Milwaukee Brewers break out of slump, rally for 6-5 win over Reds

CINCINNATI — Homers by Manny Pina and Lorenzo Cain ended the Milwaukee Brewers' historically bad slump, and Domingo Santana doubled home the go-ahead runs in the seventh inning Monday night for a 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

The Brewers managed only two runs while getting swept four games at Wrigley Field, matching their lowest total for a four-game series. They had 14 hits total, their worst for such a series, and were blanked on two hits in each of the last two games.

Pina ended their streak of 23 scoreless innings with a solo homer in the fourth off left-hander Brandon Finnegan, who hasn't won in more than a year. Cain added a two-run shot in the fifth, and the Brewers overcame a 5-3 deficit in the seventh to stop their losing streak at four games.

Wandy Peralta (1-2) gave up a hit and a pair of walks to fuel the rally. A throwing error by catcher Tucker Barnhart let in one run, and Santana doubled over Billy Hamilton's head in center field for a 6-5 lead.

Brandon Woodruff (1-0) retired the four batters he faced. Josh Hader got the last eight outs — all on strikeouts — for his fourth save in as many chances.

Cincinnati fell to 7-22, matching the worst 29-game start in franchise history. The Reds had the same record in 1931 and 1934.

The Reds' collapse overshadowed Eugenio Suarez's best game since he returned from a broken thumb.

Suarez doubled home a pair of runs in the fourth off Jhoulys Chacin and singled with the bases loaded in the fifth off Jacob Barnes, reminding the Reds of what they've missed while he was sidelined for 16 games. In five games back, he's 8 for 22 with three doubles and seven RBIs.

Suarez agreed to a $66 million, seven-year contract during spring training, the first significant deal the Reds have given during their rebuild.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Brewers: RHP Corey Knebel threw 25 pitches to teammates during batting practice. Knebel has been sidelined since April 6 by a strained left hamstring. Manager Craig Counsell said the Brewers will have a better idea on Tuesday about when he might make a rehab appearance.

Reds: 2B Scooter Gennett was out of the lineup with a sore right shoulder, which has been bothering him since spring training. He pinch-hit and struck out, ending a six-game hitting streak.

UP NEXT

Brewers: Chase Anderson (2-2) has quality starts in four of his six appearances. Opponents are batting .207 off him.

Reds: Homer Bailey (0-3) has more starts (26) and innings (156 2/3) against the Brewers than any other team. He went 2-1 in four starts against Milwaukee last season with a 4.71 ERA.