McLain homers to back Lowder in the Reds’ 3-2 victory over A’s

CINCINNATI — Matt McLain hit a home run to back Rhett Lowder as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Oakland Athletics 3‑2 on Wednesday night at 7:31 p.m. The Reds improved to 12‑6 since the All‑Star break, raising their overall record to 55‑58. The Athletics lost their seventh straight game, falling to 45‑69, and have now dropped 12 consecutive contests. Lowder (4‑7) allowed two earned runs on four hits over six innings, earning his first win since April 20 after 11 starts and three relief appearances. Emilio Pagán recorded a 1‑2‑3 ninth inning for his 13th save. Sal Stewart reached on an infield single and scored on a sacrifice fly by Marte to give Cincinnati a 3‑2 lead in the sixth inning. Lawrence Butler hit his seventh home run of the season on the fourth pitch off Lowder, marking his eighth career leadoff homer and his first this year. Athletics starter Jacob Lopez struck out the first four batters before Noelvi Marte singled, stole second and scored on a single by Jose Trevino. Lopez surrendered two earned runs on four hits over five innings, walked one and struck out nine — just one shy of his career high. McLain put the Reds ahead 2‑1 in the fifth with his ninth home run of the season, his first since June 7 when he homered twice at St. Louis. The Athletics tied the game at 2‑2 in the sixth when Tyler Soderstrom singled and scored on a double by Jonah Heim. Hayden Juenger (0‑1) was charged with the loss. Looking ahead, right‑handed Mason Barnett (1‑1, 4.85 ERA) is slated to start for Oakland in Thursday’s series finale. Cincinnati has not yet announced its starting pitcher.