Reds-Pirates: Cincinnati Rides Explosive Fifth Inning, Beats Pittsburgh 11-2

CINCINNATI—The Reds scored a season high seven runs in the fifth inning, including Ramon Hernandez's sixth career grand slam, and Cincinnati obliterated the Pittsburgh Pirates 11-2 on Saturday.

James McDonald (0-1) had given up two runs in the previous four innings before finding himself in a heap of trouble in the fifth. Cincinnati sent 10 batters to the plate, ending Mcdonald's outing earlier than he would have liked.

The Reds (9-5) matched a season-high with four home runs; Jonny Gomes hit a solo shot in the second and a two-run pop in the sixth, Hernandez added his grand slam, and Drew Stubbs hit his third homer of the year to top off the monstrous fifth inning.

Mike Leake (2-0), who got the start in place of Edinson Volquez, went six innings, allowing two runs off of four hits and four walks while striking out six. Volquez is expected to take the mound on Sunday; he missed today's start due to a stiff neck.

The game was tied at two apiece going into the fifth inning. However, after his 90th (and final) pitch, McDonald was pulled from the game, allowing nine hits and six earned runs. The Pirates' (6-8) lowly offense couldn't do any more damage against Leake and the Reds' bullpen—after putting two runs on the scoreboard in the fourth.

Reigning National League MVP, Joey Votto, contributed to the high-powered Redleg offense, going three-for-four, including a triple. He raised his batting average to .451—best in the NL.

The third game of the series between these two division rivals will continue tomorrow afternoon at 1:10 P.M. ET.