MILWAUKEE, WI (LEARFIELD-WSAU) A wild pitch from Francisco Rodriguez scored the winning run for Cincinnati last night, as the Reds beat the Milwaukee Brewers 2-to-1 at Miller Park. The Reds had runners at first-and-third with one out in the top of the ninth when K-Rod uncorked the decisive wild throw. It scored Billy Hamilton, giving Milwaukee its eighth straight loss.
Starters Jimmy Nelson and Johnny Cueto both went toe to toe for eight innings. Nelson had a no-decision after giving up one run on three hits with a pair of walks and five strikeouts. It ended a string of nine games without a quality start for Milwaukee — the longest-such streak since 2001. Rodriguez took the loss and fell to 0-and-2.
Cueto got the win for his effort, improving to 1-and-2. He fanned eight, giving up a run on five hits with two walks. Cueto retired nine straight at one point. Aroldis Chapman earned his fourth save by throwing a perfect ninth.
Each team scored in the first inning. Hamilton stole second after a lead-off single, and then scored on a Joey Votto single. The Brewers tied it when Elian Herrera walked, went to second on a balk, and scored on an Adam Lind single.
Cueto committed two balks in the game, the first Major League pitcher to do that since last May 23rd.
The Brewers dropped to 2-and-13. The Reds have won three straight, and will try to sweep the four-game series this afternoon. Kyle Lohse, who’s 0-and-3, faces Cincinnati veteran Homer Bailey.
