CINCINNATI (AP) — José Ramírez hit a grand slam and drove in six runs, remarkable rookie Steven Kwan reached base three more times and the Cleveland Guardians spoiled Cincinnati’s home opener by beating the Reds 10-5 Tuesday.
Kwan has now reached base at least three times in all five games of his major league career. The 24-year-old outfielder kept up his super start with a single, two walks and a sacrifice fly.
“He’s got his head screwed on tight,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “I checked some of his interviews, because I wanted to see. We’re pretty high on his ability to handle all this. That won’t be an issue.”
Kwan is batting 10 for 15 since making his debut on opening day. He has reached base in 18 of 24 plate appearances, the most times for any player in his first five games since 1901.
“As these records don’t feel real, I don’t think it’s going to settle in for a couple weeks,” Kwan said. “It’s all a culmination of the hard work over the years and it’s awesome to help contribute.”
Andrés Giménez hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the ninth inning off Hunter Strickland (0-1). Ramírez, who tripled and singled earlier, capped a six-run burst with his third career slam, connecting against Daniel Duarte for a 10-4 lead.
“Great comeback. Fighting back like that, you want to win that one,” Reds manager David Bell said.
Cleveland ace Shane Bieber retired the first 10 batters. He didn’t allow a hit until Jake Fraley doubled with one out in the sixth, starting a four-run rally that made it 4-all
“He’s always going to give his team a chance to win,” Reds outfielder Tyler Naquin said. “He threw the ball really well.”
Trevor Stephan (1-0) pitched one scoreless inning.
Kwan’s sacrifice fly and Ramírez’s two-run…
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