CHICAGO (AP) — Christian Encarnacion-Strand matched his career-best performance with four RBIs as the Cincinnati Reds cruised to an 11-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, completing a three-game sweep.
Chicago’s dismal start of 2-13 marks its worst 15-game opening in the franchise’s 124-year history. Throughout the series, the White Sox managed just 14 hits and rank lowest in the majors with only 34 runs scored.
Encarnacion-Strand and Nick Martini both delivered two home runs for the Reds, who are off to their strongest 15-game start in three years at 9-6. Encarnacion-Strand previously tallied four RBIs against Pittsburgh on September 23rd.
Martini contributed three RBIs for Cincinnati, which dominated Chicago 27-5 over the course of the series.
Elly De La Cruz of the Reds went 0 for 5 with two strikeouts, ending his streak of reaching base in 19 consecutive games dating back to last season.
Graham Ashcraft (2-1) impressed with eight strikeouts over 5 2/3 innings, allowing just two runs and five hits.
On the other hand, Michael Soroka (0-2) struggled, surrendering five runs, five hits, and six walks in 4 2/3 innings, elevating his ERA to 6.98.
Encarnacion-Strand’s home run and Jeimer Candelario’s two-run single, which deflected off first baseman Gavin Sheets, propelled Cincinnati to a 4-0 lead in the third inning.
In other news:
– Reds left-hander Sam Moll, dealing with a shoulder impingement, pitched a scoreless inning in a rehab appearance with Triple-A Louisville on Sunday.
– White Sox manager Pedro Grifol provided a positive update on outfielder Eloy Jiménez (left adductor strain) after a workout, but offered no further details. Jiménez, along with infielder Yoán Moncada and outfielder Luis Robert, are all on the injured list.
UP NEXT:
– Reds right-hander Frankie Montas (2-1, 2.16) will start Monday against Seattle, facing off against right-hander George Kirby (1-2, 8.16).
– White Sox right-hander Erick Fedde (0-0, 4.30) will make his fourth start of the season against Kansas City on Monday night, with right-hander Seth Lugo (2-0, 1.45) pitching for the Royals.
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