WATCH: Shogo Akiyama hits 3-run homerun to help Cincinnati Reds win
The Reds showed a lot of power in Summer Camp when they were hitting off their own pitchers. They did the same Tuesday night in the Summer Camp exhibition opener against the Detroit Tigers at Great American Ball Park.
To the tune of five home runs to the Tigers’ four.
Shogo Akiyama hit a three-run shot, Freddy Galvis and Eugenio Suarez hit two-run homers and Tucker Barnhart and Jesse Winker hit solo blasts.
That allowed the Reds to come back and beat the Tigers 9-7 after falling behind 5-0.
Akiyama wasn’t brought in for his power, but his homer may have been the biggest of the night.
“It was a great result to be able to connect and it ended up being a home run,” Akiyama said. “Also having the environment of playing another team and just being able to win a game created a better environment as a whole. Most important, it was how people perceived that.”
Said Akiyama: “Even in Japan, I haven’t experienced a game being a part of a team that connects for five home runs. It made me realize that it is my job to get on base. I’m so focused on how I didn’t get on base in the at-bats the pitchers got me. Going forward, I want to focus on how to get on base each game as much as possible.”
The Reds tied it at 6 in the fifth on a three-run shot by Akiyama to center.
“He’s worked so hard.,” Bell said. “We’ve got him a ton of work – more than other regulars, really just to give him an opportunity to acclimate the best he can. He’s getting more comfortable. He’s such a professional. He’s’ showing what he’s doing a long time in Japan. We’re looking forward to seeing it in the season. He’s prepared himself well.”
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