Cincinnati Reds Rookie Joins Elite Club in Team History With Huge Day vs. Braves

Matt McLain of the Cincinnati Reds had four extra-base hits on Sunday vs. the Atlanta Braves, joining a very special club in team history.

The Cincinnati Reds lost on Sunday to the Atlanta Braves, 7-6, to drop one of the more entertaining series of the season.

Even in the loss though, Reds rookie Matt McLain put out a performance that was one of the rarest in team history.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

Matt McLain’s 4 extra-base hits are tied for the most by a Reds rookie in a game since at least 1901, with: 

6/18/1988 Chris Sabo

Matt McLain’s 4 extra-base hits are tied for the most by a Reds rookie in a game since at least 1901, with:

6/18/1988 Chris Sabo https://t.co/tid8zV9PT1

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 25, 2023

While Elly De La Cruz rightfully gets a lot of praise, McLain has been a huge addition to the Reds lineup since debuting on May 15. The former first-round pick out of UCLA is now hitting .325 with five homers, 22 RBI and four steals.

Along with De La Cruz and McClain, the Reds have gotten great contributions from Spencer Steer, Hunter Greene and Brandon Williamson. The Reds have one of the most exciting young cores in all of baseball and only have more prospects coming.

After the loss, the Reds are 41-37. They still lead the National League Central by 0.5 games over the Milwaukee Brewers. 

The Reds will be back in action on Monday against the Baltimore Orioles, who just took two of three from the Seattle Mariners, and are one of the best teams in the American League. 

Williamson (1-0, 5.40 ERA) will pitch against Cole Irvin (1-3, 7.71 ERA). First pitch from Camden Yards is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

Baltimore is 47-29 and currently holds the first wild card spot in the American League.

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