Billy Hamilton blazes on base paths, scores from second on passed ball

CHICAGO, July 6 (UPI) -- Cincinnati Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton showed why he is the fastest man in baseball Tuesday.

First Hamilton stole second base in the top of the first inning. Then, with Jay Bruce at the plate, Chicago Cubs' John Lackey threw a pitch through catcher David Ross' legs. Hamilton exploded from second base as Ross jogged to the backstop. Hamilton rounded third base and slid head first, safely into home. Hamilton's speed gave the Reds a 1-0 lead. Joey Votto advanced to third base on the play, scored as an error by Ross.

Hamilton, 25, has 22 stolen bases this season. He has stolen 148 bases in less than four seasons. The Reds beat the Cubs 9-5 and face off again at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday in Chicago.