Phillies Power Puts Down Reds

The home run ball has been Anthony DeSclafani's problem all season.  It was the long ball that cost him  a 7-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies in spite of allowing just three hits in seven innings.

DeSclafani gave up a pair of two-run home runs to allow the Phillies to stake out a 4-1 lead.  He is fourth in the National League with 27 home runs allowed.

"It is no secret that I have to cut down on home runs but I got ahead of a lot of hitters today," DeSclafani said.  "It was two pitches.  Basically the one to Kingery was elevated a little bit but he had an off balance swing that he got on the barrell of the bat and it barely got out.  I guess you've got to tip your cap.  All-in-all it was positive, you just have to evaluate it a little differently."

Scott Kingery followed a walk to Cesar Hernandez with his 16th home run of the year in the second inning.  Rhys Hoskins hit his 26th home run to score Brad Miller, who singled.

"Anthony was really good today," David Bell said.  "It is another big step for him as far as finishing the year strong.  It was just a couple pitches. Smyly had a really good curve today.  We couldn't get anything going."

Aristides Aquino continued his month long terrorization of Major League pitching, launching his 15th home run of the season.  Philadelphia starter, Drew Smyly was the victim.
The blast broke Hoskins' record for the fastest batter to 15 home runs in his 121st plate appearance.  Hoskins hit his 15th in 135 plate appearances.

"Aquino is incredibly talented but that is not as important as the way he goes about it on a day-to-day basis," Bell said.  "He made some adjustments along the way that allowed him to do this at the Major League level."

Bryce Harper hit his 29th home run of the season off Wandy Peralta after Sean Rodrigues singled with two outs in the eighth inning.  Hoskins went back-to-back with Harper, hitting his 27th home run.

The Reds can only lose seven of their last 24 games to avoid a losing season.

The Reds got really good news about 40 home run star, Eugenio Suarez, who was hit on the hand yesterday.  It was just bruised.  He will not miss a lot of time.

"I was out there the second Suarez was hit and I thought it was broken," Bell said.  "It is really good news.  He is day-to-day.  I don't know yet if he's available for tomorrow.  He remained really positive and it paid off in great news."

Alex Wood has been scratched for Tuesday.  Lucas Sims will make his third start of the season instead.

"Alex Wood isn't going to make his start," Bell said.  "It is a sore back very similar to what he was dealing with all year.  Lucas Sims will make the start and it will be Bauer, Gray,  then Mahle and DeSclafani."