Unlikely Arms Team Up to Lock Down Reds’ Win Over Angels

The Cincinnati Reds beat the Los Angeles Angels 4-1 on Tuesday night.

Brady Singer was hit early, but settled in to throw six strong innings, allowing just one run on six hits and a walk. He struck out four.

The usual suspects to throw the seventh, eighth, and ninth innings when the Reds are leading are Graham Ashcraft, Tony Santillan, and Emilio Pagan. However, those three have pitched a bunch lately.

"We were staying away from all three guys," Reds manager Terry Francona said postgame. "And for good reason."

The Reds turned to Connor Phillips to pitch in the seventh in his first appearance since being called back up. He gave up a hit and walked a batter, but tossed a scoreless inning.

In the eighth, Luis Mey got the first two batters he faced out, but then allowed a hit and a walk. Scott Barlow came in with runners on first and second and struck out Jo Adell to end the inning.

Barlow pitched the ninth as well and struck out three of the four batters he faced in the inning to secure the victory.

"It was cool," Barlow said. "Any opportunity to help the team regardless of the inning is always a pleasure, especially with how hard everyone has been working. Just to do your part and contribute in any way is fun."

The bullpen desperately needed some rest and Singer, Phillips, Mey, and Barlow helped them get an extra day's rest while also still securing a win.

The Reds improved to 66-60 on the season and now sit just one game back of the New York Mets for the third and final National League Wild Card spot.

You can listen to Barlow, Francona, and Gavin Lux's postgame comments below: