The Reds beat the Mariners behind Steer’s HR

CINCINNATI — Spencer Steer hit a three-run homer to help the Cincinnati Reds beat the Seattle Mariners 6-3 on Monday in a game between the playoff contenders.

The Reds entered the day tied with three other teams for the third wild card in the National League. The Mariners, who lead the American League Western Conference, have gone 39-18 since July 1, the best record in the major leagues in that period.

Dominicans Julio Rodriguez and Mike Ford hit singles for Seattle.

With the coronavirus and injuries affecting their pitching rotation, the Reds were down to seven pitchers on Monday. Lucas Simms (5-3) homered in the seventh to earn the win, and Ian Gibaut homered last from the ninth to save his second.

Right-hander Tejay Anton made his fifth career start and first since 2020. He pitched two hitless innings and struck out three. He returned Saturday after not playing since 2021 due to two Tommy John surgeries.

For the Mariners, Dominican Julio Rodriguez is 5-1 with one run scored and one RBI, Teoscar Hernandez is 4-1. Venezuelan Eugenio Suarez 4-0.

For the Reds, Dominican Eli De La Cruz is 2-1 with one run scored and one RBI, and Noelvi Marte is 3-0 with one run scored.