PHOENIX (AP) — Rookie Corbin Carroll hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning, Merrill Kelly struck out 12 in seven innings before leaving because of a cramped right hamstring and the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Reds 3-2 on Thursday night.
It was the first of an important four-game series between teams in the middle of a six-team battle for the three National League wild-card spots.
The D-backs have won five straight while the Reds had a three-game winning streak snapped.
Arizona moved a half-game ahead of the Reds and Giants for the final wild-card position.
Carroll hit his 22nd homer of the season, a line drive shot to right off reliever Alex Young (4-2).