Reds rookie left fielder Jose Peraza did his best to make Homer Bailey’s return to the mound a winning one. Peraza’s first career homer put the Reds on top early, and they’d hold on late for a tense 3-2 victory over the Padres on Sunday at Petco Park. It was Cincinnati’s fifth consecutive series win.
Bailey — who underwent Tommy John surgery last April — struck out six over 5 2/3 frames, allowing just two runs on four hits. His only blunder was a mental one, coming when his momentary lapse in judgment allowed Wil Myers to steal home in the sixth, cutting the lead to one. But the Reds’ bullpen held San Diego in check from there.
“Probably early on it took me a few to get my rhythm. The second through the fifth were pretty sharp,” Bailey said of his 89-pitch performance overall.
Padres starter Paul Clemens was removed in the top of the fifth with lower-back tightness, after 4 1/3 solid innings. He allowed only the two-run shot to Peraza and had retired nine straight at the time of the injury.
Clemens said the injury was minor and that he doesn’t expect to miss any time as a result. In fact, he said he could’ve gotten five more outs if the Padres needed, but manager Andy Green wasn’t taking any chances.
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