ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WMDJ) — The Cincinnati Reds jumped out early and never looked back in a 6-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.

Cincinnati struck first in the opening inning when Sal Stewart launched a two-run home run to center, scoring Matt McLain for a quick 2-0 lead.

Tampa Bay answered with a run in the bottom half of the inning, but that would be all the offense the Rays could produce.

The Reds added to their lead in the third, as Elly De La Cruz delivered an RBI single to bring home TJ Friedl and make it 3-1.

Cincinnati broke the game open in the sixth inning. Rece Hinds lined a two-run double to left field, scoring Eugenio Suárez and Spencer Steer to extend the lead to 5-1.

Another run crossed in the seventh on a wild pitch, allowing Stewart to score and push the advantage to 6-1.

On the mound, Rhett Lowder earned the win, going six innings and allowing one run on five hits while striking out three. The bullpen took over from there, combining for three scoreless innings to secure the victory.

The Reds finished with nine hits on the night. Stewart led the way with two hits and two RBIs, while Hinds also drove in a pair.

Special congratulations to Ke’Bryan Hayes for recording a hit tonight, snapping an 0-for-33 stretch at the plate.

Cincinnati returns to Tropicana Field on Tuesday for game two of the three-game series. First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m., with the Inside Pitch pregame show beginning at 6:10 p.m. on WMDJ FM 100.1.