Rookie Sal Stewart Powers Reds to Sixth Straight Win Over Rays

Cincinnati Reds rookie first baseman Sal Stewart continued his breakout season with a standout performance in a 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night, April 20, 2026, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The win marked Cincinnati’s sixth consecutive triumph and reinforced their early-season momentum in the National League Central.

Stewart delivered a two-run home run in the first inning off Rays starter Jesse Scholtens, ending the pitcher’s scoreless streak to begin the season at 9 2/3 innings. The blast was Stewart’s eighth home run of the year, tying him for the major league lead among rookies alongside Munetaka Murakami of the Chicago White Sox and Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals. He also leads all National League rookies in home runs.

Beyond the home run, Stewart contributed across the board: he doubled, stole a base, and scored twice. His offensive production raised his season totals to 21 RBIs and 13 extra-base hits, both tops among MLB rookies. Defensively, he made a key play with the bases loaded, snagging a line drive for the final out of the seventh inning.

On the mound, rookie right-hander Rhett Lowder earned his third win of the season, pitching six effective innings. He allowed just one run on five hits whereas walking two and striking out three. Lowder needed only 33 pitches to navigate a first-inning jam that began with a bases-loaded walk to Yandy Díaz, after which he settled in and retired 12 of the next 13 batters he faced.

The Reds’ bullpen, which entered the game with the best earned run average in MLB at 2.31, preserved the lead with three relievers each working a scoreless inning. Tampa Bay managed only a single run, scoring in the first on a wild pitch, passed ball, and sacrifice fly after Díaz’s leadoff walk.

Cincinnati’s offense received additional contributions from TJ Friedl, who doubled and scored in the third inning, and Eugenio Suárez, who drove in two runs with a double in the sixth. Ke’Bryan Hayes ended a career-worst 0-for-33 hitting streak with a single in the sixth inning.

With the victory, the Reds improved to 15-8 overall and 9-2 in road games. They remain tied for first place in the NL Central with the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals, all three clubs holding 13-9 records.

Cincinnati will look to extend their winning streak when right-hander Chase Burns takes the mound in the series finale against left-hander Steven Matz on Tuesday afternoon.

Key Takeaways

• Sal Stewart hit his eighth home run of the season, tying for the MLB rookie lead.
• Stewart also recorded a double, stolen base, and two runs scored in the game.
• Rookie pitcher Rhett Lowder earned his third win, allowing one run over six innings.
• The Reds’ bullpen maintained its MLB-best ERA of 2.31, pitching three scoreless innings.
• Cincinnati secured its sixth straight win, improving to 15-8 on the season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sal Stewart?

Sal Stewart is a 23-year-old rookie first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds. Through the first month of the 2026 MLB season, he has emerged as one of the top-performing rookies in the league, leading all newcomers in RBIs (21) and extra-base hits (13).

What is Rhett Lowder’s record after this game?

Rhett Lowder improved to 3-1 on the season with his six-inning, one-run performance against the Rays. He has posted a 3.10 ERA through his first four starts.

How does this win affect the Reds’ standing in the NL Central?

The victory kept Cincinnati tied for first place in the National League Central division with a 15-8 record, matching the win totals of the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals.