The Cincinnati Reds handled business in Denver on Friday, July 17, rolling past the Colorado Rockies 7-2 behind a dominant outing from Brady Singer and a power surge that produced four home runs. Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, and Eugenio Suárez each went deep for Cincinnati, with Steer delivering the big blow of the night — a two-homer, three-RBI performance that broke the game open. The Reds won by five and never trailed, banking a road victory that showcased just how much damage this lineup can do when the pitching is locked in.

Brady Singer Delivers Seven Strong Innings Against Colorado

Singer was the story on the mound. He went seven full innings, scattered four hits, walked nobody, and struck out six. He allowed two earned runs but was in command throughout, working efficiently and letting his defense do its job. A zero-walk line over seven innings is the kind of outing a rotation can build around, and Singer gave the bullpen a genuine night off before Brock Burke and Tejay Antone closed it out cleanly — each working a scoreless inning.

Gabriel Hughes started for Colorado and was decent through five-plus, punching out six Reds while surrendering two earned runs on five hits. But the Reds broke through when it counted, and once Jimmy Herget entered and gave back two runs in two-thirds of an inning, the damage was done. Jeff Criswell worked the final two frames for the Rockies but allowed two more earned runs on three hits.

Steer, De La Cruz, and Suárez Fuel Cincinnati's Offense

Spencer Steer was the offensive engine. He went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI — the kind of night that reminds you how dangerous he can be when he's pulling the ball with authority. Two long balls from Steer alone would have been enough to win this game. His ability to do damage in bunches is exactly what this lineup needs on the road.

Elly De La Cruz put together a standout night at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a home run and an RBI. Four hits in five at-bats from your leadoff man sets a tone for nine innings, and on Friday he was at his most disruptive.

Eugenio Suárez added to the damage, going 2-for-4 with a solo home run and an RBI. For Colorado, Willi Castro had a productive night — 2-for-4 with a home run — but the Rockies simply couldn't generate enough offense against Singer to make it matter.

Key Offensive Performances

  • Spencer Steer: 2-for-4, 2 HR, 3 RBI
  • Elly De La Cruz: 4-for-5, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Eugenio Suárez: 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI

Turning Point: Reds Bury the Rockies in the Middle Innings

This game turned when Cincinnati's power hitters stacked damage across the middle frames. With Singer keeping the Rockies at bay, the Reds' offense piled on enough runs to make any late-inning comeback impossible. By the time Herget struggled in relief for Colorado, the game was effectively over. The Reds never let the Rockies believe they had a path back into it.

Around the Clubhouse

The Reds continue to navigate some roster movement. Will Benson was designated for assignment earlier this month, and Dane Myers was reported to be returning from the injured list. On the pitching side, Tony Santillan landed on the 15-day IL with a strained left oblique, adding to the bullpen calculus as the season progresses. Hunter Greene's situation also bears watching — he has returned from an elbow injury and rejoins the rotation alongside Burns, a pairing that gives Cincinnati a formidable top of the starting staff. And JJ Bleday, who has emerged as one of the Reds' best hitters since his April 26 recall, continues to be a name worth monitoring as Cincinnati weighs its options moving forward.

What's Next for the Reds

The Reds remain on the road as this series with Colorado continues. Cincinnati will look to build on Friday's performance and keep the momentum going away from Great American Ball Park. With Singer delivering the way he did and three hitters going deep in the same game, there's plenty to feel good about heading into the next contest.