Winker puts Reds on board
CINCINNATI — Jesse Winker’s homer ended the Dodgers’ 23-inning stretch of scoreless pitching, and Yasiel Puig singled home a pair of runs Saturday, leading the Cincinnati Reds to a 4-0 victory that snapped Los Angeles’ four-game winning streak.
The Reds beat the Dodgers for the first time in five games this season, including a three-game sweep in April. The Dodgers are 34-23 at Great American Ball Park, the second-best mark by an National League team, behind the Mets.
Tyler Mahle (1-5) got his first win in his ninth start, allowing four singles and a pair of walks in five innings. The Dodgers got a baserunner in each of the first five innings, but Mahle escaped a pair of scoring threats.
Three relievers completed the Reds’ sixth shutout victory, tied with the Cubs for most in the NL.
Winker’s solo homer in the second inning off Walker Buehler (4-1) ended the Dodgers’ streak of scoreless innings. They were coming off back-toback shutout wins.
Puig singled home a pair of runs in the third after a throwing error by shortstop Corey Seager set up a rally. It was Puig’s first hit since a bases-loaded single in the 10th inning gave the Reds a 6-5 win over the Cubs on Wednesday.
“I was only happy to get a hit,” Puig said. “The night before, I did nothing. I finally got a hit, and that made me feel better.”
Cody Bellinger had a pair of singles, leaving his batting average at .409. He fouled a ball off his right foot in his final at-bat but stayed in the game and singled.