Brewers in shoving match during 6-3 loss to Reds

[August 05, 2008]  CINCINNATI (AP) -- Right-hander Bronson Arroyo lasted six innings on a muggy night and hit a bases-loaded double on Monday, sending the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-3 victory that left the Milwaukee Brewers with a next-to-nothing lead in the NL wild card race.

The Brewers seem to be losing their composure, too.

After left-hander Manny Parra (9-5) left for a pinch-hitter in the seventh inning, first baseman Prince Fielder went up to him in the dugout and exchanged words. Fielder then shoved Parra twice before teammates pulled him away.

Since they were tied with the Cubs for first place in the NL Central on July 26, the Brewers have dropped seven of nine. They got swept by the Cubs in a four-game showdown last week, and saw their lead for the wild card reduced to a half-game over idle St. Louis with their latest loss.

They've entered a stretch that represents a good chance for a turnaround. They play 10 consecutive games against last-place teams: Cincinnati, Washington and San Diego.

It didn't go well in game No. 1.

Arroyo (10-8) extended his midseason surge, winning for the sixth time in his last seven starts. He also had a two-run double in the fifth inning off Parra that put the Reds ahead to stay. Jay Bruce added a two-run homer for the Reds, who won for only the second time in the last 10 games.

The stands were dotted with fans wearing Ken Griffey Jr. jerseys for the Reds' first home game without him. The Reds traded Griffey to the White Sox last Thursday during a road trip.

The countdown board in center field that listed Griffey's career homers was still there, but in place of a 600-series number was a "Good Luck Junior!" wish. His locker at the end of the clubhouse was empty except for plastic coat hangars. Two photos of himself and his father, former Reds outfielder Ken Sr., were still affixed to the walls on either side of the lockers.

As part of a previously planned promotion, the Reds sold $5 tickets and $1 hot dogs to try to attract fans. They sold 24,706 tickets to see a fading team.

Parra didn't allow a hit until Jolbert Cabrera singled with one out in the fifth. The 25-year-old pitcher then came apart, walking the next two batters and leaving a 2-2 fastball down the middle for Arroyo, who doubled to left for a 2-0 lead. Joey Votto followed with a two-run single past a diving Fielder at first base.

Mike Cameron and Ryan Braun hit solo homers off Cincinnati's bullpen. Francisco Cordero gave up a walk and a hit in the ninth before closing it out for his 22nd save in 28 chances.

Notes: Craig Counsell started in place of 3B Bill Hall, who is 2-for-16 career against Arroyo with 11 strikeouts. Counsell has started the last three games, at shortstop or third base. ... SS J.J. Hardy went 0-for-5 and failed to get a ball out of the infield, extending his slump to 0-for-26. ... Reds 3B Edwin Encarnacion batted third -- Griffey's old spot in the order -- for the first time since Oct. 1, 2006, and the 10th time in his career. He was 0-for-4.

[Associated Press; By JOE KAY]

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