CINCINNATI — Jesse Winker hit his first career grand slam during a big sixth-inning rally Thursday night, putting Matt Harvey in line for his second win for the Cincinnati Reds, 6-2 over the Chicago Cubs.

The Reds sent 11 batters to the plate and scored six times in the sixth, matching their biggest inning of the season. Kyle Hendricks (5-7) walked three to set up the two-out rally, including Eugenio Suarez with the bases loaded. Hendricks has equaled his career high with four walks in each of his last two starts.

Winker connected on the second pitch from left-hander Randy Rosario, who hadn’t allowed a homer this season. The Reds’ sixth grand slam of the season moved them into a tie with Boston for most in the majors.

Billy Hamilton walked, stole a base, scored and singled home the final run during the rally.

Harvey (2-5) went six innings for his first victory since May 22, allowing five hits, including Javier Baez’s two-run double. He’d lost his last three decisions with the Reds, who got him from the Mets for catcher Devin Mesoraco in a deal on May 8.

Harvey plunked Kris Bryant on the left hand and Anthony Rizzo on the left shin in the third inning, but both remained in the game. Baez’s two-run double was his fourth extra-base hit in the last two games.

Amir Garrett relieved and fanned Rizzo on three pitches to end a bases-loaded threat in the seventh. Jared Hughes pitched out of a two-on jam in the eighth and finished for his fifth save in six chances.

The Reds have won four straight, their second-best streak of the season. They took six in a row from May 8-13.

ROSTER MOVES

The Reds put outfielder Scott Schebler on the bereavement list, optioned struggling left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta to Triple-A Louisville, and called up outfielder Phillip Ervin and left-hander Kyle Crockett. They also released catcher Tony Cruz.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Cubs: Yu Darvish felt good a day after throwing 50 pitches in a simulated game, manager Joe Maddon said. He could begin a rehab assignment soon. Darvish has been sidelined since May 23 because of tendinitis in his right triceps. … Left-handed reliever Brian Duensing could rejoin the team Friday. He’s been on bereavement leave following his grandfather’s death.

UP NEXT

Cubs: Jose Quintana (6-5) started at Great American Ball Park on May 19 and allowed just one hit in seven innings of a 10-0 win. He’s 2-0 in three career starts against the Reds. The left-hander has been much better on the road this season: 2.78 ERA in eight starts compared to a 6.00 ERA in six starts at Wrigley Field.

Reds: Luis Castillo (4-8) has lost his last four starts, allowing 16 earned runs in 20 2/3 innings. One of his best starts came against the Cubs on May 19, when he gave up one run in five innings of a 5-4 victory.

Cincinnati Reds’ Jesse Winker watches his grand slam off Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Randy Rosario during the sixth inning, Thursday.
https://maysville-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/web1_Reds_1.jpgCincinnati Reds’ Jesse Winker watches his grand slam off Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Randy Rosario during the sixth inning, Thursday. Associated Press

JOE KAY

Associated Press