CINCINNATI – Jason Heyward doubled home two runs with two outs in the 10th inning Friday night, rallying the Atlanta Braves to 6-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds that restored a little of their rapidly vanishing lead in the NL East.
Atlanta moved 3½ games ahead of second-place Philadelphia, which lost to Washington 8-1 in Roy Oswalt’s debut with the Phillies.
Reds closer Francisco Cordero (3-4) walked two batters in the 10th. Heyward worked the count full, then hit a sinking liner that diving left fielder Jonny Gomes couldn’t catch, allowing both runners to score.
Jesse Chavez (3-2) escaped a threat in the ninth. Billy Wagner got out of a two-on threat in the 10th, earning his 24th save in 29 chances by fanning Drew Stubbs for the final out.
The dramatic victory was typical for the Braves. They have won 17 games in their final at-bat, most in the majors.