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Weeks' late RBI triple powers Brewers past Reds

Sep 9, 2007 - 4:11 AM CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Rickie Weeks hit a go-ahead RBI triple in the top of the ninth inning to power the Milwaukee Brewers past the Cincinnati Reds, 4-3, on Saturday.

Tied, 3-3, in the ninth, Weeks - who had been held hitless over his last three games - took a 2-2 pitch from Reds reliever David Weathers (2-5) to the right-center field gap for his third hit of the contest to complete a comeback from an early three-run deficit.

The extra-base hit was more than enough to push across Craig Counsell to give the Brewers their first lead of the game.

"Rickie had some tough at-bats last night and early tonight, but he stayed on the ball and got a big hit for us," Milwaukee manager Ned Yost said.

Prince Fielder belted his National League-best 43rd homer for the Brewers, who kept pace with the team they are tied with in the NL Central, the Chicago Cubs (72-69), a 5-1 winner against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

"P (Fielder) hit a big home run for us and (Brewer starter Jeff) Suppan and the bullpen held it at three," Yost said.

Derrick Turnbow (4-4) pitched a perfect eighth to get the win and closer Francisco Cordero pitched the ninth to extend his single-season club record for saves, posting his 41st save in 47 opportunities.

"It's a big win," Cordero said. "We were able to keep the game close and we have some good hitters that can hit home runs and score."

Even though he did not get credit for the win, Suppan kept the Brewers within reach, allowing three hits over six innings.

"Sup pitched so well," Yost said. "He made one mistake. He tried to go down and away and it ended up down and in."

"We couldn't solve Suppan," Cincinnati interim manager Pete Mackanin said. "If you only get four hits, you're not going to win many games."

Milwaukee's comeback ruined two fine individual performances for the Reds, who benefited from a three-run homer from rookie Joey Votto in the second inning to stake Cincinnati to an early 3-0 advantage.

"Votto's a good hitter," Yost said. "He's going to be a nice player. He stayed inside the ball and hit it the opposite way."

The late rally also sullied the efforts of Cincinnati starter Aaron Harang, who left with a 3-2 lead after seven frames, allowing both earned runs and seven hits with seven strikeouts.

"The Brewers took full advantage when they needed to late in the game," Harang said. "That's why they're in first place."