The Cincinnati Reds (32-54) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (45-40) 10-5 on Sunday afternoon at the Great American Ballpark. The win gives the Reds a sweep of the Rays in the three game interleague series in Ohio.
The Reds used a huge seven-run third inning to take control of this game - they hit three homers in the third en route to a 7-0 lead. When the Rays answered with three runs in the top of the fourth, Cincinnati answered with three of their own in the bottom of the fourth to keep the lead 10-3.
Josh Lowe and Rene Pinto both hit solo homers in the eighth to make the score 10-5, which would prove to be the final. Yandy Diaz continued to be a bright spot for the Rays offense, going 3-for-4 with two RBI. In his last 13 starts he has 24 hits, including a hit in every game he has started.
Shane Baz (1-2, 5.00) had a tough start in this one, allowing all seven runs in the third inning on eight hits while striking out two and walking none.
The Rays now return home for a seven game homestand leading into the All-Star Break. It begins with a game against the Red Sox on Monday night - first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM. Pregame coverage begins with Jay Recher hosting the Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES