Pinch-hitter Devin Mesoraco hit an RBI double in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Reds a 4-3 walk-off victory over the Braves on Tuesday, snapping a three-game losing streak.
Hot-hitting Reds catcher Brayan Pena had three hits, including a one-out single in the ninth against Jason Grilli. With pitcher Michael Lorenzen called in to pinch-run for Pena, Mesoraco sharply lined Grilli’s first pitch to left field for a double.
“I knew he was going to come after me. I was looking for a first-pitch fastball,” said Mesoraco, the All-Star catcher who has been limited to only pinch-hitting since April 12 because of an impingement in his left hip.
Trucking all the way from first base, Lorenzen scored without a play at the plate as the cutoff throw from left fielder Jonny Gomes was bobbled by strong-armed shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
“[Mesoraco] hit the ball right in the corner there,” Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. “Nine times out of 10, Simba makes that exchange and he’s out by 20 feet. Today, we didn’t make that exchange.”
For the second straight game, both starting pitchers did not figure in the final decision. Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz gave up three runs (two earned), six hits and four walks over 6 2/3 nnings with seven strikeouts.
For the Reds, Anthony DeSclafani allowed three runs and seven hits over six innings with three walks and five strikeouts. Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless top of the ninth to win after being the losing pitcher the last two games.
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