Reds 5, Brewers 1
CINCINNATI -- Brandon Phillips hit a three-run homer, Joey Votto added a solo shot and Tim Adleman earn his first career victory in his second start as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 5-1 on Friday at Great American Ball Park.
Adleman left with a 5-1 lead after five innings and entrusted his first career win to a Reds' bullpen which had given up at least one run in each of the team's previous 23 games.
Right-hander Caleb Cotham got things started with two scoreless innings.
The Brewers loaded the bases in the eighth before Tony Cingrani got pinch-hitter Hernan Perez to fly out ending the inning.
Milwaukee (11-18) had the leadoff batter aboard in the ninth but Jonathan Villar was caught stealing in a rundown. Cingrani retired the next two batters to seal the win for Cincinnati (13-17). He pitched 1 2/3 innings, allowing a hit and a walk.
Brewers relievers retired 14 straight batters in one stretch.
Alex Presley homered and Tyler Cravy (0-1) took the loss for Milwaukee.
Votto started the scoring for Cincinnati in the first when he crushed Cravy's 2-2 pitch 413 feet to center to make it 1-0. It was Votto's fourth homer of the season and second in five games.
The Reds added to their lead in the second when Adam Duvall's RBI double scored Jay Bruce from first.
The Brewers had the bases loaded in the second and two on in the third and fourth innings, but Adleman pitched out of the jams.
With two runners on and Phillips coming to bat in the third, pitching coach Derek Johnson came out to speak to Cravy. Moments later, the Reds second baseman launched a 1-2 pitch into the left field seats for a three-run homer to put Cincinnati ahead 5-0. It was the third straight game in which Phillips has homered -- the first time he's done that since 2012.
Cravy allowed five runs and six hits including two homers in four innings.
Presley hit his third homer leading off the fifth to get Milwaukee on the board. Adleman was unfazed, retiring the next three batters. However, with 101 pitches, Adleman's evening was over after allowing only a run and four hits.
NOTES: Reds C Devin Mesoraco will undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Recovery time is 4-to-6 months. ... Reds RHP Homer Bailey threw Friday afternoon for the first time since having his rehab from Tommy John surgery shut down because of soreness. ... Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy had a day off. Martin Maldonado started behind the plate. ... Brewers 2B Scooter Gennett, who is on the disabled list with right oblique tightness, took batting practice on the field.