Brandon Phillips and Yorman Rodriguez Drown Brewers

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Billy Hamilton managed to influence the Reds 5-3 win over the Milwaukee Brewers, who kicked the ball around as if they were the Wiedemann Brewers, a coed softball team, allergic to leather.  The loss doused the Brewers slim playoff hopes.

With Hamilton out with a mild concussion, Brandon Phillips hit in the leadoff spot, while rookie Yorman Rodruguez replaced Hamilton in centerfield and hit sixth.

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Phillips had two hits and scored two runs against Milwaukee starter, Yovani Gallardo, including his eighth home run of the season to end the pitchers season.

Rodriguez, who signed with the Reds on his 16th birthday in 2008, had two singles and drove in the go-ahead run.

"It is a very good experience," Rodriguez said. "I have been talking to the veterans and learning a lot.  I want to show my best when I get the opportunity."

Young David Holmberg defeated the Brewers for the second time in 12 days.  The 22-year old allowed a second inning home run to Rickie Weeks among the three hits he allowed in six innings.  Milwaukee scored on a sacrifice fly by Khris Davis after Phillips cut down Ryan Braun at the plate on a contact play.

"I am more comfortable," Holmberg said. "I feel good about going into spring training.  It gives me confidence to compete against teams in our division."

Bryan Price was pleased with his young players.

"Holmberg was terrific," Price said.  "We could have had him go out there for the seventh but he was leading off.  We wanted to get something going.  Jason Bourgeois got the hit and Brandon's home run gave us the separation."

Rodriguez took an extra base on a throwing error by Weeks on a force attempt that rolled away from Jean Segura at shortstop.

"He made a nice read," Price said. "We are seeing a really good athlete with good baseball instincts.  He has a nice approach and doesn't try to force the ball to his pull side.  He stays in the middle of the field."

Jay Bruce drove in a run with a single to right, scoring Phillips.  Bruce had three hits.


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The listless Brewers kicked the ball around as the Reds took the lead in the fifth inning.  Brayan Pena singled to start the inning.  Jason Rogers inexplicably missed a double-play relay throw at firstbase.  Weeks dropped Ryan Ludwick's pop up in front of Rodriguez's single.

The Brewers scored a run off Sam Le Cure with three straight singles and a double-play ground ball.  Jumbo Diaz got Braun to ground out with runners on first and third to end the seventh.

Aroldis Chapman entered to hold the lead in the ninth, looking for his 35th save in 37 attempts.  Chapman struck out Weeks to start the inning but trainer Paul Lessard came out to check on him.  Chapman stayed in the game.  Hector Gomez grounded out. Jean Segura grounded out to end the game.