Steven Kwan has joined the list of obvious All-Star selections for the Cleveland Guardians.

Kwan collected three hits and two RBI as the Guardians opened the two-game Ohio Cup series with a 5-3 win over the Reds in Cincinnati.

With a .380 batting average, Kwan joins Jose Ramirez and Emmanuel Clase as likely choices to represent Cleveland at the All-Star Game next month in Texas.

The Reds took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI double by third baseman Jeimer Candelario.

Kwan put Cleveland ahead in the third inning with a double to score Bo Naylor and Brayan Rocchio. Josh Naylor singled to score Kwan, and the Guardians took a 3-1 lead.

The Reds closed the gap to 3-2 on a run-scoring single by Spencer Steer in the sixth inning.

Josh Naylor provided a pair of insurance runs with a solo home run in the eighth and a bases-loaded grounder in the ninth.

Tyler Freeman had the best defensive game of his career in center field. He caught back-to-back bombs at the wall in the first inning, the second of which robbed Jake Fraley of a home run.

PITCHING IN FOR THE WIN

Triston McKenzie (3-3) gave up two runs in 5 1/3 innings. The bullpen kept the Reds in check as Sam Hentges struck out three of the four batters he faced.

Emmanuel Clase gave up a run in the ninth but still recorded his 20th save.

The Guardians have won three straight, while the Kansas City Royals have lost three in a row. That means Cleveland has a 5½-game lead in the American League Central Division.

The Ohio teams will battle again tonight at 7:10 p.m. Tanner Bibee (4-1) will start for Cleveland against Nick Lodolo (6-2) for the Reds.