Elly De La Cruz delivers clutch hit as Reds stay hot, beat Rays

Elly De La Cruz broke a tie with a two-run RBI single in the seventh inning to help the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-2 win against the visiting Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday.

Starting pitcher Andrew Abbott gave up one run on two hits and struck out seven in six innings for the Reds, who have won three straight and nine of 13.

Rays starter Ryan Pepiot also went six, allowing two runs on two hits. Tampa Bay has lost five of its past six games.

With the bases loaded and two out, De La Cruz lifted a slider off reliever Garrett Cleavinger into the gap in center field, scoring Spencer Steer and TJ Friedl to put Cincinnati in front 4-2. Cleavinger replaced Bryan Baker (3-4), who departed after 2/3 of the inning because of an injury.

In the eighth, Friedl and Matt McLain each connected for an RBI single to extend it to 6-2.

Down by one entering the sixth, the Reds capitalized on a fielding error by Rays shortstop Taylor Walls to take a 2-1 lead. After Friedl drew a walk, McLain connected for an infield single. Each advanced when De La Cruz grounded out, and then Austin Hays put a changeup towards Walls, who missed the grab, allowing the ball to roll into the outfield and bringing in Friedl and McLain.

The Rays tied it 2-2 in the seventh against reliever Graham Ashcraft (6-4). Jose Caballero walked and went to third on Jonny DeLuca's single to center field. Josh Lowe then pinch hit a single to left, driving in Caballero.

Yandy Diaz opened the scoring in the top of the sixth, knocking a lead-off home run 415 feet into center field to put Tampa Bay ahead 1-0.

Both sides struggled to get on base through the first five innings, with each recording just one hit and three total baserunners and only once reaching second base.

Cincinnati manager Terry Francona was ejected by home plate umpire Willie Traynor in the top of the seventh after arguing a call.

--Field Level Media