OAKLAND – If there was a play that signified how the Cincinnati Reds wanted to take advantage of the large outfield at the Oakland Coliseum, it was Tyler Stephenson, of all people, sprinting to second base on a line drive to center field.
Oakland Athletics center fielder Esteury Ruiz fielded the ball on one hop to his right, showing his speed to keep it from rolling past him in the gap, but Stephenson never hesitated as he rounded first base. Ruiz’s throw was off target and Stephenson slid into the bag safely.
The Reds turned Stephenson’s one-out double into a three-run inning, which played a large role in the Reds’ 11-7 victory to begin the three-game weekend series and extend their winning streak to four games.