Frazier’s 9th-inning HR lifts Reds to 2-1 win over Braves

CINCINNATI — Todd Frazier paused for an on-field interview after rounding the bases and got a face full of shaving cream from a Reds teammate.

Couldn’t see? No problem. Second baseman Brandon Phillips followed with an over-the-head dousing with one of the dugout water coolers.

So, that’s what it’s like to hit a game-ending homer.

Frazier connected on his first game-ender with one out in the ninth inning Wednesday night, extending Cincinnati’s best surge of the season with a 2-1 victory that left the Atlanta Braves in disbelief over the Reds’ homer-cozy ballpark.

“When he got that ball up, you knew it had a chance, especially in this ballpark,” manager Dusty Baker said.

The Reds won their fifth in a row, leaving them five games over .500 (24-19) for the first time this season.

Frazier hit a solo shot on the second pitch from Cristhian Martinez (2-1), who came on to start the ninth. It was a fitting ending for a series that has been decided by solo homers — 11 in all during the three games.

This one barely cleared the wall in right field, landing in the first row of seats an estimated 355 feet away.

“I knew when I hit it that I got a lot of it,” Frazier said. “I was hoping it was enough. It just got over. Fine with me.”

Aroldis Chapman (4-0) kept his ERA perfect by fanning two of the three he faced in the ninth. The left-hander hasn’t allowed an earned run in 24 1-3 innings, ascending to the closer’s role.

The Reds will try for a four-game sweep on Thursday. They haven’t swept the Braves in Cincinnati since the 1980 season.

“Right now, we’re rolling,” said Bronson Arroyo, who gave up four hits in 6 2-3 innings. “But it’s a rollercoaster, you know.”

The series has been an extended game of home run derby, with the Reds getting the best of it. There have been 12 homers in the three games, eight of them by Cincinnati.

Frazier’s opposite-field homer would have been an out in most other ballparks. At Great American, it was a game-winner.

“Tough loss,” said Braves starter Tommy Hanson, who gave up four hits in six innings. “But there’s only so much you can do. It kind of (stinks) to see that ball go into the first row and that’s how the game is determined.

“But that’s the ballpark we’re playing in and we have to deal with it.”

Dan Uggla continued the big-swing trend in the fourth, hitting a solo homer deep into the upper deck in left field for a 1-0 lead. It was the eighth this season allowed by Arroyo, who gave up a club-record 46 homers last season when he was pitching with mononucleosis and a sore back.

Slumping Jay Bruce tied it in the sixth by hitting into a forceout — only the second run of the series that didn’t come off a home run.

The Reds loaded the bases with one out. Bruce grounded to first baseman Freddie Freeman, who threw to second for the forceout. Bruce beat the relay to first, avoiding the double play and tying it at 1.

Bruce grounded into an inning-ending double play with runners on first and third in the eighth.

Braves third baseman Chipper Jones missed his fifth straight game because of a swollen left calf, hit by a grounder on Friday night. He got a nice ovation when he was introduced as a pinch-hitter in the seventh and drew a walk, then left for a runner.

Phillips, a three-time Gold Glove second baseman, got the Reds out of that threat by knocking down Michael Bourn’s grounder up the middle and flipping the ball to second while rolling across the infield.

NOTES: The Reds will honor Jones by presenting him with a commemorative base before Thursday’s game. Jones is playing his final season. … The Braves are (19-5) with Jones in the starting lineup, (7-13) without him. … Cincinnati starts RH Homer Bailey (2-3) in the series finale against RH Randall Delgado (2-4). … Braves C Brian McCann was out for a second straight game because of illness. … Reds CF Drew Stubbs got a day out of the starting lineup. He went into the game in the seventh as part of a double switch.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Midfielder Christian Soto dribbles up field during Snohomish United's 5-1 win against the Tacoma Stars at Stockers Fields on July 9, 2025 (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Snohomish United keeps playoff hopes alive in home finale

With 5-1 win against Tacoma, the USL2 club’s focus on local talent keys success in inaugural season.

AquaSox down Devils for consecutive wins

The AquaSox were on a 2-10 stretch coming into the series.

Silvertips forward Carter Bear fields questions after the Detroit Red Wings selected him 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles on June 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy Natalie Shaver / CHL)
Two weeks after Draft, Silvertips’ Bear still can’t believe it

The Red Wings’ first-rounder reflects on draft night and his experience at Detroit’s development camp.

Storm flies too close to the Sun, loses in an upset

Connecticut snapped a 10-game losing streak to beat Seattle 93-83 on Wednesday morning.

Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees flips his bat after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in New York. (Evan Bernstein / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Raleigh, Judge heat up homer race at Yankee Stadium

In the battle of baseball’s biggest sluggers, Aaron Judge… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks linebackers Derick Hall (58) and Boye Mafe (53) celebrate a defensive play during the 2024 season. (Rio Giancarlo / Getty Images / The Athletic)
Season to reveal long-term plans for Seahawks linebackers

The Seattle Seahawks selected edge rusher Boye Mafe with… Continue reading

Silvertips defenseman wins U20 Ball Hockey World Title with Canada

Rylan Pearce helps Canada win gold at the ISBHF U20 World Championships in Slovakia.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) makes a catch against San Francisco 49ers defensive back Rashard Robinson (33) in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2017. (Nhat V. Meyer / Bay Area News Group / Tribune News Services)
Sports psychologist changed Seahawks’ Doug Baldwin’s outlook

The former receiver overcame intense emotions during his player career

Paolo Banchero, Orlando agree to max contract extension

The former O’Dea star could earn up to $287 million over five years.

NHL players, owners vote to ratify 4-year CBA

Notable changes include an 84-game season starting in 2026, shorter contract terms.

AquaSox outfielder Carson Jones gets settled in the batter's box during Everett's 4-3 loss to the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on July 6, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox show progress, but drop fifth straight to Canadians

Jones’ go-ahead, 3-run homer is spoiled in 4-3 loss to wrap up homestand.

Bryan Woo of the Seattle Mariners delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Friday, April 18, 2025, in Toronto. (Vaughn Ridley / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Three Mariners added to MLB All-Star Game

Major League Baseball announced today that Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez,… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.