Santiago Espinal drove in two runs and scored the winning run in the seventh inning as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 4-3 on Sunday, ending the Brewers’ five-game winning streak.
The Reds managed to avoid a sweep and secured just their 13th win against the Brewers in their last 47 games. The Brewers won two out of three games against the Reds this weekend, marking their ninth consecutive series win against them.
Tyler Stephenson, who hit his 15th home run of the season, acknowledged the significance of the win. “I feel like we’ve played really competitive games against them, especially the game last night,” said Stephenson. “Anytime you can walk out of here with a win is huge.”
For Milwaukee, Joey Ortiz hit a two-run homer.
The Reds broke a 3-3 tie in the seventh inning against Joe Ross (2-6). Espinal led off with a single, moved to second on a groundout by Jonathan India, and then walked when Elly De La Cruz and Tyler Stephenson were intentionally walked to load the bases.
Espinal scored when Spencer Steer hit a sacrifice fly.
The Brewers hit into double plays in the seventh and eighth innings. Alexis Díaz retired the Brewers in the ninth for his 23rd save in 25 tries.
Milwaukee’s William Contreras was ejected by umpire Phil Cuzzi after hitting into a double play in the eighth inning.
DL Hall made his return to the mound for the Brewers for the first time since April 20, after nearly four months on the injured list due to a knee injury.
Hall, who struck out a career-high nine batters in 4 2/3 innings, expressed his relief at returning. “I’m just super grateful to be back,” Hall said. “The thought of getting to feel that feeling again kept me going.”
Hall was unable to protect an early 2-0 lead. Ortiz’s two-run homer off Nick Lodolo had put the Brewers ahead in the second inning.
