Cincinnati Reds Fall Short Against Dodgers, 7-4

W: Brett Anderson (8-8)

L: David Holmberg (1-4)

S: Kenley Jansen (25)

When David Holmberg faced the Dodgers on August 15, it did not go well. He lasted just two innings and gave up seven earned runs, which included three home runs and four walks.

On Wednesday night, Holmberg lasted longer than his start in LA, but ultimately, it was the same result. He escaped a bases-loaded jam in the second with only one run allowed and had a nine-pitch third, but it all fell apart in the fourth. He left with two outs, after giving up a solo home run to Scott Van Slyke and a two-run home run to both A.J. Ellis and Yasiel Puig. (Puig’s home run was an absolute bomb, but that’s what happens when the pitcher throws a pitch belt-high right over the heart of the plate.)

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Holmberg would give up six runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one.

It looked like it would be another night of no offense for the Reds, at least through six innings. But in the seventh, they broke through for three runs after a hit from Todd Frazier, an error by Chase Utley and hits from Ivan De Jesus Jr. and Brayan Pena.

In the eighth, the Reds scored another run on a Brandon Phillips RBI single. They had an opportunity to add more runs and tie the game, but Frazier and Jay Bruce both struck out swinging. Frazier and Bruce had three hits and two runs scored between the two of them, but those strikeouts came at the most inopportune time.

The Reds also tried to rally in the ninth, but Eugenio Suarez struck out with two on to end the game.

Other Notes:

• Pedro Villarreal was impressive tonight in relief of Holmberg, pitching 3.1 innings of one-hit, shut-out baseball. It’s been somewhat of a roller coaster ride for Villarreal this season, but his past two appearances against the Dodgers have been excellent. His ERA for the season is now down to 3.12.
• Joey Votto struck out looking twice and both times visibly did not look pleased with the home plate umpire. Votto has such a good eye at the plate that many times I honestly think he’s right about the strike zone and the umpire making the wrong call. Votto did draw a walk in the eighth and has now walked in seven straight games.
• Phillips made an incredible diving catch to take away a hit from Andre Ethier. You knew it was good because if you were watching Fox Sports Ohio, you heard Thom Brennaman use three Superman references to describe it.

Up Next: The Reds try to avoid being swept in the wrap-up of the three game series Thursday at 12:35 p.m. ET, but it’ll be a tough task against MLB ERA leader Zack Greinke (13-3, 1.67 ERA). Anthony DeSclafani (7-9, 3.97 ERA) gets the start for Cincinnati.

Next: Should Barry Larkin be the Reds' next manager?