Jonny Gomes highlighted a five-run seventh inning with a three-run homer and Johnny Cueto pitched seven strong frames as the Cincinnati Reds continued their torrid streak with a 6-3 triumph over the Milwaukee Brewers.
Former Red Todd Coffey (1-1) relieved Yovani Gallardo to start the seventh and promptly yielded a leadoff triple to pinch-hitter Chris Heisey. Orlando Cabrera followed with an RBI single, giving Cincinnati a 2-1 edge.
Scott Rolen added a sacrifice fly later in the inning and, following an intentional walk to Jay Bruce, Gomes launched Coffey's first offering over the left-center field wall for his fifth blast of the season and a commanding 6-1 lead.
After tossing a one-hitter against Pittsburgh on Tuesday, Cueto (3-1) limited Milwaukee to one run and seven hits while walking one and striking out seven. The 24-year old right-hander has won three straight after dropping his first decision of the year.
Francisco Cordero squashed a rally in the ninth, retiring Ryan Braun on a flyout with two on and two out for his 13th save in 15 opportunities.
Joey Votto added an RBI double for Cincinnati, which won for the eighth time in nine games and improved to 15-5 since April 25. The Reds entered Monday one-half games ahead of St. Louis for first place in the National League Central.
Gallardo yielded a run and four hits in six innings with six walks and five strikeouts for the Brewers, who have lost seven in a row.
Corey Hart continued his power surge for Milwaukee, belting a pair of solo homers. Hart has four blasts and seven RBIs over his last three games.
Milwaukee | Cincinnati | |
Yovani Gallardo | Player | Johnny Cueto |
No Decision | W/L | Win |
6.0 | IP | 7.0 |
5 | Strikeouts | 7 |
4 | Hits | 7 |
1.50 | ERA | 1.29 |
Milwaukee | Cincinnati | |
Corey Hart | Player | Joey Votto |
3 | Hits | 2 |
2 | RBI | 1 |
2 | HR | 0 |
9 | TB | 3 |
.750 | Avg | .667 |
Team | Hits | HR | TB | Avg | LOB | K | RBI | BB | SB | Errors |
Milwaukee | 12 | 2 | 22 | .316 | 18 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Cincinnati | 9 | 1 | 16 | .321 | 16 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 1 |