A ninth-inning rally couldn’t overcome the big hole the Brewers dug for themselves earlier, as the Reds bested the Brews, 6-5, Friday evening. The Cubs won, increasing their lead to 1½ games in the NL Central.
Ben Sheets gave up a pair of runs in the first…then another pair on an Adam Dunn homer, to give the Reds an early 4-0 lead. The Reds’ added another run in the 2nd…Sheets and Estrada allowed 5 stolen bases in the first two innings. Sheets lasted just three innings and got the loss. Chris Capuano followed Sheets with four scoreless innings, a sign that he is either settling into his new role, and/or benefited from the rest of not having to go every fifth day.
Prince Fielder cut the lead to 4-2 on his 45th dinger of the year in the 4th–Fielder is now tied for the Brewers’ record for most home runs in a season.
The Crew made it interesting in the 9th, after Corey Hart bunted his way on with two outs, and reserve catcher Mike Rivera followed with a 2-run homer…but Kevin Mench popped out to give the Reds the win.
Jeff Suppan gets the nod tonight.
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