Woodruff Dominates in Return, Brewers Top Reds 2-1 in 10 Innings

Brandon Woodruff made a triumphant return from the injured list, and Joey Ortiz delivered a clutch sacrifice fly in the 10th inning as the first-place Milwaukee Brewers edged the Cincinnati Reds 2-1 on Monday night in Cincinnati.

Woodruff, in his first start since April 30 after being sidelined with right shoulder inflammation, was nearly unhittable. He retired the first 16 batters in order before Tyler Stephenson singled with one out in the sixth inning. Woodruff finished with one hit allowed, no walks, and 10 strikeouts over six innings, throwing 79 pitches (53 strikes). His 10 strikeouts matched his career high for a start and marked the 21st time he has fanned 10 or more batters.

The game remained scoreless until the 10th inning, when the Brewers broke through against Reds reliever Tony Santillan (1-4). Garrett Mitchell walked, and Sal Frelick sacrificed to advance Mitchell and designated runner Jake Bauers into scoring position. Ortiz then lifted a sacrifice fly to bring home Bauers with the game's first run. Mitchell later scored on a wild pitch by Santillan, making it 2-0.

Joel Kuhnel allowed one run in the bottom of the 10th on a groundout but earned his fifth save of the season. Trevor Megill (2-2) picked up the win for Milwaukee.

Cincinnati starter Brady Singer was equally effective, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out seven over a season-high seven innings. Both starting pitchers allowed only one hit each through six frames, combining for 15 strikeouts.

The Brewers will look to build on the win Tuesday night, sending right-hander Brandon Sproat (1-4, 5.94 ERA) to the mound against Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo (2-2, 6.12).