Reds extend season-long streak with win vs. Brewers
CINCINNATI -- Joey Votto homered and Adam Duvall doubled twice and drove in two runs, lifting the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday night at Great American Ball Park.
Votto went 3-for-4 with a homer and two RBIs, raising his batting average to .318 after a slow start to the season.
Cincinnati's five-game winning streak matches its longest of the season.
Chris Carter, Keon Broxton and Jonathan Villar homered for Milwaukee which has dropped five of its last six to the Reds.
The solo homers by Broxton and Villar accounted for two of only three hits off Dan Straily (12-8) who tossed a career-high eight innings. He didn't allow a hit over his final three innings of work.
Duvall doubled and scored in the eighth to provide some needed insurance for left-hander Tony Cingrani who allowed Carter's two-run home run in the ninth in a non-save situation.
Brewers starter Matt Garza (5-7) allowed five runs, but only one was earned, over his five innings.
The ball was sailing out of Great American Ball Park early in Tuesday's game.
Votto launched his 24th home run of the season on a 3-1 pitch from Garza in the first inning to put Cincinnati ahead 1-0.
Broxton tied the score 1-1 in the second when he connected for his eighth home run.
Villar put Milwaukee ahead 2-1 with his 16th home run, coming on an 0-2 pitch with two outs in the third.
Two errors and a hit batsman loaded the bases for the Reds with one out in the third.
After Votto tied the score 2-2 with a single to right, Adam Duvall ripped a double down the left field line, driving in two more runs to make the score 4-2.
Brandon Phillips' sacrifice fly to right drove home the fifth run. But, Duvall was thrown out at home trying to score when center fielder Broxton and right fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis collided on the play.
All four runs were unearned.
NOTES: Reds RHP Dan Straily allowed three hits or fewer in a game for the 11th time this season, a single-season franchise record. ... Reds RHP Homer Bailey threw 44 pitches in a bullpen session on Tuesday. He plans to throw again on Friday, and if all goes well, will then rejoin the rotation. He hasn't pitched since Aug. 28 due to right biceps soreness. ... Reds SS Zack Cozart missed his third straight game with right knee soreness. ... INF Jonathan Villar made his first start at second base for the Brewers. Manager Craig Counsell said he wants to get a look at Villar playing second over the final three weeks, but he will mostly play third base.