Gennett equals record with 4 HRs

CINCINNATI — Scooter Gennett hit four home runs, matching the major-league record, and finished with 10 RBIs as the Reds routed the slumping Cardinals 13-1 on Tuesday night.

Gennett became the 17th player to homer four times in one game — and perhaps the least likely. A scrappy second baseman who was claimed off waivers from the Brewers in late March, he began the night with 38 career home runs in five seasons, including three this year.

Josh Hamilton was the previous player to hit four home runs in one game, for the Rangers against the Orioles in May 2012.

The 27-year-old Gennett singled his first time up and then homered in four straight at-bats, including a grand slam. His 10 RBIs tied the Reds’ club record.

Gennett snapped an 0-for-19 slump during the Reds’ 4-2 win over the Cardinals on Monday. By going 5-for-5 on Tuesday, he raised his average 32 points to .302.

Gennett hit an RBI single and his second career slam off Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright (6-4), who brought a long scoreless streak into the game but couldn’t handle a team that has hit him like no other. He lasted only 32⁄3 innings and gave up nine runs for just the third time in his career.

Gennett’s grand slam was the first Wainwright had allowed since 2012.

Eugenio Suarez’s bases-loaded triple in the fourth ended Wainwright’s outing. Gennett followed with his fifth homer of the season off John Gant and then hit a solo shot off the right-hander.

Gennett got his second curtain call of the game after his two-run shot off John Brebbia in the eighth.

The Reds have won nine of their last 14 against the Cardinals.