Field Level Media
Aug 10, 2021
The Atlanta Braves got a two-run homer from Adam Duvall and took advantage of a shaky Cincinnati bullpen to beat the visiting Reds 3-2 on Tuesday.
Duvall went deep in the fourth inning to tie the game after the Reds' Aristides Aquino belted a two-run shot in the second. It was Duvall's third homer since being acquired by the Braves near the trade deadline; it was his 25th overall this year.
The Braves took the lead in the sixth against the Reds' relief corps, which entered the game ranked 27th in the majors with a 5.20 ERA.
Heath Hembree (2-7) allowed a hit to Austin Riley, walked Dansby Swanson and was replaced after striking out Duvall. Left-hander Amir Garrett then walked Joc Pederson and walked .203-hitting Stephen Vogt to force Riley home with the go-ahead run.
The Reds threatened in the ninth inning. With one out, Kyle Farmer doubled and Eugenio Suarez walked, but Atlanta closer Will Smith induced pinch hitter Mike Moustakas into grounding into a game-ending double play. Smith emerged with his 23rd save.
The result ended Cincinnati's streak of scoring three-plus runs in 17 consecutive games, the club's longest such streak since an 18-game run in 2007.
Atlanta has won six of its past seven games, while Cincinnati lost its second straight following a five-game winning streak. The Braves lead the season series 3-2.
Atlanta starter Drew Smyly (8-3) pitched six innings and allowed two runs on two hits and two walks with seven strikeouts. It was his longest appearance since June 25, also against Cincinnati. Smyly had lasted only four innings in each of his past three starts.
Cincinnati starter Sonny Gray worked five innings and allowed two runs on three hits with three walks and eight strikeouts. Gray's lack of success against Atlanta continued; he has not beaten the Braves in five career starts.
Aquino's homer, his seventh of the season, followed a leadoff double by Joey Votto.
The Reds got the leadoff man on to start the eighth inning against reliever Richard Rodriguez when pinch hitter Jesse Winker was hit by a pitch, and a two-out hit by Nick Castellanos put runners at first and second. However, left-hander Tyler Matzek entered and struck out Votto to end the threat.
--Field Level Media