TJ Friedl smoked a 2-run homer, walked, stole a bag, and drove in a trio of runs for the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, fueling them to their seventh consecutive victory in the process. The Reds outlasted the Chicago Cubs by the tune of 4-3, doing so on the backs of Friedl, former Cub Jeimer Candelario (who socked a solo homer), and an all-around effort by the team’s pitching staff.
Yes, this win was nice, but these wins are what we’re here to discuss. The Reds have surged forward in the muddied National League Central mess, vaulting all the way up to second place in the division in this surge and owning the fifth best run differential in the NL along the way.