Barrero, Reds score two in ninth, beat Cardinals 4-2

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Jose Barrero made the most of an unexpected start by doubling in the tiebreaking run in the ninth inning, leading the Cincinnati Reds over the St. Louis Cardinals 4-2 Friday night.

The 23-year-old Barrero had two hits after he was recalled from Triple-A Louisville earlier in the day to fill in for infielder Kyle Farmer, who was placed on the paternity list. Barrero was hitting .167 over 14 big league games prior to Friday.

Both teams are vying for the second wild-card spot. The Reds entered trailing the Padres by a game for the second spot, and the Cardinals began the night three games behind San Diego.

Barrero said he didn't feel any pressure stepping into the game.

“No, not at all. I think I'm just out there trying to have as much fun as I can while I'm playing,” Barerro said via interpreter. “I don't think there's any pressure at all. I'm just out there trying to have fun and the results will be there.”

T.J. McFarland (3-1) started the ninth giving up an infield single to Eugenio Suarez. Following a force out at second, Barrero hit a ball to deep center that gave the Reds the lead. Barrero scored on Delino DeShields' fielder's choice grounder.

The Reds struck first in the second inning. With one out, Suarez smoked a 2-2 cutter from starter Jon Lester for his 26th home run and a 1-0 lead.

Michael Lorenzen (1-2) pitched the eighth for his first victory of the season, and Mychal Givens pitched the ninth for his seventh save.

“We just have to keep playing and the goal is to be saying that for the next several weeks,” Reds manager David Bell said. “This was a big win, a big game."

Joey Votto homered for the second straight game when he led off the fourth with a drive just over the center-field wall and the outreached glove of Harrison Bader for his...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Barrero-Reds-score-two-in-ninth-beat-Cardinals-16450768.php