CINCINNATI -- Sal Stewart sure knows how to sniff out RBI opportunities. The Reds' rookie first baseman helped engineer not just one, but two comebacks against the Pirates on Friday by doing what he has done best in 2026 -- coming up huge in run-scoring chances.
Stewart had four RBIs -- including a go-ahead two-run home run in the fourth inning and a game-tying two-run single in the three-run eighth inning that lifted the Reds to an 8-7 win over Pittsburgh at Great American Ball Park.
“I’m doing my job, doing what I need to do to help my team," Stewart said. "Yeah, it was a good day. I got some good pitches to hit and I was able to execute.”
It was a wild and woolly game for the Reds, who trailed 2-0 in the top of the first inning, 3-2 in the second inning and then 7-5 after what initially seemed like a crushing three-run Pirates rally in the top of the eighth.
“You get punched. But we kept coming back. That’s a good feeling," manager Terry Francona said. "There was a lot going on in that game and if something would have gone wrong, we probably don’t win. But I love the way they compete.”
After relievers Caleb Ferguson and Pierce Johnson allowed three runs in the top of the eighth inning, the Reds rebounded in the bottom half. Noelvi Marte and Matt McLain started it with back-to-back singles off reliever Wilber Dotel that put runners on the corners. With one out, Stewart lined his two-run single to right field and went to second base on the throw to the plate.
Stewart leads the National League with 84 RBIs. Is it fair to lean on a 22-year-old to expect him to come through in big spots?
“It’s probably not fair, but yeah. I think he certainly looks forward to those situations and he certainly thrives in them, too," Francona said.
After an intentional walk to Tyler Stephenson by new reliever Mason Montgomery, Nathaniel Lowe hit a two-out sharp grounder to third base. The fielder's choice throw to second base was dropped by Brandon Lowe for an error that allowed Stewart to score what ended up being the winning run.
Earlier, in the fourth inning against Pirates ace Paul Skenes, Stewart extended his team lead with his 23rd homer of the season -- a two-run drive to center field after Elly De La Cruz hit a one-out triple to right-center field.
“His accolades speak for themselves. He’s a great pitcher," Stewart said of Skenes. "Not only does he have good stuff, [but] he also knows what to do with his stuff, so it makes it really difficult. You just have to put together good at-bats. I feel like we did that. We were able to push his pitch count up, which was also a positive for us, and we had to execute.”