CINCINNATI -- As many wonder why the Reds keep Billy Hamilton in the starting lineup as he struggles to hit and the center fielder himself considers giving up switch-hitting, Sunday's game vs. the Cardinals underscored the reason: Hamilton's speed changes a game.
In a 6-3 win over the Cardinals at Great American Ball Park, Hamilton created two runs for Cincinnati at the plate and his defense took at least one away from St. Louis. That -- and a season-high 11 walks -- helped the Reds snap a 13-game losing streak against the Cardinals.
Leading off the third inning against Carlos Martinez as the Reds trailed, 2-0, Hamilton lifted a ball through the gap in left field, and turned on the afterburners to third base for a triple.