Billy Hamilton Games Over .500! Cincinnait Reds Sweep Chicago Cubs
By Adam Hughes
Jul 7, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton (6) slides in to third base during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
What, you were expecting to see maybe Wilton Guerrero or Donnie Scott here? Not a chance; not after the display the Cincinnati Reds put on at Great American Ballpark yesterday evening and last night against the Chicago Cubs, sweeping their doubleheader and closing to within 3 1/2 games of the Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers and moving to six games over .500 on the season. Not after more heroics by center fielder Billy Hamilton in a rookie season that is shaping up into something really special.
In the afternoon game, Hamilton picked up two hits in four at-bats, along with two more stolen bases, as the Reds built an early lead behind Johnny Cueto and never really looked back, winning 4-2. In the nightcap, Hamilton duplicated his 2-for-4 and also got on base with a walk. The capper came in the ninth after the Reds had battled back from an early 5-0 deficit to tie the game in the eighth. Hamilton came to the plate with Mike Leake and Devin Mesoraco on base and delivered the game-winning hit to lead the Reds to their first doubleheader sweep since a twin killing over the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2009.
For his six RBI (so far) in the Cubs stand, and for the excitement and production he has brought to the Reds, he is our Mr. Number 6. Was there ever any doubt?