CINCINNATI (AP) – With the bases loaded and the game on the line, Reds manager Bryan Price decided to let Scooter Gennett head to the plate even though he’s struggled mightily against left-handed pitchers. It worked out this time.
Gennett hit his third career grand slam , which ended left-hander Brad Hand’s long scoreless streak and rallied Cincinnati to a 10-3 victory over the San Diego Padres on Thursday.
The Reds won three of four in the series. They’re 9-18 since the All-Star break.
San Diego took a 3-2 lead into the seventh, leaving Dinelson Lamet in line for a fourth straight victory. The Padres’ best reliever let it get away.
The Reds loaded the bases against Kirby Yates (2-3) and Hand, who had a streak of 24 scoreless innings. With two outs, Price could have sent up a right-handed hitter instead of Gennett, who was batting only .203 with one homer off lefties.