Jay Bruce hits fifth home run in four days to lead Reds over Brewers in extra innings
The Reds are finding ways to win games when it matters with their first post-season berth in over a decade in sight.
It was the hot bat of Jay Bruce that led the way. He started the scoring off in the first inning with his fifth home run in four games, and then ended it in the 10th inning with a RBI single to win the game, 5-4.
Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey hit an RBI single in the fourth inning that scored catcher Ryan Hannigan to cut the Brewers lead to 3-2. From the mound he gave up eight hits, two walks, and four earned runs and did not factor into the decision.
Juan Francisco, who was called up from the minors earlier this month hit the second home run of his career and first in 2010 to tie the game at 4-4 in the sixth.
Both bullpens took over after six innings holding each other scoreless over the last three innings of regulation play. The Brewers were held hitless by the Reds relief pitchers until Ryan Braun hit a single off Francisco Cordero in the 10th inning.
Trevor Hoffman’s struggles continued this season when he started the bottom of the 10th inning by walking Ryan Hannigan. Brandon Phillips stepped in to run for Hannigan, but the walk appeared to be meaningless when Hoffman managed to get the next two batters out. A single by Chris Heisey advanced Phillips to second base before Bruce made the game-winning hit that allowed the winning run to score.
With the win the Reds improved to 76-55 on the season. Since the St. Louis Cardinals lost the Reds were able to increase their lead in the NL Central division to six games, their biggest lead in the division since the last time they won the division in 1995.
The 1995 season was also the last time a Reds player was named the NL MVP, shortstop Barry Larkin. First baseman Joey Votto remains in the thick of the NL MVP race. Votto only had one hit on the night, a ground rule double in the fifth inning that allowed Jay Bruce to score.
Aaron Harang is scheduled to take the mound for Cincinnati on Tuesday in the second game of the three game series with the Brewers; Yovani Gallardo will take the mound for Milwaukee.
Cincinnati leads the season series with the Brewers 5-1.
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