García HR in 8th, Brewers beat Reds to boost NL Central lead

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Avisaíl García hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Milwaukee Brewers beat Cincinnati 5-3 Thursday night, boosting their NL Central lead to seven games over the Reds.

The matchup marked the first of seven straight games between the top two teams in the division — four in Milwaukee and, after the All-Star break, three in Cincinnati. The Reds had won six of their previous seven overall.

Garcia’s 16th homer of the season came off reliever Brad Brach (0-1).

“I’ve just got to be focused and ready, don’t try to do too much," García said. "I’m just trying to think, middle-middle, put a good swing on it and see what happens.”

Manager Craig Counsell said Garcia has "been very consistent this year and that’s important. That consistency has been really helpful. He’s having a really nice power season.”

Reliever Devin Williams (6-1) earned the win and Josh Hader pitched a scoreless ninth for his 21st save.

Milwaukee took a 2-0 lead in the first after Reds pitcher Tyler Mahle slipped trying to field an infield hit by García with the bases loaded, then walked home another run.

The Reds went ahead 3-2 in the fifth.

After two walks by Brewers starter Adrian Houser, the Reds loaded the bases for the third time and Jake Cousins relieved for his eighth career appearance.

Cousins' first two offerings to Tucker Barnhart were wild pitches, each scoring a run. Barnhart hit an RBI single for the lead.

Manager David Bell said Brach has “been outstanding for us, we’ve relied on him heavily. Even though he would never say so, he might be fatigued a little bit.”

The first of two doubles by Keston Hiura tied the game at 3 in the sixth.

The Brewers have remained in first place despite their batters posting...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Garc-a-HR-in-8th-Brewers-beat-Reds-to-boost-NL-16302967.php