CINCINNATI — (AP) Joey Votto hit a two-run homer to cap a seven-run third inning and the Cincinnati Reds cruised to a 10-3 rout of the Cleveland Indians.
Jeff Hoffman gave the Reds (8-5) another solid start, surrendering just a run and seven hits through six innings and helping himself with a looping RBI single in the third. Nick Castellanos homered in the sixth inning for Cincinnati, who struck first in the weekend Battle of Ohio.
Following a José Ramírez error to start the third, seven of the Reds starters scored in the third. Eugenio Suárez doubled down the third base line to drive in two, and Votto followed with his shot off the top of the left field wall.
The Indians (7-6) struck first with Amed Rosario's solo homer in the second, but starter Logan Allen gave up four earned runs and failed to get an out in the third frame. Relievers Phil Maton and Cal Quantrill allowed two earned runs each, and while the offense did manage 10 hits they were also 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.
The Tribe and Reds will face off again Saturday afternoon. Triston McKenzie (0-0, 4.70 ERA) will take the mound for Cleveland against Cincy's Sonny Gray, who is set to make his season debut after missing the first two weeks with back spasms.
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