MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Cincinnati manager Bryan Price called for an intentional walk of Milwaukee slugger Ryan Braun with the winning run on third.
The next batter, Gerardo Parra, got a free pass, too. The goal was to get a double play, but Lyle Overbay wrecked that plan with one big swing.
Overbay drove a first-pitch fastball from Jumbo Diaz into the gap in left-center for a game-ending RBI single with one out in the ninth in Milwaukee's 3-2 victory Friday night.
"We kind of had to pick our poison there. Thought we had a better chance. (Overbay) doesn't run as well as Parra. It's going for the double play right there, and he did his job," Price said.
The Reds had won three in a row. Milwaukee won its third straight to keep pace in the National League playoff race.
The Brewers stayed 1 1/2 games back of Pittsburgh for the second NL wild card.
"It was meant to be down, outside, but he got a pretty good swing on it and they won the game," Reds catcher Brayan Pena said.
Teammates mobbed Overbay as he rounded first base. The crowd celebrated by putting two arms up to form a circle in the shape of an "O" for Overbay.
"That was one of the coolest things in a while, since I actually looked up and saw it," Overbay said. "That was pretty cool."
The veteran left-handed hitter had struck out two innings earlier on a steady diet of pitches down and away in the zone. Overbay was determined not to let that happen against Diaz (0-1), so he employed an aggressive approach.
"I wanted to make sure I didn't miss it," Overbay said when asked if he was looking to hit the first pitch. "The at-bat before I was a little tentative and they were pounding me low and away."
SPOT START
Cincinnati wasted a surprising outing by spot starter Daniel Corcino, who allowed just two hits and two runs in six innings. He filled in for the injured Mat Latos.
Corcino even got his first big league hit on a single in the third. He was told Thursday he might be needed to start against Milwaukee.
"As soon as I get to the mound I forgot about everything. You know, you've got to do the job," Corcino said.
MILESTONE
Jonathan Lucroy had a leadoff double in the ninth for Milwaukee. It was his 44th double as a catcher this season, tying the National League record set last year by St. Louis' Yadier Molina.
NERVOUS NINTH
Cincinnati had a chance to go in front in the top of the ninth against Francisco Rodriguez (5-5).
Brandon Phillips led off with a four-pitch walk and made it to third on a sacrifice and groundout. After Zack Cozart walked, pinch-hitter Jack Hannahan struck out looking on a 3-2 fastball.
Hannahan was so unhappy with the call that he had to be restrained by Price. Hannahan ended up getting ejected by home plate umpire Dan Iassogna.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Reds: Latos was scratched with a bone bruise in his right elbow. The right-hander missed the first 2 1/2 months of the season with right elbow and left knee injuries.
Brewers: LF Khris Davis was out of the starting lineup for a second straight day with right forearm tightness. Davis, who has a team-high 22 homers, will likely start on Saturday, manager Ron Roenicke said.
UP NEXT:
Reds: LHP David Holmberg (0-1) threw 5 2-3 scoreless innings on Monday after replacing injured starter Dylan Axelrod. Now, Holmberg gets the start Saturday for his first career appearance against Milwaukee.
Brewers: RHP Yovani Gallardo (8-9) will try to snap out of a tough stretch after going 0-3 with a 5.95 ERA in his last four starts.
