GOODYEAR, AZ. − Even Cincinnati Reds manager Terry Francona might be admiring the stat line Matt McLain posted against the Chicago Cubs.
Francona said prior to the March 2 Reds-Cubs game that stats don’t factor heavily in his spring training player evaluations, but McLain had an undeniably impressive statistical outing against the Cubs, going 2-for-2 with two three-run homers, plus two walks.
McLain crossed home plate three times in the game, too.
Obviously, more than the stats, it was how McLain looked that should please Francona as he provided ample power, including an opposite-field shot.
The first home run came in the second inning on Cubs starter Jameson Taillon’s initial offering. By the time the ball crashed back to Earth, it was measured as having traveled 412 feet and reached the palm trees lining the back of the grass berm in left field. When Cubs left fielder Dylan Carlson turned and jogged a few paces toward the wall, it seemed to be more of a courtesy.
The second home run came on a 1-2 count against Chicago pitcher Ryan Rolison, and that was one Francona almost certainly appreciated as McLain drove it through the right-center alley and onto that area of the grass berm.
Francona and McLain have both noted that the player is in a good place mechanically when he’s driving the ball to the opposite field.
The second three-run shot traveled even further at 421 feet.
McLain was already the Reds’ leading hitter in Cactus League play entering the March 2 game. He’d posted six hits in four games. His fifth game upped the lofty standard he’d been playing to.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Matt McLain pours on the power for Reds with two long homers vs. Cubs
Reporting by Pat Brennan, Cincinnati Enquirer / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
