Ervin makes game-changing catch in stands

CINCINNATI -- Luis Castillo had already flirted with a no-hitter against the Brewers on Thursday, but the Reds’ narrow lead and a shutout of Milwaukee was in danger. They have left fielder Phillip Ervin to thank for preserving a 1-0 victory at Great American Ball Park.

With Christian Yelich on second base after a leadoff double against Reds closer Raisel Iglesias in the ninth inning, Mike Moustakas lifted a popup into foul territory. Ervin ran a long way to make a snow-cone catch as he crashed into the stands.

"That was a tough play," Reds manager David Bell said. "I wouldn't say reckless, but super aggressive, doing whatever he had to do to get an out. It says a lot about his desire to win the game."

Ervin had to reach into the stands to get the ball. After catching it, he did a spin along the wall to steady himself and make a throw to third base.

“I know I felt it hit my glove and I was hoping it would stay in when I spun against the wall with the banging and stuff,” said Ervin, who entered the game as a pinch-hitter for Jesse Winker in the seventh inning. “I knew [Yelich] was at second. I was hoping I wouldn’t fall into the crowd to give him time to advance. I tried to get it out as quick as possible.”

Iglesias applauded his teammate's effort, then got the final two outs for his 16th save. It was a big win for Cincinnati, which took three of four in the series from Milwaukee to move to within 3 1/2 games of first in the National League Central race despite being in fifth place.

In Sunday's 8-6 Reds win over the Cubs, Ervin tried to catch an Anthony Rizzo popup near the same spot. A fan reached over onto the field and prevented Ervin from making the catch. Upon review, the Reds were awarded the out on fan interference.

“It was a very similar play, but this one was maybe a little more difficult because I had to go into the stands,” Ervin said. “The other one was closer to fair territory. It’s the same thing that I’m just going to focus on the ball regardless of anything else and just try to catch it.”