Reds can’t stop hitting grand slams, defeat Brewers 8-2

The Joe Nuxhall Memorial Honorary Star of the Game

Matt Harvey continues to re-invent his game for the Reds in the couple of months since his trade from the Mets. After impressive performances against the Cubs and the Braves, he continued his string of solid starts against the Brewers on Sunday. He went 5.2 innings and allowed no runs on 2 hits while walking none and striking out 6. The only thing that kept him from going longer was an ill-timed rain delay in the top of the 6th. Have a trophy, Matt, and keep boosting that trade value.

Honorable mentions are due to: Jose Peraza, for going 2 for 5 with a grand slam and 2 runs scored; Joey Votto, for going 2 for 3 with a double, a walk, and a RBI; and Jared Hughes and Jackson Stephens for each throwing shutout innings of relief.

Key Plays

• After coming from behind in yesterday’s win, the Reds made sure that they took an early lead today. Jose Peraza led off with a ground-rule double to left and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. After a Tucker Barnhart walk, Joey Votto would rip a double to right to score Peraza. Eugenio Suarez would follow Votto up with a RBI single to right and then Scott Schebler would drive in Votto with a RBI single of his own. An Adam Duvall walk loaded the bases, but 3 straight strikeouts ended the inning. Reds led, 3-0.
• The bats went silent for both teams until the bottom of the 6th. After a 54-minute rain delay would chase both starters in the inning, Milwaukee would bring in Aaron Wilkerson and things went off the rails quickly. Adam Duvall would get things started when he got hit by a pitch and then advanced to third on a single by Alex Blandino. Jesse Winker would then pinch hit and drive in Duvall with a single of his own. An infield hit by Billy Hamilton would load the bases. That brought up Jose Peraza, who launched a ball over the left field wall for a grand slam and his 5th dinger of the season. Reds led, 8-0.
• Raisel Iglesias would come on in the top of the 9th and give up a 2-run home run to Ryan Braun. That was all the damage Milwaukee could muster, and the Reds won 8-2.

Tony Graphanino

Other Notes

• Jose Peraza’s grand slam in the 6th inning was the Reds’ 9th of the season. That ties a club record for the most grand slams in a season, which was set back in 2002.
• In case you missed it earlier, news broke that multiple teams, namely the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, are interested in Reds’ closer Raisel Iglesias. Reds’ blogosphere Commander-in-Chief Wick Terrell broke down these rumors and talked about potential prospects the Reds might target.
• The Reds also are close to deals with three more 2018 draft picks: Jonathan India, Mike Siani, and Mike Byrne. Their signings aren’t “official” yet, so exact figures aren’t known. I’m sure we will hear more once things are officially announced.
• Luis Castillo tries to right the ship tomorrow against the Chicago White Sox. He will face off against James Shields and first pitch is scheduled for 7:10 PM ET.
• Tunes.