MLB wrap: Reds' Michael Lorenzen pulls off rare feat in win over Phillies

Thomas Lott

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MLB wrap: Reds' Michael Lorenzen pulls off rare feat in win over Phillies image

Michael Lorenzen did it all in an 8-5 win over Philadelphia on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old Reds pitcher threw two innings while recording the win over the Phillies at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, but that wasn't nearly what was so rare.

Lorenzen entered the game in the seventh inning as a pitcher and was left in to hit in the bottom of the eighth. Manager David Bell's instincts were right, though, as the righty hit a home run to break the tie.

But just to add to his odd night, Lorenzen was left in the game in the ninth inning to play center field when he was relieved by closer Raisel Iglesias.

Lorenzen became the first player to win a game while homering and playing in the field since Babe Ruth in 1921, according to Stats by Stats.

Lorenzen has played center, left and right field this season and has seven home runs since 2015. 

Studs of the night

Mets second baseman Robinson Cano went 3 for 3 with a home run and two RBIs in an 8-4 win over the Nationals.

Dud of the night

Rangers right fielder Danny Santana went 0 for 4 with three strikeouts in a 4-1 loss to the Yankees.

Highlights

Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds made two great plays Wednesday.

And for good measure, he hit a two-run walk-off single to help the Pirates win 6-5.

What's Next

Cubs (75-63) at Brewers (71-67), 7:10 p.m. ET — This is the Brewers' last chance to catch the Cubs on their own terms. Milwaukee has a four-game series against Chicago this week and it is four games behind the Cubs in the standings. A sweep erases the Cubs' lead. Even winning three of four games is a good thing. But what the Brewers cannot do is lose three out of four. If they do, then their fate is out of their hands since they don't play the Cubs again.

Thomas Lott