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.¡±