Reds’ reliever gets a pinch-hit grand slam as part of a 12-3 thrashing of the Brewers (Saturday)
Reliever Michael Lorenzen hit the second grand slam by a Reds pitcher in a week — and his third homer in his past three at-bats — as Cincinnati pulled away to a 12-3 victory Saturday, ending a seven-game losing streak against the Milwaukee Brewers.
It was the reliever’s second homer in the series. He also had a solo shot Friday during Milwaukee’s 8-2 win.
The Brewers’ depleted bullpen couldn’t hold a one-run lead in the seventh. Cincinnati’s first eight batters reached safely against three relievers, with left-hander Mike Zagurski (0-1) taking the loss in his first major league appearance since 2013.
The National League Central leaders also were missing two starting position players. Christian Yelich left Thursday’s game with back tightness, and Ryan Braun came out of Friday’s game with the same issue. Counsell said Braun could be available on Sunday.
Eric Thames homered off Mahle, his 14th home run in 22 career games against Cincinnati. Thames hit 10 last year, the most by a Brewers player against the Reds in one season.
UP NEXT
Brewers: Freddy Peralta (3-0) makes his fifth start. The Brewers are 4-0 in his starts. Opponents are batting .093 against the right-hander.
Reds: Matt Harvey (3-5) makes his 10th start for the Reds, who got him from the Mets in a trade for catcher Devin Mesoraco on May 8. Harvey has allowed six runs in his past three starts spanning 17⅔ innings.