Homer-happy Reds blast past Tigers in 9-2 rout

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the Detroit Tigers 9-2, highlighted by Sal Stewart's three-run homer and five RBIs. The win improved the Reds' record to 18-9, securing their position at the top of the National League Central.

Key points

Cincinnati Reds beat Detroit Tigers 9-2
Sal Stewart hit a three-run homer and had five RBIs
Reds improved to 18-9, leading the National League Central
Stewart leads MLB with 29 RBIs
Reds honored four players in Hall of Fame ceremony

Mentioned in this story

Aaron HarangLou PiniellaBrandon PhillipsReggie SandersJack Flaherty

Cincinnati RedsDetroit TigersSal StewartNathaniel Lowe

CINCINNATI, OHIO - APRIL 25: Sal Stewart #27 and Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds celebrate after Stewart hit a home run during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park on April 25, 2026 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cincinnati Reds welcomed Aaron Harang, Lou Piniella, Brandon Phillips, and Reggie Sanders into their team’s Hall of Fame in ceremony on Saturday afternoon. And while the butts in the seats in Great American Ball Park may well have been there to see them honor the team’s past, it was the present that ended up putting on the greatest show of the night. The Reds rocked Detroit Tigers starter Jack Flaherty early and often, a 3-run tater by Sal Stewart in the Bottom of the 1st the first big blow. followed with a homer of his own – his third in the last 24 hours – while both Elly De La Cruz and eventually homered as the Reds blasted their way to a 9-2 win that secured yet another series victory. Stewart, who takes home tonight’s **Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game**, was once again ridiculous at the plate. He consistently worked deep counts, fouling off countless pitches designed to get him to swing himself out after taking a few initial strikes. He eventually finished 3 for 4 with a walk, homer, and *five* ribbies on the night, a number that gives him 29 on the season through just 27 games played. This tweet, for example, came before he drove in two more. Sal leads all of Major League Baseball in ribbies with 29 as of the time of writing this, something that’s made even more incredible by how poor Cincinnati’s offense as a whole has been through the month of April. Quite simply, he’s been the best, most timely, most *clutch* hitter in the game so far this season, and he’s a rookie. *Rookie*. He’s Cincinnati’s rookie, though, and for that we are all incredibly thankful. The Reds moved to 18-9 on the season with the win, tightening their grip on 1st place in the National League Central while improving their start to a season to levels not seen since 2003. On Sunday, they’ll send to the bump with a chance to sweep the series, and I’ve been gifted the ability to type the word ‘sweep’ more often this month than in any month of Reds baseball that I can remember. The goings, folks, they are quite good right now. Here’s to them continuing ad infinitum.

Q&A

What were the key highlights of the Reds vs. Tigers game on April 25, 2026?

Sal Stewart hit a three-run homer and had five RBIs, while Nathaniel Lowe, Elly De La Cruz, and TJ Friedl also contributed home runs in the Reds' 9-2 victory.

How does Sal Stewart's performance impact the Reds' season?

Sal Stewart leads Major League Baseball with 29 RBIs, significantly contributing to the Reds' strong start of 18-9, their best since 2003.

Who are the Cincinnati Reds honoring in their Hall of Fame ceremony?

The Reds honored Aaron Harang, Lou Piniella, Brandon Phillips, and Reggie Sanders during their Hall of Fame ceremony on April 25, 2026.