Cincinnati Reds' Secret to Success Will Surprise Fans

· Yahoo Sports

The Cincinnati Reds have enjoyed a strong start to the season. While the pitching has stepped up despite injuries to Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, the offense has out-performed expectations. The lineup is still far from perfect, but it is doing one thing especially well. The Reds are currently sixth in all of MLB in total home runs with a mark of 37. 

One would imagine that slugger Eugenio Suarez would be leading the way. After all, he is probably the best home run hitter on the roster. However, Suarez's three home runs are just fifth on the team. It should be mentioned that he was recently placed on the injured list. 

Visit sportbet.rodeo for more information.

So, who is leading the Reds' home run push?

Reds' Crushing Home Runs

Elly De La Cruz is joined by rookie Sal Stewart at the top of the team's home run leaderboard. Both players have hit nine long balls this year. Cincinnati clearly has a current star in De La Cruz and a future star in Stewart.

The Reds knew Stewart could end up being a good player. With that being said, they may not have expected nine home runs through the first month of the season from the 22-year-old. He is certainly going to be a strong candidate to win the National League Rookie of the Year. 

Meanwhile, De La Cruz may make a serious run at the MVP award. He has had an extremely strong start to the new campaign.

Nathaniel Lowe, who has played in only 17 total games as of this story's publication, is tied with Spencer Steer for third on the team in home runs with nine. Cincinnati needs other players to step up aside from the stars and that is exactly what Lowe and Steer have done. 

As mentioned, Suarez is fifth with three home runs. Matt McLain and Tyler Stephenson are tied for sixth with two long balls each. 

Will the Reds be able to continue to crush home runs at a high level all season? Well, they play in a hitter-friendly stadium and the roster clearly has a number of power hitters. Finishing within the top 10 of home runs in MLB would give their playoff chances a crucial boost. 

The Reds will look to continue swinging for the fences in their next series against the Colorado Rockies. The first game is scheduled for Tuesday night at 6:40 PM EST in Cincinnati.

Read full story at source