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Matt McLain Belts Two Three-Run Homers as Reds Rout Cubs 17-9

The outburst sharpened his case for the No. 2 spot despite Terry Francona downplaying spring numbers.

Overview

  • McLain went 2-for-2 with two three-run shots, two walks, three runs and six RBIs, with homers measured at 412 and 421 feet.
  • Francona has called McLain an ideal No. 2 hitter but says the role must be earned after a .220/.643 OPS season in 2025, a point McLain echoed.
  • Cincinnati launched six home runs among 14 hits, with Noelvi Marte, Sal Stewart, Rece Hinds and Garrett Hampson also going deep for a total exceeding 2,000 combined feet.
  • Brady Singer allowed five runs on seven hits over two-plus innings in his Cactus League debut as several outfielders struggled tracking balls in the Arizona sky.
  • After an off day March 3, the Reds host Cuba on March 4 at Goodyear Ballpark in a World Baseball Classic tuneup scheduled for 3:05 p.m. ET.