Major League Baseball

Derby champ Fielder powers Brewers over Reds

Published Jul. 17, 2009 4:53 a.m. ET

foxsports

Ken Macha has seen the Home Run Derby turn power hitters into hapless swingers. So, when Prince Fielder won the All-Star competition this week, the Milwaukee manager wondered if it would mess with his swing.

One homer eased his mind.

Fielder hit a three-run shot that got Milwaukee's offense going, and the Brewers took a first step in turning themselves around after the All-Star break by beating the Cincinnati Reds 9-6 on Thursday night.

Fielder won the All-Star home run competition on Monday night in St. Louis by hitting 23 balls over the wall. His homer Thursday was his 23rd of the season. Fielder got the Brewers started on their second-half quest - catching the Cardinals in the NL Central - by connecting in the third inning off Homer Bailey (1-1).