MILWAUKEE -- Scary injuries and tough losses are piling up for the Milwaukee Brewers.
For the second time in three days, a Brewers player was injured and had to leave the game. On Saturday, it was third baseman Elian Herrera, who collided with a teammate while chasing a fly ball and exited on a backboard and stretcher in the Brewers' 9-7 loss to the Cincinnati Reds.
After the game, Brewers officials said an X-ray taken at Miller Park of Herrera's right thigh came back negative. He has a deep thigh contusion.
On Thursday, pitcher Jimmy Nelson was hit in the head with a line drive and ended up spending two nights in the hospital.
With two on and two outs in the eighth, Skip Schumaker hit a looping fly ball down the left field line. Herrera, left fielder Shane Peterson and shortstop Jean Segura all chased the ball, but Herrera and Peterson collided, with the ball falling between them.
Herrera did not move for more than five minutes while being treated by Brewers trainers before being rolled onto his back. He left the field in an ambulance.
After having his knee examined, Peterson was able to remain in the game.
Eugenio Suarez scored to make it 7-all, and Schumaker ended up at second with a double.
"The game was on the line, neither of us thought we could get to it so we didn't want to call it. It's kind of one of those plays," Peterson said. "Everybody was right there and trying to make the catch."
Brewers manager Craig Counsell said it was a rough night, but he was pleased to hear that Herrera's injury was not more serious.
"It didn't look good," he said. "To get a negative X-ray, I know his spirits are lifted. It's a right thigh contusion, but it's pretty significant. He got hit pretty good."
The Brewers intentionally walked Joey Votto to load the bases. Brandon Phillips then lined a two-run single to give the Reds a 9-7 lead.
Tyler Cravy (0-7) got the loss. Taylor Jungmann started and pitched five-plus inning for the Brewers. He gave up six runs on eight hits.
Burke Badenhop (2-4) got the win. Josh Smith started and pitched four innings for the Reds, giving up four runs on six hits. Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 32nd save in 35 chances.
Votto and Todd Frazier hit home runs for the Reds.
With his 35th home run of the season, Frazier became just the second Reds player to have at least 40 doubles and 35 home runs in a season. He joined Frank Robinson, who accomplished it in 1962.
"It feels awesome," Frazier said. "My goal this year was to hit 35 home runs and I have a chance now to hit a few more. To even be mentioned with Frank Robinson is very cool. It is something I will have forever."
BACK WITH THE CLUB:
Nelson was back with the team after spending two nights in the hospital. He will not make his next scheduled start on Tuesday, but said he wants to pitch again this season. He said he suffered from "some cabin fever" in the hospital and was happy to be back with the team.
"Physically, I feel great," he said. "I was lucky enough to turn my head a little bit or that would have hit a worse spot."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy did some work in the batting cage before the game, but is not yet ready to return from a concussion. He took a foul tip off the mask Sept. 8. ... Slugger Ryan Braun was out of the lineup with lower back tightness. He is expected to miss several days.
UP NEXT
Reds righty Anthony DeSclafani (9-10) will try to continue his recent success in the series finale. DeSclafani is 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA in his last four starts.
Brewers righty Ariel Pena (1-0) will make his third start of the season. Pena made his major-league debut Sept. 5 against the Reds and earned a 7-3 victory as he pitched three innings out of the bullpen.
