Hector Rodriguez back at leadoff as Reds look to take series from Cubs

Tyler Stephenson smashed a huge 3-run homer. Sal Stewart, Jose Trevino, and even TJ Friedl homered, too, and youngster Hector Rodriguez chipped in with another multi-hit game (with a walk).

Hector, in particular, was a player that stood out. After smashing a pair of homers in the series finale against the San Francisco Giants earlier in the week while batting leadoff, he was dropped to the #9 hole on Friday due to the start of a southpaw by the Cubs. Undeterred, he smashed an RBI-single off lefty David Peterson in the Top of the 4th and finished the game 2 for 3 with a walk, ribbie, and pair of runs scored.

The Reds rookie outfielder is back in the leadoff spot for Saturday's matinee against the Cubs, playing RF behind starter Andrew Abbott as Cincinnati looks to take the series off their NL Central rivals.