Cincinnati Reds Take Series: Beat Atlanta Braves 9-4

The Cincinnati Reds (49-53) beat the Atlanta Braves (54-46) 9-4 in the first game of the doubleheader.

Here are our postgame takeaways:

The Bats were Hot Hot Hot

With one out in the first inning, Elly De La Cruz got things started with a single before stealing his 50th base of the season. Spencer Steer hit a triple down the right-field line, but was able to score on the play after a throwing error by the Braves' second baseman. After a Tyler Stephenson walk, Jake Fraley launched his second home run of the season off the right-field foul pole to give the Reds a 4-0 lead.

After the Braves added three runs in the first two innings, the Reds' offense scored three more in the third. De La Cruz hit his team-leading 18th home run of the season before Noelvi Marte knocked in two runs with a two-out double to the left-center field gap.

In the fourth, Steer hit his third extra-base hit of the day, scoring De La Cruz and Jeimer Candelario to extend the lead and make it a 9-4 Reds lead.

Frankie Montas's Struggles Continue

Montas came into the game with a 7.56 ERA in the month of July. He struggled again today. The right-hander gave up 10 hits and four runs over 4 1/3 innings. he walked three and struck out six. His ERA on the season is now up to 5.01.

Bullpen Shines, Preserves Reds' Lead

After Montas pitched only 4 1/3 innings, the Reds bullpen was forced to throw 4 2/3 innings. Sam Moll came in with the bases loaded and only one out in the fifth and was able to strand all three runners. Lucas Sims pitched a scoreless seventh inning. Tony Santillan stuck out four in two scoreless innings. Justin Wilson added a 1-2-3 scoreless ninth.

Up Next

The Reds and Braves will face off in game two of the doubleheader at 6:05 ET.

News and Notes

Elly De La Cruz extended his hit streak to 11 games.
De La Cruz had three hits and two stolen bases.
De La Cruz had two errors in the game, his 19th and 20th of the season.
Sam Moll has not allowed a run in his last six games.
Spencer Steer had three hits and three runs batted in.
Jake Fraley had three hits, including his first home run since April 15.

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