Reds Post 4-Run 1st, Add On to Even Series with Angels

Cincinnati defeats Los Angeles 7-3 to tie up three-game series

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the Reds and Angels uniforms, dynamically representing the action and energy of a baseball game.A cubist interpretation of the Reds' offensive outburst against the Angels, capturing the energy and momentum of the game in a fragmented, geometric style.Cincinnati Today

The Cincinnati Reds defeated the visiting Los Angeles Angels 7-3 on Saturday afternoon, scoring five runs in the first two innings and holding on for the victory to even up the three-game series heading into Sunday's decider. Spencer Steer hit a home run and Nathaniel Lowe hit a three-run double in the big first inning for the Reds, while the Angels trimmed the deficit to 5-3 before Cincinnati added two key insurance runs in the eighth.

Why it matters

This win evens up the series between the Reds and Angels, setting up an important rubber match on Sunday. Both teams are looking to gain ground in their respective divisions, making this a crucial series for their playoff hopes.

The details

Cincinnati attacked Angels starter George Klassen (0-1) early, scoring four runs in the first inning. Sal Stewart drove in the first run with an RBI single, and Lowe followed with a three-run double. Steer then hit a solo home run in the second inning to make it 5-0. The Angels chipped away, getting three runs back, but the Reds added two insurance runs in the eighth on a pair of wild pitches by Chase Silseth. Pierce Johnson (1-1) provided key relief for the Reds, working around jams in the fifth and sixth innings.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Reds scored four runs in the first inning.
  • Steer hit his home run in the second inning.
  • The Angels scored three runs to make it 5-3 in the fourth inning.
  • The Reds added two insurance runs in the eighth inning.

The players

Spencer Steer

Cincinnati Reds infielder who hit a home run in the second inning.

Nathaniel Lowe

Cincinnati Reds infielder who hit a three-run double in the first inning.

George Klassen

Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher who allowed five runs in two-plus innings.

Pierce Johnson

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher who provided 1 1/3 innings of key relief.

Mike Trout

Los Angeles Angels outfielder who hit a two-run double in the fourth inning.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was a big win for us to even up the series. We came out swinging in the first inning and that set the tone for the rest of the game.”

— Spencer Steer, Cincinnati Reds Infielder

“We just couldn't recover from that big first inning. Our guys battled back, but we came up short today.”

— Kurt Suzuki, Los Angeles Angels Manager

What’s next

The Reds and Angels will play the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday, with the winner taking the series.

The takeaway

This back-and-forth series between the Reds and Angels has been an exciting early-season matchup, with both teams showing their offensive firepower. The rubber match on Sunday will be a crucial game for both clubs as they look to gain ground in their respective divisions.