The Milwaukee Brewers looked like they were going to leave Cincinnati having won 2 out of 3 from the Reds. Leading 1-0, John Axford needed just 1 more out to climb to within 3-games of the St. Louis Cardinals for the final National League wildcard spot.
Unfortunately, just like so many times this season, the Brewers bullpen blew a late lead and save opportunity. The slumping Todd Frazier crushed a home run to straight-away centerfield off of John Axford. Then, after a Jay Bruce single, Dioner Navarro sent one into the gap in right center field to score the game winning run in Cincinnati’s 2-1 win over the Brewers.
The loss dropped the Brewers to 4-games behind the idle Cardinals with 6-games left to play.
Prior to Frazier’s home run, he had gone 0 for 7 in the series with five strikeouts. It was his first home run since August 21. It’s also the 10th home run that Axford has served up this season.
Wily Peralta held the Reds scoreless until he had to leave in the sixth inning with soreness in his right biceps. Peralta allowed just 2 hits and a walks with six strikeouts.
The Brewers finished up 6-9 against the Reds over the course of the season. They’ll open a 6-game home stand to close the regular season. It starts with the 1st of a 3-game series against the Houston Astros at Miller Park tonight.