The Reds Capitalize On Rockie Miscues To Give Terry Francona His 2,000th Career Win

 

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Dateline: 1,209 Kilometers from the Gulf of Mexico

The Reds took advantage of two errors to end make manager Terry Francona the 13th to win 2,000 games in a 4-2 win.

"I don't know if you're going to believe it, but I wanted the guys to win so bad to get us three games over .500," Francona said. "I don't think I've ever tried to delude myself. Some of names up there (on the 2,000 win list) are kind of like baseball royalty. If there is an adjective for baseball lifer, that's me. I'm not overly smart. I'm a second semester freshman at Arizona, still. I just love the game, probably too much. I just hope I treat the players like they're supposed to be treated. It's not often I get a little choked up. There are some good people here. This is a good place. Let me amend that it's a great place."

The Reds go into the All-Star break with a 50-47 record.

TJ Friedl opened the Reds first inning with his ninth home run. Rockie's starter Austin Gomber set down the Reds in order after Friedl' fourth leadoff home run.

Nick Martinez retired the first six Colorado batters but Kyle Farmer and Austin Nola singled to start the frame. Rookie Ryan Ritter bunted them to second and third. Tyler Freeman lined softly to Spencer Steer at first base. MickeyMoniak found a hole on the left side of the infield to score both runners.

The Reds tied the game in the third. Friedl walked with one out. Matt McLain dumped a single into shallow left field Elly De La Cruz forced McLain at second. Austin Hays singled to plate the equalizer.

The Reds got singles from Friedl, McLain and an infield single by Hays to load the bases.cat Marte reached on an error by shortstop Ryan Ritter as Friedl scored for the third time.

Scott Barlow and Graham Ashcraft held the Rockies in the sixth and seventh.

The Reds added an insurance run against Zach Agnos. De La Cruz hit a bloop double to center that eluded Brenton Doyle's sliding attempt at a catch. Hays reached on what should have been a hit but was ruled an error. Spencer Steer hit a run scoring single. Noelvi Marte struck out and Tyler Stephenson lined into a double play to first baseman Michael Toglia.

Tony Santillan started the eighth for the Reds and worked around a two out single by Doyle that Friedl trapped on a diving attemp and a walk to Yanquiel Fernandez. He struck out the Rockies All-Star Hunter Goodman to keep the margin to two runs.

Emilio Pagan picked up his 20th save in 23 tries.