Cincinnati Reds Hit Five Home Runs in 16-10 Win over Brewers

W: Jason Marquis (1-1)

L: Mike Fiers (0-3)

The Milwaukee Brewers: good for what ails you. It was no secret that the Cincinnati Reds offense has struggled in the past week. Not tonight. After putting up six runs on Monday, the Reds unleashed the bats, scoring 16 runs on 13 hits to earn their second win in as many nights.

Jay Bruce started the offensive onslaught with a grand slam in the third inning. But in the bottom of the third, Jason Marquis promptly gave up that four-run lead, allowing a two-run homer to Martin Maldonado, doubles from Jean Segura and Elian Herrera and a single from Ryan Braun. Not to be outdone by Bruce, Todd Frazier hit a grand slam in the fourth inning. It was the first time the Reds have hit two grand slams in one game since Aaron Boone and Eddie Taubensee did it in 1999.

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Bruce and Frazier weren’t the only ones contributing to the offensive display, however. There are no words to describe how Zack Cozart is hitting right now. With two home runs tonight, one in the fifth and one in the seventh, Cozart has equaled his home run total from 2014. He finished 3-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored.

Aside from Aroldis Chapman, who struck out the side in the ninth, the bullpen continues to be a problem for the Reds. J.J. Hoover entered in the sixth inning, but left with the bases loaded. Burke Badenhop relieved Hoover and promptly gave up a grand slam to Elian Herrera. Jumbo Diaz and Kevin Gregg pitched scoreless innings, but both allowed baserunners via a hit and an error, respectively. The error was Gregg’s, who denied Joey Votto of a Web Gem by dropping the ball at first base.

Other Notes:

• It’s still April, but Joey Votto looks every bit like the MVP caliber player he is. He went 2-for-5 with one RBI and three runs scored, including a home run. Amazing how good he can be when he’s actually healthy, isn’t it?
• Marlon Byrd just keeps on struggling. He was the only Reds batter not to get a hit, going 0-3 with a sacrifice fly and a HBP.
• Jason Marquis had another forgettable outing. He made it through five innings, but gave up five runs and nine hits while striking out eight.

Up Next: It’ll be another 8:10 ET start in the third game of the series as Johnny Cueto looks to earn his first win of the season. Jimmy Nelson gets the start for the Brewers.

Next: Reds' Minor League Report: April 21, 2015