Reds’ Sal Stewart keeps hitting HRs, but it was a SB that had Terry Francona laughing

The Cincinnati Reds picked up a strong win on Monday over the Tampa Bay Rays. Reds slugger Sal Stewart had a monster game, hitting a home run yet again for his club. Although that homer impressed his manager Terry Francona, it was something else that Stewart did in the game that had Francona laughing.

Stewart stole third base after hitting a double in the seventh inning. It was totally unexpected.

“We were in the dugout laughing. I’m like, I didn’t send him,” Francona said of the steal, per MLB.com. “All of a sudden, there’s a wild pitch so it turns out to be very good. Just can’t ever get thrown out there and I’ll remind him of that about seven times tomorrow.”

Stewart later explained why he made that move.

“I saw the opportunity there,” Stewart said. “I’m always a proponent of trying to take the extra base. It gives our team a better chance to win.”

The Reds are now 15-8 on the season, and lead a very competitive National League Central division. Cincinnati is getting wins, despite struggling overall statistically on offense.

Sal Stewart is on fire for the Reds

Stewart is not struggling by any means. After his home run on Monday, he now has eight on the season. He is tied for the National League lead in homers with Jordan Walker and Max Muncy.

“I was just looking for a pitch that I could hit, trying to put together a good at-bat. Worked to my favor,” Stewart said. “I’m happy with the day. I’m happy that our team won and happy that we’re keeping this thing rolling.”

Francona is deeply comforted by how hard his club is playing, despite the overall offensive struggles.

“We need to do that. But I still love the way we’re competing,” Francona said. “I don’t see any difference in their demeanor regardless of what their batting average is and I love that. I respect the hell out of that.”

The Reds and Rays play again on Tuesday.

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