Fowler's 11th-inning homer lifts Cards over Reds

[July 25, 2018]  Dexter Fowler smacked a two-run homer to right field in the 11th inning Tuesday night, sending the St. Louis Cardinals to a 4-2 win over the host Cincinnati Reds.

Fowler's blast capped a game that saw Cardinals rookie left-hander Austin Gomber pitch 6 1/3 no-hit innings before surrendering a 2-0 lead. For the second consecutive night, Reds third baseman Eugenio Suarez tied the game with a late home run.

Left-hander Amir Garrett (0-2), the Reds' fourth pitcher, got the first out in the top of the 11th before giving up a single to Tommy Pham. Fowler, who scored two runs on the night, then cracked his eighth home run of the season.

Sam Tuivailala (3-3), the fifth of six St. Louis pitchers, picked up the win, going 1 2/3 innings and pitching out of trouble in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Cardinals closer Bud Norris, who surrendered Suarez's tying home run and later the winning run on Monday, left runners at first and second in the bottom of the 11th in recording his 19th save.

Gomber, who had made 15 appearances out of the Cardinals' bullpen earlier this season, took a no-hitter into the seventh inning of his first major league start. He walked two and struck out six before Joey Votto singled with one out in the seventh, and Suarez belted a changeup into the seats in left-center field for his 21st home run of the season.

Gomber was recalled from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday to take the roster spot of rookie right-hander Daniel Poncedeleon, who himself pitched seven no-hit innings in his major league debut Monday night.

Cardinals right fielder Dexter Fowler (25) celebrates with catcher Yadier Molina (4) and interim manager Mike Shildt (8) after hitting a two-run home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Reds right-hander Homer Bailey, in his first game off the disabled list after missing almost two months with right knee inflammation, went 6 2/3 strong innings, giving up two runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out eight and threw 115 pitches, 76 for strikes.

To make room for Bailey on the Reds' active roster, relief pitcher Jackson Stephens (2-2, 4.82 ERA in 28 innings) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to Monday with a torn lateral meniscus in his right knee.

--Field Level Media

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