Associated Press Jul 14 2023 10:32pm ET3 Minute Read
Corbin Burnes knocks out the team in the last inning of the 13-K performance
Corbin Burnes ended his evening on a perfect note, knocking out the team in a masterful 13K performance.
CINCINNATI — Corbin Burnes knocked out the team in the sixth inning after nearly collapsing in the fifth inning in sweltering humidity, Victor Caratini hit a single run in the seventh and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Cincinnati Reds 1-0 on Friday night.
After his tenth strikeout, Burnes crouched behind the mound with his head down as teammates and coaches rushed in. The game temperature was 91 degrees with high humidity.
“He basically just got groggy,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. “The coaches don’t think it was a hydration issue. It’s like lifting something heavy and getting a little light-headed. It only took him a minute to rearrange himself. His vision got a little blurry.”
Burnes (8-5) drank several large gulps of water and spoke to the training staff. He completed a few warm-up pitches, then pulled Matt McLain back with an infield pop to end the inning.
“I was kind of dizzy and squinting,” Burnes said. “I went to the back of the hill hoping that a few blinks would make it go away, but it didn’t. After drinking a bottle of water it was gone for a second. It’s definitely scary right now.”
Burnes said nothing like this had ever happened to him. Counsell considered knocking out Burnes but the 28-year-old right-hander quickly recovered.
“The more time we gave him, the better he got,” Counsell said. “It was impressive to beat the team in the sixth round.”
Burnes hit 13 in six innings. He allowed just two hits and two walks to help the Brewers push the Reds to the top of the NL Central standings.
“He has great stuff,” said Reds manager David Bell. “He threw more breaking balls. I think that led to a large part of his success tonight. Obviously he has a good fastball. He used the breaking ball more today and I think that helped him.”
Devin Williams finished with his 21st save. The teams faced off for the fourth straight game, with the Brewers winning two of three games against the Reds in Milwaukee before the All-Star break.
Cincinnati starter Graham Ashcraft (5-6) allowed three hits in six innings.