Homer Bailey strong in final start of season

Joey Votto hit his team-high 36th home run and Homer Bailey (6-9) threw seven strong innings as the Reds blanked the Brewers on Wednesday night.

Bailey allowed the first two batters to reach in the first before Ryan Braun bounced into a 6-4-3 double play that boosted his confidence.

“I had a little trouble there early and just tried to keep in mind sometimes you’re one pitch away from something really good happening,” Bailey said. “From there, I was fortunate enough to have a little reset there in the second.”

Tucker Barnhart opened the third with a home run and Bailey followed with a double. A one-out walk and four straight singles finished Woodruff.

“Any big innings in the National League often revolve around the pitcher getting on base. You’ve got to make that spot an out,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said.

The Brewers were held to four hits. Bailey settled down after a choppy first to make his longest start since Aug. 7, 2014. He allowed four hits, walked three and struck out four.

“That was good downward angle on a very good fastball and was able to make some nice pitches with his slider,” Reds manager Bryan Price said. “A great way to finish the year.”