
Spoelstra: No need to penalize Ball any further
Erik Spoelstra supports no further penalties for LaMelo Ball after flagrant foul.
Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds had a standout performance with two three-run home runs, driving in six RBIs in an 8-3 victory over the San Francisco Giants. This game strengthens his case for the Rookie of the Year award.
Cincinnati Reds' Sal Stewart Adds to Rookie of the Year Argument With Monster Game
The Cincinnati Reds earned an 8-3 win over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. For as much criticism as Cincinnati's lineup has received this year, the Reds' offense looked unstoppable against the Giants. The ball club recorded 10 hits en route to the eight total runs scored. Sal Stewart led the way with six RBIs.
Stewart was incredible in the game. He had two three-run home runs. It was his first career multi-home run game as well.
While Stewart drove in six of Cincinnati's eight total runs, a number of other players stepped up as well.
Eugenio Suarez recorded three hits and an RBI while Elly De La Cruz added a hit and an RBI. It was a huge game for a ball club that is hoping its offense can find consistency soon. Their performance against the Giants was unquestionably a step in the right direction.
Perhaps it is too early to begin seriously discussing the Rookie of the Year. Regardless, Stewart is establishing himself as a legitimate candidate to win the NL award in 2026. In fact, Stewart may even receive All-Star consideration with the way he is playing.
The Reds infielder is now hitting .323/.434/.726 across 18 games played. Stewart has seven home runs, four doubles and three stolen bases as well.
As mentioned, the lack of Reds' scoring production has been a constant discussion. Stewart is certainly not to blame, though. He has been everything the Reds could have hoped for and more up to this point in the 2026 campaign.
Stewart is likely going to be a serious Rookie of the Year candidate at the end of the season regardless of whether or not the Reds' lineup takes a step forward.
Cincinnati leads San Francisco 2-0 in the teams' current three-game series. The final contest of the series will be played on Thursday, as the Reds will look to complete the sweep.
Chase Burns will start the game. He is 1-1 with a 3.31 ERA up to this point in the season. The Giants will turn to Landen Roupp, who has pitched to a 2-1 record and 3.24 ERA. Roupp will look to limit the Reds after Cincinnati's run-scoring outburst on Wednesday.
First pitch for the Giants and Reds clash is scheduled for 12:40 PM EST in Cincinnati on Thursday afternoon.
Sal Stewart had six RBIs in the game against the San Francisco Giants.
Sal Stewart recorded his first career multi-home run game, hitting two three-run home runs.
The Cincinnati Reds won the game against the San Francisco Giants with a final score of 8-3.

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