Reds complete sweep of scuffling Tribe

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Cleveland Indians reached the midpoint of their annual intrastate series with one clear impression: It’s not going well in any way.

They got swept by a Reds team so sick at the start of the series that manager Dusty Baker hardly had anyone on the bench next to him. Brandon Phillips hit one of Cincinnati’s three homers and drove in four more runs on Thursday afternoon for a 12-5 victory that left Cleveland discouraged.

The ailing Reds pulled off their first sweep of the Indians since 2008, and it wasn’t even close.

“It’s part of baseball,” said Shin-Soo Choo, who had a pair of solo homers. “I don’t know. Cincinnati is maybe better than us, the last three games.”

Joey Votto and Ryan Ludwick also homered for the Reds, who had a season-high 17 hits.

For more details, read Friday's Vindicator or visit Vindy.com.