Reds' DeSclafani gets first win with help from Bruce, Cozart
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Jay Bruce and Zack Cozart provided the muscle, backing Anthony DeSclafani's arm in the Cincinnati Reds' 8-2 victory over the streaking Texas Rangers on Tuesday night at Globe Life Park.
Bruce and Cozart each went deep, combining to drive in seven runs in the opener of a two-game interleague series. That was plenty of support for DeSclafani, who picked up his first win of the season.
The Rangers (46-26) not only lost for the first time in eight games, Colby Lewis suffered his first setback in seven decisions.
Texas also had its string of series victories snapped at 10 in a row. The Rangers, who still lead the American League West by 9 1/2 games, had to win both against the Reds to keep the streak alive.
The Reds (28-43) got a stellar start from DeSclafani, who was making only his third appearance this season. DeSclafani (1-0) won after going seven innings and giving up just two runs while striking out six.
The right-hander, one of the best rookie pitchers in the National League last season, began the season on the disabled list and wasn't activated until June 10.
Bruce hit his 16th home run of the season to stake Cincinnati to a 3-0 lead in the first inning before adding an RBI double in the seventh. Cozart had a solo shot in the seventh anda two-run triple in the fifth and scored three times.
Lewis (6-1) lost after allowing six runs in five innings, matching his shortest outing and most runs allowed this season.
The veteran right-hander, coming off a no-hit bid, didn't have his best stuff, likely because of cramping in his right triceps. Lewis was pulled to get the arm looked at Wednesday.
The Reds jumped on Lewis early, as Bruce pounded a three-run homer into the visitor's bullpen in left center with one out in the first.
Jurickson Profar cut the deficit to one with a two-run blast to right off DeSclafani in the second.
Lewis found himself in trouble again in the fifth. The Reds put up three more runs, two coming home on Cozart's triple to deep center, to go up 6-2.
The six runs through five innings matched the total that Lewis allowed in three previous June starts and tied a high for the season.
NOTES: Reds 1B Joey Votto was out of the lineup with an illness, missing a start for the first time since May 11. ... Cincinnati activated RHP Raisel Iglesias from the disabled list and placed RHP Blake Wood on the paternity list. Iglesias went on the DL on May 1 with a right shoulder impingement. The Opening Day starter is being moved to the bullpen. Wood can be away from the team for three days. ... Texas acquired INF Kyle Kubitza from the Los Angeles Angels in exchange for cash considerations. Kubitza goes on the Rangers' 40-man roster and has been optioned to Triple-A Round Rock. Kubitza, 25, has spent the entire season with Triple-A Salt Lake.