Christian Encarnacion-Strand Crushes First Home Run Since Trade

STILLWATER – Former Oklahoma State standout Christian Encarnacion-Stand is continuing his strong season as he’s belted his first home run since being traded to the Cincinnati Reds organization.

It was a three-run shot to deep center field as part of the six-run top of the 10th inning for the Double-A Chattanooga Lookouts, who beat the Birmingham Barons 14-9.

Encarnacion-Strand, who was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 2021 MLB Draft, started this season off in Single A with the Cedar Rapids Kernels and playing in 74 games before being called up to the AA affiliate, the Wichita Wind Surge.

During his time at with the Kernels, CES hit .296 with 87 hits, including 23 doubles, three triples and 20 home runs to go along with 68 RBIs. He finished his time in Cedar Rapids with 85 strikeouts and 30 walks.

During his short stint in Wichita, CES was even better as he recorded 18 hits in 54 at-bats for a .333 average, which included two doubles, a triple and five home runs with 17 RBIs. He also struck out 14 times to four walks.

Now, in the Reds organization in Chattanooga, CES is hitting .364 in three games with four hits, four RBIs and the lone homer in Saturday night’s game.