reliever Zach Maxwell looked sharp, striking out two in his outing.
With one win in the bank, the Reds will look to build on this momentum over the next three games in Pittsburgh. A series win here would be huge for the standings. Meanwhile, all eyes in the farm system will turn to Daytona to see how newly promoted prospects Mason Neville and Kien Vu handle their first taste of Low-A ball. It was a good day to be a Reds fan, with a win in the present and a promising glimpse of the future.
